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

Bai Jie was clearly both angry and ashamed. She snapped at Bai Yue furiously, “You’re not happy? You’ve always liked to steal from me since we were kids. Not only did you steal my mom, but you even stole my only friend. Are you only happy when I’m miserable?”

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

“First, I’ve never once tried to compete with you. All the sarcastic remarks and constant comparisons—you were the one who insisted on competing with me.”

“Second, I have my own mother. Even though she’s passed away, I still miss her deeply. I wouldn’t go so far as to steal yours. Besides, our father treats you better than he treats me, so you tell me: who’s actually competing with whom? Who wronged who? You should know the answer in your heart.”

“Third, you said I stole your only friend. But do you even know why Sang Ye didn’t want to be friends with you anymore? Can you control your own emotions? Do you realize how hurt others feel when you lash out at them with your words? Bai Jie, you need to take a hard look at yourself. And you’re already an adult now—there are some things I shouldn’t have to say, but I still hope you can learn to carry yourself with some dignity. Who you want to marry and what kind of life you want to live should be your own decision, not dictated by your mother.”

Bai Jie was visibly shaken by Bai Yue’s words. She stood there dazed, staring down at her shoes, thinking about how ridiculous she had just looked. A faint sense of regret surfaced—This isn’t how it was supposed to be. 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 maybe, she had always been weak—unable to handle any setbacks, unable to accept that others might be better than her.

Bai Jie left the hospital in a daze. Bai Yue watched her disappearing figure and couldn’t help but sigh before finally turning back into the hospital.

That evening, Bai Yue went out to dinner with Sang Ye. Lately, Gu Yin had been clinging to her constantly, and with all the time she was spending eating and chatting at Gu Yin’s mother’s place, she had unintentionally neglected Sang Ye. So yesterday, she had deliberately rearranged her schedule, told Gu Yin to fend for himself, and made a point to spend time with Sang Ye—dinner and a movie.

“She said she hates you because you stole me?” Sang Ye pointed at herself in disbelief. “She actually said that? I had no idea I was that important.”

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

“Damn, is she mentally ill or what? Does she not realize how she treated me? How does she even have the face to say that to you? Who was it that cried and sobbed late at night, begging me to come out and comfort her, and then turned around and went on a date with some other guy—leaving me standing out in the cold for two hours? Who takes forever to reply to my messages? Who constantly tears me down, saying this is bad, that’s not good enough? Wasn’t it all her? And now she’s blaming others? My god, she’s terrifying.”

Watching Sang Ye rant nonstop, Bai Yue couldn’t help but recall—come to think of it, it was thanks to Bai Jie that she’d met such a great best friend in the first place.

Back then, Bai Jie’s mom had just married Bai Yue’s father, so their social circles had somewhat merged. Since Sang Ye was Bai Jie’s only friend, she often spent time with both of them, and eventually, Bai Yue and Sang Ye became close friends.

But as Bai Jie changed, Sang Ye grew increasingly unable to tolerate her emotional abuse and verbal attacks. In the end, they had a falling-out and stopped talking altogether.

“Forget it. Let’s stop talking about her—she’s bad luck!”

Having finally vented enough, Sang Ye turned the topic to Bai Yue and Gu Yin. “Last time, you said that Gu Yin was deliberately ignoring you. How’s that going now? From what I can tell, you two are all over each other these days. You don’t even contact me anymore.”

Bai Yue gently patted her sulking best friend on the head. “He did have some issues before, but he explained everything to me. We’re really stable now.”

“I heard his whole family came over. You’d better be careful. If they shamelessly move into your place, you won’t be able to get rid of them. You have no idea—my dad’s relatives from the countryside came to visit once, and it was like the village got invaded. They rummaged through our things, shouted all the time, and even tried to bring more distant relatives over to stay. It drove me crazy.”

“Gu Yin’s family is actually really nice. Honestly, they’re better than my own dad.”

Bai Yue stirred her juice and continued, “And Gu Yin didn’t let them move into my place. Instead, he rented them a shop nearby, close to my workplace. His mom and older sister are amazing cooks. I’ve gained a little weight recently. When you’re free, come visit—I’ll take you over to try it. You’ll love it.”

Sang Ye looked at the blissful expression on Bai Yue’s face. “Wow, just a few days without seeing you and your attitude toward Gu Yin has totally changed. I guess I was worried for nothing. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. But if he ever treats you badly, just tell me—I’ll kill him.”

“Mm-hmm, love you,” Bai Yue giggled.

By the time the movie ended, it was already past eight. Gu Yin had messaged them earlier, saying he’d come pick them up, so when they walked out, he was already waiting in the parking lot.

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

Bai Yue chuckled, glanced at both of them, and got into the passenger seat. As she buckled her seatbelt, she told Gu Yin, “Drop Yezi off at her place first.”

“Okay.” On the drive, Sang Ye and Bai Yue kept chatting nonstop, while Gu Yin acted like a dedicated chauffeur, diligently delivering the two princesses home.

Not long after Sang Ye got out, Bai Yue received a message from her.

[Your little Yin has improved a lot. Looks like your dad can finally stop worrying.]

Bai Yue sent back a meme of someone asking for a beating and casually said to Gu Yin, “Lingyun messaged me today. She said she’s done with college entrance exam registration. If everything goes smoothly, she’ll be starting university in two months.”

“She also said she’s been tutoring lately and made a bunch of money. She wants to treat us to a meal. You’re her big brother—shouldn’t you be doing something for her? By the way, have you helped her get ready for school?”

Gu Yin shook his head. “There’s still time. No rush. When you’re free, we can go pick out some stuff together. Besides, that girl is very independent. We don’t need to worry too much.”

“Still, she’s a girl. You’re her big brother—you should take some responsibility, you know?”

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

Their days passed in peaceful contentment. Bai Yue hadn’t expected to receive a wedding invitation from Bai Jie two months later. What made her laugh was that the groom’s name was still Yuan Zhi.

She told Gu Yin about it. “Why is she so determined to be with Yuan Zhi? And didn’t his mom disapprove? Why are they getting married now?”

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

Gu Yin had recently been promoted to Director of the Medical Department. He was knowledgeable about healthcare, skilled in handling situations, and well respected. “Yuan Zhi sent us an invite too. Apparently, it’s a shotgun wedding.”

“How desperate is she? She knows what kind of person he is, and she still ran off to please him and even have his child? Has she gone insane?”

Seeing Bai Yue so riled up, Gu Yin smiled and pulled her into his arms. “You don’t understand—people want different things. Maybe marrying a mama’s boy is exactly what she wants.”

Bai Yue was stunned, half-understanding. There are actually people who want mama’s boys?

At the wedding, Bai Jie came over to toast Bai Yue and Gu Yin with great fanfare. Wen Jing stood nearby, smug as ever.

“Oh my, Yueyue, you and little Yin have been together for quite a while now. When are you getting married? Have you bought a house yet? Oops, my bad. Little Yin doesn’t make much money, and housing prices in City A are sky-high. How could he afford a house? Not like our little Zhi—his family has several properties. We don’t even know which one to live in!” She ended with a giggle, covering her mouth.

Bai Yue rolled her eyes openly. “Auntie, you don’t need to worry about me. Better figure out which of those houses your daughter actually gets to live in.”

“You’re just jealous because you can’t compete with me, huh?” Bai Jie sneered. “You’ve spent your whole life trying to outdo me, and look where it got you. You’re stuck with a Phoenix Man. He’s not even in the same league as my husband.”

Gu Yin glanced over at Yuan Zhi, who was standing timidly beside his mother, and nodded. “Yeah, you’re right—no comparison. I can’t compete with your husband’s devotion to his mother.”

He emphasized the word “devotion,” and Bai Jie’s expression instantly soured.

“No matter what, my husband is still your superior. You’ll have to work under him someday, so you’d better behave.”

“I think you might be mistaken about your husband. I recently got promoted to Director of the Medical Department. He actually works under me now. So who’s working for whom is still up for debate.”

Bai Jie looked completely incredulous. “Impossible! My father-in-law is the bureau chief. He said Yuan Zhi would be given a leadership position at your hospital.”

Gu Yin chuckled coldly. “Miss Bai, you’re already married—shouldn’t you at least learn about your husband’s job? He doesn’t even have official status. Even if he did, do you really think they’d hand over such an important position to someone like him? You think all leaders are idiots?”

Just as Bai Jie was about to retort, Yuan Zhi’s mother dragged him over with drinks. “So you’re Director Gu!”

With a sharp-eyed, calculating look on her face, she smiled broadly but couldn’t hide the scrutiny in her eyes.

Gu Yin gave a polite smile and responded smoothly, “Auntie, no need to be so formal.”

“Oh my, such a nice young man. Yuan Zhi is a bit shy, so please take good care of him.”

“Of course, we’ll be brothers-in-law after all.”

“Exactly!” Yuan Zhi’s mother grinned from ear to ear, complimented Bai Yue a bit too, and then bustled off to toast the next table.