46.2 Pair of Bright Ladies’ Rings

Luo Yue received a message from Cheng Shijing at lunchtime, just three words: [Take it easy.]

Luo Yue: [?]

Cheng Shijing said, “This island has eyes everywhere. I know you and her can’t contain your love, but don’t overdo it.”

Luo Yue: [……]

Thinking about the scene from this morning, she realized she hadn’t held back.

Cheng Shijing said: [Do you want your doorstep to be trampled by everyone? To become gossip fodder for everyone after tea?]

Luo Yue’s fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before replying: [No.]

Cheng Shijing: [Or maybe you want her to be viewed with colored glasses by everyone on the island? To turn Little Red House into a forbidden place?]

Luo Yue knew Cheng Shijing’s words were right, but she still harbored a glimmer of resistance: [It’s not as scary as you make it sound.]

Cheng Shijing quashed all her hopes, “Luo Yue, you know better than I do how people feel about you.”

If discovered, Luo Yue wouldn’t be hurt too much, but everyone would definitely advise her to “come to her senses.”

But Qin Zhaoyi would definitely be expelled from Moon Island.

Luo Yue’s heart sank, her mood instantly souring.

Cheng Shijing said, “Or, you could leave Moon Island.”

Cheng Shijing advised her to go to Jiayi or the Port City, to go to a place farther south or more tolerant.

“I didn’t know why you had to come back at first,” Cheng Shijing said. “But now, Moon Island might have healed your wounds. Don’t let it clip your wings.”

Cheng Shijing’s voice was heavy, coming through the earphones, the calm tone as if she was talking heart to heart, trying to console her.

But in an instant, Luo Yue felt a sharp pain in her shoulder, as if the rain had touched a wound.

Despite covering it up with tattoos from the tattoo parlor, it still hurt when others mentioned it.

Luo Yue trembled as she typed her reply: [But Moon Island is the most accommodating place for me.]

Cheng Shijing: [But that doesn’t mean it will tolerate everything about you.]

Luo Yue struggled: [How can you know it won’t if you haven’t tried?]

Cheng Shijing countered: [Do you want to try?]

Luo Yue: [I haven’t reached a dead end yet.]

Cheng Shijing said, “It’s too late when you’re at a dead end. Either do it earlier, or hide.”

But Luo Yue smiled back at him, “If Moon Island can’t accommodate everything about me, then there’s no place that can.”

My restrained silence, my naive stubbornness, only Moon Island can accommodate.

Everyone else treats me as a worldly adult, expecting me to conform to unequal social norms.

But on Moon Island, there’s no need for that.

Luo Yue’s words made Cheng Shijing silent, experiencing a moment of empathy.

Cheng Shijing didn’t try to persuade her to leave anymore, only saying, “Whatever decision you make, I’ll stand by you.”

After saying that, he found it too sentimental and added, “And Cheng Shiyu is here now too.”

Cheng Shijing didn’t hesitate to drag his own younger sister into the mess. “If someone insults you, I’ll have Cheng Shiyu handle it.”

Luo Yue: [……]

For a second, Luo Yue pitied Cheng Shijing.

He didn’t even know that Cheng Shiyu was also bent.

And probably just as naturally bent as her.

He thought facing a storm would be enough, but he didn’t know it would be an endless rainy season.

Luo Yue teased him: [The only ones who can save me are you and Luo Xing getting married.]

Cheng Shijing: […She’s not answering my calls.]

Or returning messages.

Luo Yue: [That’s why it’s becoming gossip. With more gossip, everyone’s attention gets diverted, and no one thinks my situation is a big deal anymore.]

Luo Yue continued to instigate: [Besides, if both issues explode at the same time, people might think you’ve changed your mind, and that’s why I’ve become like this.]

Cheng Shijing: “Luo Yue, are you speaking human language?”

“You’re using me as Chen Shimei just to be lovey-dovey with your girlfriend, aren’t you?” Cheng Shijing clicked his tongue, speaking with righteousness, as if he was about to say it’s absolutely impossible, but then his next voice message said, “If it really comes to that, it’s not impossible.”

Luo Yue burst out laughing as she listened.

Cheng Shijing never had any principles when dealing with them.

He took the blame for the mischief they got into as kids, and even as adults, he would stand in front of them without hesitation.

Whether it was her or Cheng Shiyu.

But…

Cheng Shijing said, “Can you explain to Luo Xing someday that we have no intention of getting married?”

Luo Yue was surprised: “You haven’t told her?”

It took Cheng Shijing a while to reply: [Grandma Shixi just came, sneaking up on me from behind. Luckily, I had just glanced at Weibo, or she would have seen our chat history.]

Cheng Shijing’s messages came quickly, indicating that Grandma Shixi’s sudden appearance had left a mark on him.

Luo Yue was also nervous: [What did she come for? Is it about marriage?]

Cheng Shijing: [No, she said she’s been having headaches lately and asked me to get her a few headache pills.]

Luo Yue, concerned: [Headaches are an old problem for her. She should go for a check-up.]

Cheng Shijing: [Age-related ailment. It doesn’t seem like something serious like a brain tumor.]

Feeling a bit relieved, Luo Yue let go of her worries, and Cheng Shijing redirected the conversation: “The day after I told Luo Xing that, she blocked me on WeChat.”

Barely able to contact her by phone, but she hardly ever picks up.

Luo Yue: “…”

Before Luo Yue could ask why, Cheng Shijing speculated, “Maybe because everyone assumes we’ll get married.”

Luo Yue helplessly replied, “That’s really difficult.”

Explaining something clearly was truly difficult.

She had told people countless times that she and Cheng Shijing didn’t have that kind of romantic feeling towards each other, but nobody believed them.

Everyone thought that, on an island like Moon Island where two graduates from Jia University emerged after so many years, they grew up together, had similar ages and educational backgrounds, and because her mother was close to Aunt Huiyi, the families had arranged for them to be married since childhood.

So everyone naturally paired Cheng Shijing with her.

It was like they were welded together.

No matter how much they denied it, everyone just assumed they were being shy.

It was ridiculous.

They were both adults; if they liked each other, they would have been married long ago.

Luo Yue hadn’t contacted Luo Xing for a long time. Luo Xing had always been introverted and didn’t talk much. Since going to Jiayi for school, she became even quieter. Except for occasional conversations during festivals, there wasn’t much else.

The last contact was before her birthday.

She had promised to come back but still stood her up.

With Luo Xing’s personality, she probably felt guilty for betraying her due to her relationship with Cheng Shijing, and she didn’t dare to come back to Moon Island to see her.

Luo Yue didn’t want her to bear such a heavy psychological burden, so she messaged her: [Xingxing, when are you coming home?]

Luo Xing replied: [I don’t know, the company is very busy lately.]

Luo Yue went straight to the point: [Do you like Shijing Ge?]

Luo Xing immediately denied it: [No.]

[How could I?]

[It’s impossible.]

After a few replies, Luo Yue couldn’t help but laugh.

Luo Xing cautiously asked again: [Jie, did Shijing Ge say something to you?]

Luo Yue: [No.]

In Luo Xing’s eyes, this attitude felt like she was being questioned, so she immediately apologized: [Sorry.]

Luo Xing felt guilty and remorseful. “Jie, I never meant to compete with you for Shijing Ge. I really don’t like him. Please don’t think too much about it.”

Luo Yue heard the hint of a sob in her feigned calmness.

She cursed herself for her carelessness; she hadn’t noticed Luo Xing’s feelings during their daily interactions. Otherwise, she would have tried to match Luo Xing and Cheng Shijing long ago.

Luo Yue was afraid of scaring her into tears, so she quickly said, “I’m not thinking too much. I just want to tell you that I don’t like Shijing Ge, and I won’t marry him.”

Luo Xing was surprised. “But you two were promised to each other.”

“In this day and age, does anyone still listen to that?” Luo Yue said. “You do as you please, and I’ll do as I please.”

Luo Xing didn’t respond to the message.

Afterward, Luo Yue messaged her again, reminding her to take care of herself outside, not to skip meals to save money, and not to work too late.

After that, she transferred two thousand yuan to her.

Luo Xing refused to accept it.

As the transfer page happened to be seen by Qin Zhaoyi, who arrived late for dinner, she glanced casually. “Who are you chatting with?”

Qin Zhaoyi’s meal had already gone cold, but her spoiled stomach felt no discomfort at the moment. She picked up her chopsticks and took a bite from Luo Yue’s plate, saying casually, “Just sending money.”

Luo Yue took back her phone. “My younger sister.”

Qin Zhaoyi was surprised. “Your real sister?”

She hadn’t heard Luo Yue mention it before, and she remembered Cheng Shijing saying that Luo Yue was an only child.

“Second cousin,” Luo Yue said as she got up to take her tray to the window to get it reheated.

With no tray in front of her, Qin Zhaoyi felt hungry. She picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of rice from Luo Yue’s plate. The plain rice that was nothing special tasted sweet at this moment.

After Luo Yue reheated the food and brought it back, she ate slowly and said, “After my mother passed away, I mostly lived with my aunt and cousin.”

“Your aunt…” Qin Zhaoyi was surprised again. “I don’t think I’ve seen her.”

Luo Yue paused. “She’s now a vegetarian and chants sutras, half a nun.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

“Then what about your uncle?” Qin Zhaoyi asked.

Luo Yue: “He had an affair one year and died after the boat capsized during a heavy rainstorm while he was eloping with someone.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

If it were in the past, Qin Zhaoyi would have been happy to tell Luo Yue her pen name.

Because “Sicily” represented a strong force in the field of suspense literature, especially as suspense themes paved new ways in film and television, with major mainstream platforms specifically opening new theaters for this genre.

And her adapted works had once dominated the top of the charts.

So revealing it would have made Luo Yue marvel.

But now…

Sicily was a deserter.

A shameful deserter.

Although she didn’t want to admit it, that was the truth.

It was the first time Qin Zhaoyi felt ashamed of herself for choosing to evade this matter.

“When the time is right,” Qin Zhaoyi said, “I’ll tell you.”

Luo Yue picked up a bite of food for her. “It’s okay. Not knowing your pen name leaves more room for imagination.”

Qin Zhaoyi asked, “Imagination about what?”

If it were in the past, Qin Zhaoyi would have been happy to tell Luo Yue her pen name.

Because “Sicily” represented a strong force in the field of suspense literature, especially as suspense themes paved new ways in film and television, with major mainstream platforms specifically opening new theaters for this genre.

And her adapted works had once dominated the top of the charts.

So revealing it would have made Luo Yue marvel.

But now…

Sicily was a deserter.

A shameful deserter.

Although she didn’t want to admit it, that was the truth.

It was the first time Qin Zhaoyi felt ashamed of herself for choosing to evade this matter.

“When the time is right,” Qin Zhaoyi said, “I’ll tell you.”

Luo Yue picked up a bite of food for her. “It’s okay. Not knowing your pen name leaves more room for imagination.”

Qin Zhaoyi asked, “Imagine what?”

“Words can evoke fantasies in people, but in reality, not everyone’s words accurately reflect the author’s personality. I know you well as you are now, but it’s possible that your words tend to express another aspect that doesn’t align with your true self,” Luo Yue said. “Without having read your words, I won’t speculate on what kind of person you might be hiding inside. It’s easy for me to see you as you are.”

When Qin Zhaoyi heard from Cheng Shijing that Luo Yue was a graduate of Jia University, the scene didn’t have as much impact as it would have in another context. Because Jia University represented nothing more than a symbol.

But on this unknown island, someone could accurately express their thoughts with such literary language, articulating everything Qin Zhaoyi had been thinking about for years. That was truly remarkable and precious.

In that moment, there seemed to be a halo of wisdom emanating from behind Luo Yue.

After all, many people, upon seeing her, didn’t think she was capable of producing works of such high caliber as “Fox Under the Moonlight” and “Fluttering Wings.”

Yet Luo Yue had touched the softest part of her heart.

Qin Zhaoyi hesitated, “Actually, my pen name is…”

She stopped halfway through, torn between wanting to tell Luo Yue, who seemed eager to know, and feeling that the timing wasn’t right.

The conflict was evident in her expression.

Luo Yue immediately interrupted, “Alright, forget about mentioning your pen name.”

Qin Zhaoyi pursed her lips, still wanting to say it but afraid to.

Luo Yue assumed Qin Zhaoyi was just a little transparent, and after her internal struggle, Qin Zhaoyi decided not to reveal it, “Okay, when I publish it in the future, I’ll send you a signed copy.”

She left room for a reply, “Of course, only when you think it’s appropriate.”

Thinking that Qin Zhaoyi was being too transparent, Luo Yue still decided not to say it. “Fine, when I publish it in the future, I’ll give you a set.”

After finishing their meal, Luo Yue took Qin Zhaoyi to her office for a while, but Qin Zhaoyi couldn’t sit still and buried herself in the library again.

Luo Yue suggested they go together.

Once they entered the library, Qin Zhaoyi suddenly pushed her against the door.

Luo Yue: “?”

Not knowing what she was up to, Luo Yue pushed her back, “What are you doing? It’s broad daylight.”

Qin Zhaoyi used her legs to hold her in place, preventing her from moving, and stared at her with determination. “Is it too much to hug my girlfriend?”

In this secluded place, Qin Zhaoyi was quite unrestrained, her hands wandering to Luo Yue’s waist.

But Luo Yue pressed down on her hands, gently laughing as she asked back, “Girlfriend?”

Qin Zhaoyi reminded her of her confession from the night before, “Isn’t it?”

Luo Yue shook her head slowly, “I didn’t agree to that.”

Qin Zhaoyi’s actions relaxed slightly.

“Then what about what you said last night?” Qin Zhaoyi deliberately slowed her breath near Luo Yue’s ear, exhaling warmth against her skin. “That you like me.”

“Liking someone doesn’t mean I agreed to be your girlfriend,” Luo Yue teased, reaching up to pinch her chin, locking eyes with her. “Did you confess? Little friend.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Qin Zhaoyi still wanted to do something, like a frustrated rabbit, biting her in frustration. But Luo Yue effortlessly slipped out of her embrace, turned the doorknob, and walked out without giving her a chance.

Qin Zhaoyi stared at her resentfully.

But Luo Yue just smiled, “My friend’s private cinema is opening this Saturday. Want to go together?”

Qin Zhaoyi was still stuck in her emotions of being teased by her, but before she could refuse, she heard Luo Yue say, “Good little kids get rewards.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

With no boundaries, Qin Zhaoyi replied, “Sure.”

Luo Yue walked away with a victorious smile.

It was the first private cinema in town, opened by one of Luo Yue’s classmates, who had invited her to the grand opening.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Luo Yue was even in charge of releasing the ribbons.

Meanwhile, Qin Zhaoyi arrived late with a basket of flowers to celebrate the opening.

Luo Yue’s classmate, wearing glasses and looking cultured, greeted Qin Zhaoyi before attending to other guests.

Luo Yue then led her into the private screening room.

The atmosphere in the cinema was nice, and it had a great ambiance.

Qin Zhaoyi, listening to advice from online friends, believed that a private cinema, being such an intimate setting, was the perfect place for a confession. With everything aligning perfectly, Qin Zhaoyi had planned to ask Luo Yue for a commitment today.

So, in addition to the flower basket for the opening, she also bought a necklace.

After receiving Luo Yue’s invitation, she urgently commissioned a designer friend to customize it.

And it arrived on Moon Island just in time.

Qin Zhaoyi unwrapped everything, leaving only the necklace in her pocket so she could easily take it out and put it on.

She was also worried that if Luo Yue saw the packaging, she might think it was too expensive and scold her for wasting money.

With everything ready, Qin Zhaoyi took a deep breath and pretended to watch the movie as if nothing was happening.

The movie choice was perfect – it was the first film directed by Zhong Ling, titled “Silent”.

A romantic drama with elements of both love and suspense, but with a strong storyline and well-developed characters.

Even the screenplay was written by Zhong Ling.

However, there are also traces of Qin Zhaoyi’s handiwork.

The suspenseful storyline was polished by Qin Zhaoyi, while the emotional aspect was all Zhong Ling’s.

Qin Zhaoyi had seen the film in its early stages, knew it by heart, but watching it again now, she found herself captivated once more, with new emotions surfacing involuntarily.

It wasn’t until the end of the movie, as the credits began to roll, that Qin Zhaoyi remembered her purpose. Amidst the background music, she cleared her throat softly, “Luo Yue.”

Luo Yue snapped out of the story, “Hmm?”

Summoning her courage, Qin Zhaoyi said, “I like you.”

Luo Yue looked at her calmly, toying with the square box at her side.

Qin Zhaoyi continued, “I really like you, a lot, so, could you…”

Her confession was abruptly interrupted by the urgent ringing of her phone.

Qin Zhaoyi felt a surge of frustration but didn’t bother to check the caller ID, while Luo Yue noticed it was from Zhong Yu.

Qin Zhaoyi adjusted her emotions and was about to continue when the phone rang again.

Handing the phone to her, Luo Yue said, “Go ahead, what if it’s something urgent?”

Reluctantly, Qin Zhaoyi took the call, still feeling a bit irritated.

In the meantime, Luo Yue opened the box and revealed a pair of glittering ladies’ rings.

She took one out and held it in her palm, intending to hand it over after Qin Zhaoyi finished her call, turning the tables.

But on the phone, Zhong Yu’s trembling voice said, “Zhaoyi, look at the hot search.”

Frowning, Qin Zhaoyi asked, “What’s wrong?”

“My sister…” Zhong Yu’s voice trembled, stuttering, “My sister is missing.”

Qin Zhaoyi immediately stood up, then checked the hot search.

The top trend was “#Zhong Ling Sexual Harassment at Workplace#,” followed by a huge explosion.

Behind that was another trend, “#Zhong Ling Lesbian#.”

Followed by “#Treading The Wind Cold#,” “#Zhong Ling Video#,” “#Zhong Ling Lu Xinyan#.”

Several hot searches were related to Zhong Ling.

Qin Zhaoyi quickly called Zhong Ling, but it went to voicemail.

She called Zhong Ling’s assistant, but it was busy.

She tried WeChat video, but no one answered.

It was as if Zhong Ling had vanished into thin air.

Qin Zhaoyi scrolled through the hot searches and found countless comments on the real-time feed saying, “Why doesn’t Zhong Ling, this pervert, just die?”

Qin Zhaoyi suddenly remembered Zhong Ling’s unusual behavior a few days ago, feeling a panic rising within her. She called Zhong Ling while heading out, “Luo Yue, I have to go. Something’s come up.”

She had to go to Jiayi to find Zhong Ling.

Zhong Ling’s words from a few days ago seemed like a farewell the more she thought about it.

Before Luo Yue could react, Qin Zhaoyi had already opened the door and dashed out at full speed.

She continued calling Zhong Ling as she ran, but it was still unreachable.

Unable to reach Zhong Ling, Qin Zhaoyi tried Zhong Yu’s number, but it was busy.

She could only call Zhong Ling’s parents, but none of them picked up.

The panic of being unable to contact anyone led her to imagine too much, and the fear of losing loved ones from many years ago returned to her mind.

Qin Zhaoyi even felt like she couldn’t breathe.

Meanwhile, in the room, Luo Yue stood there, somewhat stunned.

On the big screen was Zhong Ling’s movie “Silent,” and the subtitles had just appeared:

[“Silent” Zhong Ling

Thanks to my best friend Sicily, I’ll always love you.]

The ring in Luo Yue’s palm was slightly damp.

Just like her heart at that moment.

TN:

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