Chapter 16: Phoenix Man × Rich White Beauty (Part 6)

Bai Jie was clearly both angry and embarrassed. She shouted at Bai Yue furiously, “You’re unhappy? You’ve always liked to steal my things since we were kids—not just my mom, but even my only friend. Are you only happy when I’m miserable?”

Bai Yue was clearly confused. She narrowed her eyes and let out a cold laugh at Bai Jie’s words.

“First of all, I’ve never wanted to compete with you. The one who’s constantly making sarcastic remarks and trying to compare everything is you.

Second, I have my own mother. Even though she’s passed away, I still miss her deeply. I would never try to steal your mother. Besides, our father treats you better than he treats me. So who exactly is competing with whom? Who’s wronged whom? I think you know in your heart.

Third, you said I stole your only friend. But do you even know why Sang Ye doesn’t want to be your friend anymore? Can you control your emotions? Do you understand how much it hurts when you verbally lash out at others? Bai Jie, you should take a good look at your own problems. And you’re a grown woman now—some things shouldn’t need to be said by me. But I still hope you can be a little more dignified. The kind of person you want to marry, the kind of life you want to live, should be decided by you, not dictated by your mother.”

Bai Jie was clearly stunned by Bai Yue’s words. She stood there in a daze, staring down at her shoes, thinking about how she had just embarrassed herself. A faint sense of regret rose in her heart—Things weren’t supposed to turn out like this. What’s wrong with me?

Did she hate Bai Yue because Bai Yue was better than her in every way? Or was it because their mother always compared the two of them? Or was she simply too weak, unable to handle setbacks, and unwilling to accept that anyone could be better than her?

Bai Jie left the hospital looking lost. Bai Yue watched her departing figure and couldn’t help but sigh. It was a long time before she finally turned back into the hospital.

That evening, Bai Yue went out to dinner with Sang Ye. Lately, Gu Yin had been clinging to her a lot, and with all the dinners and chats at Gu Mother’s place, she had unintentionally been neglecting Sang Ye. Yesterday, she had specially switched shifts, told Gu Yin to do as he pleased, and made time to catch up with Sang Ye, have dinner, and watch a movie.

“She actually said she hates you because you ‘stole me’?”

Sang Ye pointed to herself, completely incredulous. She had never realized she was apparently so important.

Bai Yue nodded, and Sang Ye couldn’t help blurting out a curse.

“Damn, is she nuts? Doesn’t she know how she treated me? The nerve of her to say something like that to you! Who was the one who called me out in the middle of the night crying about how upset she was, then turned around and went on a date with another guy while leaving me out in the cold for two hours? Who sends a message and doesn’t reply until the next day? Who constantly tears me down, saying I’m not good enough at this or that? That was all her! And now she has the audacity to blame someone else? God, that woman is terrifying.”

Watching Sang Ye rant endlessly, Bai Yue couldn’t help but recall how they met. Ironically, she owed this wonderful friendship with Sang Ye to Bai Jie.

Back then, Bai Father had only recently married Bai Jie’s mother, so their social circles had started to overlap. Since Sang Ye had been Bai Jie’s only friend, she often hung out with both of them. Gradually, Bai Yue and Sang Ye became close friends.

But as Bai Jie began to change, Sang Ye found it increasingly difficult to tolerate her emotional manipulation and verbal attacks. Eventually, they had a falling out and ceased all contact.

“Forget it. Let’s not talk about her anymore. What a buzzkill!”

Now that Sang Ye had vented, she turned the conversation to Bai Yue and Gu Yin. “Last time you said Gu Yin was deliberately ignoring you. So, what’s going on now? I’ve seen you two glued to each other lately. You haven’t even been replying to me.”

Bai Yue gently patted her best friend’s head and smiled. “He did have some issues before, but he explained everything to me. Things are pretty stable between us now.”

“I heard his whole family moved over. You’d better be careful, Yue Yue. What if they shamelessly try to move into your place? You don’t understand—some of my dad’s country relatives are like invading soldiers when they visit. They rummage through everything, shout at the top of their lungs, and worst of all, they bring over random relatives I’ve never even met to stay with us. It’s so annoying.”

“Gu Yin’s family is actually really nice. Honestly, I feel like they treat me better than my dad does.”

Bai Yue stirred her juice. “He didn’t let his mom or sister move in with me. Instead, he rented them a shop right next to my workplace. His mom and older sister are amazing cooks. I’ve gained weight from eating their food. You’ll love it. Come by when you’re free—I’ll take you there.”

Sang Ye gave her a knowing look. “Wow, it’s only been a few days and your whole attitude toward Gu Yin has changed. I guess I was worrying for nothing. As long as you’re happy. But if he ever treats you badly, just tell me—I’ll beat him up.”

“Mm-mm-mm-mm! Love you,” Bai Yue giggled.

By the time the movie ended, it was past 8 p.m. Gu Yin had messaged earlier saying he would come pick them up, so when the two girls stepped outside, they saw him already waiting in the parking lot.

Sang Ye greeted him briefly and sensibly sat in the back seat—after all, best friends and boyfriends rarely get along.

Bai Yue chuckled at the two of them, then climbed into the front passenger seat. While buckling her seatbelt, she said to Gu Yin, “Let’s drop Yezi off first.”

“Okay.”
Along the way, Sang Ye and Bai Yue kept up their nonstop chatter while Gu Yin quietly played the role of their dedicated driver, patiently delivering the two princesses home.

Soon after Sang Ye got out, Bai Yue received a message from her.

[Your little Yin has really improved! Looks like I don’t have to worry like your ‘dad’ anymore.]

Bai Yue replied with a playful meme and casually said to Gu Yin, “Ling Yun messaged me today. She said her university entrance exams are finally over. If everything goes well, she’ll be starting school in two months.”

“She also said she’s been tutoring to earn extra money and wants to treat us to a meal. You, as her big brother, should contribute something. Have you prepared all her school supplies yet?”

Gu Yin shook his head. “Still plenty of time. No rush. When you’re free, we can pick some stuff out together. Besides, that girl is very self-sufficient. We don’t need to worry too much.”

“Still, she’s a girl. As her older brother, can’t you be a little more responsible?”

“Yes, ma’am. Mission accepted, Madam Wife,” Gu Yin said playfully.

Their days passed peacefully and sweetly. Bai Yue hadn’t expected that two months later, she would receive a wedding invitation from Bai Jie. When she saw the groom’s name was still Yuan Zhi, she couldn’t help but find it a little funny.

She told Gu Yin about it. “Why is she still marrying Yuan Zhi? I thought his mom disapproved. How did it turn into a wedding?”

Gu Yin replied lazily, “Hmm… I heard it’s because she’s pregnant.”

Gu Yin had recently been promoted to department head in the medical office. With his expertise and tact, he was well-respected.

“Yuan Zhi even sent us an invitation. Sounds like a shotgun wedding.”

“How messed up is she? She knows what kind of man he is, and she still tries to please him, even has his child? Is she insane?”

Gu Yin looked at the indignant Bai Yue and laughed as he pulled her into his arms. “You don’t get it. Everyone wants different things. Maybe marrying a mommy’s boy is exactly what she wants.”

Bai Yue was stunned, half-understanding. People actually like mama’s boys?

At the wedding, Bai Jie came over flamboyantly to toast Bai Yue and Gu Yin. Nearby, Wen Jing was bragging nonstop.

“Oh, Yue Yue, you and Xiao Yin have been together for a while now. When are you two getting married? Have you bought a house yet? Oh, wait, my bad. Xiao Yin doesn’t earn much, does he? Real estate in City A is so expensive. He probably can’t afford it! Unlike our Xiao Zhi—his family has multiple houses. We don’t even know which one to live in!” She finished with a smug giggle behind her hand.

Bai Yue rolled her eyes dramatically. “Auntie, you don’t need to worry about my affairs. You’d better think hard about which house your daughter is actually allowed to live in.”

“You’re just being bitter because you can’t compete with me, aren’t you?” Bai Jie sneered. “You’ve spent your whole life trying to outdo me. And in the end? You found yourself a phoenix man. He’s nothing compared to my husband.”

Gu Yin looked over at Yuan Zhi, who was meekly hovering by his mother’s side, and nodded. “Yeah, no comparison. I could never match your husband’s ‘devotion’ to his mother.”

He deliberately emphasized the word “devotion,” and Bai Jie’s face immediately darkened.

“Still, my husband is your superior. You’d better behave, since your future depends on working under him,” Bai Jie snapped.

“You must be mistaken,” Gu Yin said coolly. “I was recently appointed department head of the medical office. So technically, he works under me. Who depends on whom… is still up for debate.”

Bai Jie was stunned. “That’s impossible! My father-in-law is the bureau chief. He said Yuan Zhi was going to your hospital to be in a leadership role.”

Gu Yin gave her a mocking smile. “Miss Bai, you’re married to the guy and don’t even know what he actually does? Let alone the fact that he doesn’t even have an official post. But even if he did, do you really think someone like him would be entrusted with such an important role? Not all leaders are idiots, you know.”

Bai Jie opened her mouth to argue, but was interrupted by Yuan Zhi’s mother, who had dragged her son over to toast the guests.

“So this is Director Gu, right?”

Yuan Mother wore a fake smile, eyes scanning him sharply. Gu Yin smiled back politely and replied with practiced ease, “No need to be so formal, Auntie. We’re practically family.”

“Oh, what a good kid! Our Yuan Zhi is a bit shy. Please look out for him.”

“Of course. After all, we’ll be brothers-in-law soon, won’t we?”

“Yes, yes!” Yuan Mother beamed, gripping Gu Yin’s hand and laughing before turning to shower Bai Yue with praise. Only after that did she move on to the next table to continue the round of toasts.