A Happy Ending with my Fiancée's Arch-enemy - Chapter 22.2

But when she met Yu Ning’s gaze, she froze. Unlike the icy disdain from before, what she saw now was a hatred she had never witnessed in Yu Ning’s eyes.

That look sent an inexplicable wave of panic through her heart and made her somewhat certain that Yu Ning might not be speaking out of anger after all.

“The seating was arranged by the school. I didn’t change it.”

This was the first time Yu Ning had ever heard Lin Yanqing offer an explanation. In the past, whenever Yu Ning questioned her, Lin Yanqing would either tell her to break off the engagement if she couldn’t take it or simply ignore her.

Yu Ning’s mother and mama stood firmly by her side. No matter what Yu Ning asked for, they believed it was justified. This time, their precious daughter had suffered greatly. While the stage fire couldn’t be blamed on Lin Yanqing, her actions had inflicted immense psychological harm on Yu Ning.

“Our Yu family has never forced anyone. We always thought Yanqing was an upright child, so we felt at ease with her. Who would have thought she’d inherit the same tendency to be fickle? If she truly likes another girl, we might as well call off the engagement sooner rather than later, so our families can still remain friends.”

As soon as Mom said this, the Lin family’s expressions instantly changed. Even Yu Ning couldn’t help but want to laugh.

Originally, she had only targeted Lin Yanqing alone, but Mom’s words directly implicated the entire Lin family.

Others might not know, but Yu Ning was now aware of Aunt Lin’s own romantic escapades.

“Yanqing is indeed at fault here. We will give you an explanation. Ningning, let’s discuss the engagement after you’ve fully recovered, alright?”

Aunt Lin still believed Yu Ning was merely speaking out of anger.

“I’m really not saying this out of anger,” Yu Ning lowered her gaze, a look of weariness spreading across her face. “Mom, I’m so sleepy.”

Having just woken up and spoken so much, Yu Ning was undoubtedly exhausted.

Seeing this, the Lin family excused themselves and left the hospital room.

Before leaving, Lin Yanqing glanced back at Yu Ning and saw her looking up obediently at her mother, who was tucking her in.

It was her, yet it didn’t feel like her.

Once the Lin family had left, only Mom and Mama remained in the room.

“Mom, Mama, I’m sorry.”

The sudden apology left the two of them puzzled.

“What are you apologizing for? I’ve been wanting to say those words for a long time.”

Yu Ning knew Mom must have thought she was apologizing for earlier, when she called Lin Yanqing fickle and said she took after Aunt Lin.

Yu Ning didn’t explain, simply watching as her mother tucked her in.

Suddenly, she spoke up: “Mom, Mama, what I said earlier about wanting to call off the engagement… I meant it.”

The two of them remained silent. In truth, from the moment Yu Ning woke up and insisted so firmly on Lin Yanqing’s apology, they had already sensed her resolve to end the engagement.

“Do whatever makes you happy. But Ningning, don’t act on impulse. I’m not trying to persuade you to forgive her I just don’t want you to regret it later.”

After all, they had witnessed firsthand how deeply Yu Ning had once loved Lin Yanqing.

Yu Ning wanted to reach out and hold their hands, but her own hands were wrapped up and difficult to move.

“I’m sorry, Mom, Mama. I’ve made you worry.” And I’ve caused you harm.

Seeing their daughter, whom they had always cherished, in such a state, both of them felt a pang of sorrow. What could have happened to make someone who once loved so deeply now want to call off the engagement?

They had always thought Lin Yanqing was quite outstanding, but hearing Yu Ning’s words made them realize that Lin Yanqing’s character left something to be desired.

After all, she was engaged, how could she be involved with another Omega?

Noticing that Mama had been silent, Yu Ning called out to her.

Mama smiled and said, “Have you forgotten? Back when you came to me crying about how many people liked Lin Yanqing, I already supported you calling off the engagement.”

Yu Ning remembered that it was indeed true.

This character of hers was truly pitiful either consumed by jealousy or sulking in silence. Her personality was anything but likable.

Yu Ning pouted slightly, then heard Mama add, “But calling off the engagement might not be possible anytime soon.”

Both Yu Ning and Mom turned to look at her, not understanding what she meant.

“Recently, Grandma Lin was hospitalized due to a relapse of her old illness. She was so happy when our families arranged the engagement she and my mother both agreed to it. To call off the engagement, we’ll probably need her consent.”

Yu Ning had forgotten about this. Breaking off the engagement required Grandma Lin’s approval, but now that she was in the hospital, not only could she not give her consent, but even if she woke up, bringing it up might cause her condition to worsen again.

In the story, Yu Ning had gone to Grandma Lin six months later to demand the cancellation of the engagement, and that very scene had triggered Grandma Lin’s relapse, leading to her passing just before their college entrance exams. After that, Yu Ning had carried a deep sense of guilt toward the Lin family.

How intricate the plot was tightly woven, one event leading to another.

Yu Ning felt a headache coming on.

At the hospital elevator entrance, the sound of a slap echoed sharply in the quiet corridor.

Fortunately, few people passed by that area, so it didn’t attract any onlookers.

Lin Yanqing tilted her head to the side, neither touching her slapped cheek nor speaking.

Lin Jiu had put considerable force into that slap. She was furious at Lin Yanqing for handling the situation so poorly and failing to grasp what was truly important.

“Who is Yu Ning?”

Lin Yanqing pursed her lips and replied coldly, “My fiancée.”

“If you know she’s your fiancée, then why didn’t you know who to save in a crisis?”

Lin Jiu stood before her, arms crossed, her expression one of exasperation. “Just because of an Omega, you’ve become like this? What if something had really happened to Yu Ning? Do you still want to inherit the Lin family or not?”

How could anything have happened to Yu Ning? She had clearly sent Cheng Ling to rescue her.

Lin Yanqing still refused to admit it was her mistake.

Lin Jiu was not the only daughter of the Lin family. Besides her, there was another younger daughter, unknown to the public. The current head of the Lin family, Lin Jiu’s mother, intended to pass the inheritance to her younger sister to make up for her shortcomings.

There was no way Lin Jiu would let that happen.

“You’ve always been able to placate Yu Ning before, why not this time? How could you let her say something like breaking off the engagement?”

“I’m sorry for disappointing you.”

Lin Yanqing hung her head low, but her mind was clear. When had she ever placated Yu Ning? It had always been Yu Ning managing her own emotions.

“I don’t want to hear Yu Ning mention breaking off the engagement again. Do you understand what I mean?”

Lin Yanqing kept her head lowered. “I understand.”

Satisfied with her response, Lin Jiu left.

The elevator doors chimed, and Lin Yanqing turned away.

Instead of taking the elevator, she headed for the stairs alone. Leaning against the wall, she reflected on Yu Ning’s attitude.

Every time she recalled it, she remembered Yu Ning’s icy gaze a look that stirred an unfamiliar sense of panic within her.

“Yanqing? What are you doing here?”

Before Lin Yanqing could gather her thoughts, she heard Jiang Shuangshuang’s voice.

Dressed in a hospital gown and hooked up to an IV, Jiang Shuangshuang was pushing her IV pole, perhaps on her way somewhere.

Seeing that Lin Yanqing didn’t respond, Jiang Shuangshuang waved a hand in front of her face. “What’s wrong with you? What happened to your face? Do you want me to get you an ice pack?”

For a moment, Lin Yanqing felt dazed. She remembered the first time Yu Ning, unaware of her family situation, had gone to her home to complain. To stand up for Yu Ning, Lin Jiu had slapped her. Yu Ning had been heartbroken, crying and vowing never to complain to her family again.

How had things changed so suddenly?

“Yanqing?”

Seeing that she remained silent, Jiang Shuangshuang spoke up again.

Lin Yanqing finally turned her gaze toward her and slowly asked, “Are you alright now?”

Jiang Shuangshuang nodded, her smile gentle. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for saving me.”

“Good to hear you’re alright.”

Lin Yanqing made to step past her, but Jiang Shuangshuang followed closely behind.

“Yanqing, do you know where Yu Ning lives? I heard she was badly injured, and I’d like to visit her.”

Lin Yanqing halted her steps, glanced back, and said, “It’s not a good time for you to see her right now.”

“Why not?”

Jiang Shuangshuang had only sustained minor injuries and could be discharged after a couple of days of observation in the hospital. Since she had nothing better to do, she decided to visit Yu Ning.

Not hearing Lin Yanqing’s response, Jiang Shuangshuang recalled the incident from that day and expressed a hint of surprise. “Could it be that Sister Yu Ning is upset because you saved me instead of her?”

Lin Yanqing remained silent.

“Sister Yu Ning wouldn’t be that petty, would she? Let me explain it to her. She’s so kind I’m sure she’ll forgive you.”

Lin Yanqing didn’t find anything wrong with Jiang Shuangshuang’s words. In her view, Yu Ning was indeed being a bit petty. She had already explained many times that she had asked Cheng Ling to pick her up, but who knew Cheng Ling hadn’t heard? It wasn’t her fault, so why was Yu Ning refusing to listen and making such a big deal out of it?

“Take good care of yourself.”

With those words, Lin Yanqing left.

Jiang Shuangshuang glanced toward the third floor of the hospital and headed toward the elevator.

Shortly after the Lin family left, Su Yien entered Yu Ning’s hospital room carrying a flower basket.

Su Yien had been worried she’d find Yu Ning wrapped up like a mummy, but instead, she saw her only lightly bandaged with white gauze.

Relieved and slightly amused by Yu Ning’s appearance, she might have laughed out loud if not for Yu Ning’s mother and mommy standing beside her.

Yu Ning had already heard from her mother that Su Yien was the one who saved her. Judging by Su Yien’s expression when she entered, she seemed on the verge of laughter.

“Xiao Su is here! Please, have a seat.”

“We really don’t know how to thank you enough.”

“Have some fruit, please.”

“No need, no need, Auntie. I just came to see Yu Ning.” Su Yien felt a bit embarrassed by their enthusiasm.

Yu Ning found Su Yien’s flustered expression amusing. Who would have thought Su Yien could be such a well-behaved kid around adults?

Seeing Yu Ning laughing at her, Su Yien guessed she was doing fine.

After a moment, Yu Ning stopped laughing and spoke up. “Mom, Mommy, could you step out for a bit? She’s feeling a bit awkward.”

Hearing Yu Ning’s words, the two looked at Su Yien and realized they might have been a bit too enthusiastic.

Guessing the two might have something to talk about, they made way.

Although Yu Ning had caught a faint whiff of lily perfume before passing out, she remembered Su Yien saying she had something to do and couldn’t make it.

Besides, in the story, it wasn’t Su Yien who saved Yu Ning but a teacher from the school. And because the rescue was delayed, Yu Ning had been injured by a stage prop and spent three months in the hospital.

It was during those three months that Lin Yanqing and Jiang Shuangshuang’s relationship rapidly deepened.

Ridiculous.

Building their happiness on her suffering.

“Didn’t you say you had something to do and couldn’t make it?”

“Something came up, so I was free after all.” Su Yien placed the flower basket on the bedside table and sat down beside her.

Yu Ning had expected Su Yien to take the opportunity to remind her that she had saved her yet again.

But instead, Su Yien simply sat beside her, quietly observing.

After a while, Su Yien finally spoke. “How are you feeling? Does anything hurt?”

Her tone was so gentle that Yu Ning almost wondered if Su Yien had been replaced by someone else.

“Not really hurting.” Yu Ning answered honestly.

The book didn’t describe Su Yien much she disliked Lin Yanqing, often clashed with her, and by extension, didn’t care much for Yu Ning either, though they never had any direct confrontations.

Their only interaction was the day they were both punished to clean the school square. Sun Yiyi’s birthday party hadn’t mentioned Su Yien, let alone something like visiting a flower market together.

In the story, she had gone to the flower market with Sun Yiyi, and in a bad mood, had gotten into a conflict with Jiang Shuangshuang on the street.

But there was something even stranger. In the temple, when she accidentally fell into the pond along the path, it was Lin Yanqing who saved her.

Lin Yanqing hadn’t gone to the temple. If not for Su Yien, she might have lost her life the moment she fell into the pond.

Was she being overly suspicious? Or had the story’s direction accidentally changed?

“I heard you deliberately ran into the street to get hit by a car? You’re pretty lucky.”

Su Yien picked up an apple from the fruit basket, took a small knife from the table, and began peeling it as she spoke.

Since the incident was indeed quite foolish, Yu Ning pouted. “I’ll take the mockery lying down.”

Su Yien chuckled softly, her eyes still on the apple, not looking up. “I’m not mocking you.”

Everyone said she ran out intentionally to get hit by a car wasn’t that mocking her?

“But why were you in such a hurry when you woke up? Where did you want to go?”

Su Yien had heard from Yu Ning’s mother that Yu Ning had been rushed to the hospital a second time, and she happened to be visiting then.

“I don’t know. Maybe a ghost was controlling my body.”

Yu Ning answered dismissively.

But thinking about it, hadn’t she been controlled before?

Seeing she didn’t want to talk about it, Su Yien didn’t press further. After peeling the apple, she cut it into small pieces and placed them in a fruit box.

Yu Ning had thought Su Yien was peeling the apple for her, but to her surprise, Su Yien started eating it herself without even asking if she wanted any.

“Hey!”

“Huh?” Su Yien took a bite of the apple, looking puzzled. “Why are you snapping at me?”

Yu Ning: “…”

She was so hungry. It had been a while since she last ate.

“Oh, you want some apple?”

Noticing Yu Ning staring at the apple in her hand, Su Yien smiled. “So you want some apple”

Yu Ning didn’t say anything, but her expression clearly said, “If you know, then why aren’t you giving it to me?”

Su Yien skewered a piece of apple with a toothpick, waved it in front of Yu Ning, and then ate it herself.

“But what a shame can you even chew it?”

Yu Ning: “…”

She wanted to say she could chew just fine, but when she tried moving her teeth, she realized it hurt.

Talking was one thing, but actually chewing an apple was a bit difficult.

“Hurts, doesn’t it?”

“If you get hurt, it’s going to hurt. If you don’t want it to hurt, don’t get hurt.”

Just hearing Su Yien’s words, it was easy to think she was gloating.

But when Yu Ning looked at Su Yien’s expression, she was taken aback. There was no trace of the earlier amusement on her face.

It was an emotion hard to decipher.

Almost like… concern?

After saying this, Su Yien returned to her usual self, as if that fleeting change in expression had just been Yu Ning’s imagination.

Yu Ning recalled the story’s direction Su Yien would soon go abroad to study, and she had overheard this in the office last time.

“You’re going abroad to study?”

Su Yien knew she had overheard it in the office last time and casually hummed in agreement.

“I was supposed to go handle the paperwork yesterday.”

No wonder she said she was busy.

Su Yien glanced at her and added, “But it’s not set in stone. If someone doesn’t want me to go, I might reconsider.”

Yu Ning was puzzled by this. “Studying abroad is great. Why wouldn’t you go?”

Su Yien: “…”

Good thing she wasn’t eating the apple, or she might have choked.

“As long as you’re fine, I’ll head out now.”

Su Yien rinsed the fruit box in the private bathroom and said goodbye.

Yu Ning was staying in a VIP room with a private bathroom.

“Thank you. I’ll repay you someday.”

Su Yien was about to open the door and leave when she heard this. Turning back, she smiled lightly. “I only accept one form of repayment, you know.”

Yu Ning: “?”

But Su Yien didn’t explain what that form of repayment was.

After Su Yien left, Yu Ning’s mother and mommy came back in, asking about Su Yien.

Annoyed by their questions, Yu Ning used wanting to sleep as an excuse to get them to leave for a while.

Just then, a nurse entered the room, holding a cup of apple juice.

“Hello, someone asked me to bring you this apple juice.”

Was it Su Yien?

Knowing she couldn’t chew the apple, she ordered apple juice instead?