After My Death, I Became a Heartless Madman - Chapter 36.2

Gu Zhiyu gave her a puzzled look.

The minor conflict didn’t dampen Fengyu and Shi Zhou’s mood. Under the dim lighting, Song Fengyu’s laughter carried a hint of abandon.

She sat close to Song Shizhou, gripping her hand tightly, just as she had in that dark corridor and showed no sign of letting go even after Bai Ruowei returned.

When Bai Ruowei came back, this was the scene she witnessed.

“Why is Miss Song sitting here?”

She pointed at Fengyu’s hand.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Song Fengyu didn’t release her hold. Instead, she smiled.

“Song Shizhou is my sister. What’s wrong with holding her hand?”

Fengyu wore an onyx-black gown that complemented Shi Zhou’s dress perfectly. Bai Ruowei bit her lip, eyeing them with suspicion.

Tension thickened instantly, suffocating the air. Then, abruptly, Song Fengyu laughed.

She was usually restrained, her smiles barely noticeable. But now, she seemed unrestrained, almost exhilarated. She raised her glass and clinked it against Bai Ruowei’s in a deliberate provocation.

“Long time no see, Miss Bai.”

Bai Ruowei was momentarily stunned. She found Song Fengyu utterly baffling, just as she had in their past life. Since Fengyu didn’t seem to remember their previous encounters, Bai Ruowei decided to ignore her.

She set her glass down heavily, as if even touching it after Fengyu had dirtied it.

Mia shot Qingluan a disapproving glare.

“Didn’t Miss Bai say no one was to approach Miss Song?”

Song Fengyu cut in before she could continue.

“Why blame others when it’s Miss Bai’s own people at fault?”

Bai Ruowei replied coldly,

“What do you mean, Miss Song?”

“What do I mean?”

Song Fengyu smirked.

“My sister, Song Shizhou, was missing for over two months.”

“Today is her first public appearance and it just happens to be at this banquet with you, Miss Bai.”

“Miss Bai, where have you hidden her these past two months, and what have you done to her? Can you explain clearly?”

The accusation was neither too loud nor too soft. The smooth jazz music came to an abrupt halt as many eyes turned toward them.

Mia smiled.

“False accusations against the White Inspector are a serious crime. Are you prepared to face interrogation, Miss Song?”

Bai Ruowei had no desire to waste words with her. She grasped Song Shizhou’s wrist tightly.

Because Song Shizhou disliked conflicts between Fengyu and her, Bai Ruowei thought to herself, she could endure it.

After all, Shi Zhou had already returned to her side. What harm was there in tolerating the detestable Song Fengyu for a while?

She simply didn’t want to make things difficult for Song Shizhou.

Because Song Shizhou would always stand by her side.

With that thought, she said, “Let’s go.”

“Wait a moment.”

Song Fengyu blocked her path.

“If Miss Bai wants to take someone away, shouldn’t you at least ask for their consent?”

“Consent?”

Because Song Shizhou disliked her entanglement with Fengyu, Bai Ruowei had already shown Song Fengyu more courtesy than she deserved. Impatiently, she removed her gloves and tossed them onto the sofa.

Miss Bai stood tall, exuding an air of complete control.

“Song Shizhou and I have been in love for years, and we’ll soon be holding our wedding. If Miss Fengyu was unaware of this, perhaps it’s because Song Shizhou didn’t intend to tell you or the Song family, for that matter.”

“But since Miss Song is so eager to know the outcome, so concerned about my relationship with Shi Zhou, why not let Shi Zhou tell you the answer herself?”

Bai Ruowei looked at Song Shizhou, inexplicably recalling scenes from their past life. Hadn’t Song Fengyu asked her and Shi Zhou the same question back then, in their little home? Bai Ruowei mused. The property had gone on sale yesterday, and she had already purchased the exact same unit.

She had designed it according to the layout of their previous life, striving to restore it to its original state.

She and Song Shizhou were about to return to the right path.

Bai Ruowei smiled faintly. She had originally intended to announce her relationship with Song Shizhou at this banquet, but now it seemed Song Fengyu had disrupted her plans.

But it didn’t matter. After all, everyone’s attention was still fixed on them, wasn’t it? If Song Fengyu enjoyed humiliating herself, then let her suffer another embarrassment.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Bai Ruowei took Song Shizhou’s hand, her tone intimate.

“Tell everyone, what is our relationship?”

Bai Ruowei chuckled softly.

“Wife.”

The address sounded so sweet. She had called Song Shizhou this in their past life, in front of Mia, in front of those who eyed their relationship with ill intentions.

Now, she was merely reclaiming what had always belonged to her.

The most precious thing in the world, which she had carelessly lost.

Miss Bai appeared composed, but a closer look revealed a faint tremor between her brows.

The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, making Su Ziqing hold his breath. Song Shizhou slowly stood up, her tone indifferent.

“I am not your wife, Miss Bai.”

Silence fell over the room.

Bai Ruowei stared at her in disbelief, her voice trembling slightly.

“What did you say?”

That ever-confident smile now looked somewhat disheveled. The downward curve of her eyes seemed wounded, as if her deeply affectionate expression had turned into a joke.

Before the elite and influential figures of the Inner City, Song Shizhou repeated her words once more.

“Miss Bai, I said, I am not your wife.”

How could Song Shizhou say such a thing? Bai Ruowei’s expression changed instantly.

“How could this be…”

Miss Bai smiled as if she hadn’t understood her words.

Her voice softened with great effort. Miss Bai was being very patient now perhaps she had gained much patience recently. She just wasn’t good at expressing love, wasn’t she? Fortunately, Song Shizhou had always been patient, willing to give her time to learn.

Right?

“You just agreed to my words earlier. I said I would publicly announce our relationship in front of everyone. What’s wrong? Why did you suddenly…”

Would the usually proud Miss Bai really plead so undignifiedly? Su Ziqing nearly gasped in shock. Mia, however, disapproved of her continuing to speak, because Miss Bai didn’t just represent herself more often, she represented the Surveillance Institute, the council, and Mr. Bai’s reputation.

She couldn’t beg for mercy, couldn’t apologize to Song Shizhou, and certainly couldn’t lose all dignity in front of others.

Did Bai Ruowei not understand this? Of course she did. But she couldn’t help herself.

If she was going to die, she at least wanted to know why.

She gripped Song Shizhou’s hand, unwilling to let go.

Li Ningzhi dispersed the onlookers, leaving only the three of them and Fengyu.

Song Shizhou shook her head.

“Bai Ruowei, let go.”

Her gaze was so cold. Song Fengyu tugged at her arm.

“Shi Zhou, let’s go back.”

Song Shizhou suddenly sighed.

The familiar scent of night-blooming cereus brushed past Bai Ruowei, as warm and comforting as ever, as if it would soothe her wounded heart in the next second.

But then, Song Shizhou merely glanced at Bai Ruowei before walking past her.

Without a trace of reluctance.

Song Fengyu’s expression held a hint of smugness. She wasn’t the type to gloat, but at this moment, she couldn’t help feeling a rare thrill.

With everyone gone, Mia considerately draped a coat over Bai Ruowei’s shoulders, but she seemed numb to it, letting the garment slide off.

Li Ningzhi had already taken Qingluan away, but before leaving, Bai Ruowei called out to her.

She should have asked Qingluan why she had betrayed her, but the words that came out were:

“Was this her own idea?”

She hoped it was Song Fengyu’s coercion or at the very least, that Song Fengyu had been whispering in her ear, planting the thought of leaving. But Bai Ruowei couldn’t lie to herself. She knew knew that Song Shizhou wasn’t someone without resolve, easily swayed by others.

Qingluan nodded slowly.

Bai Ruowei lowered her head, her eyes trembling in disbelief.

Her leaving could only mean one thing: she wanted to leave.

So, Song Shizhou had never forgiven her.

The sweetness of these past days had been nothing but her own one-sided performance, Bai Ruowei’s wishful thinking.

The phrase suddenly felt so familiar. Hadn’t she said the same thing to Song Shizhou before?

So this was what it felt like utter despair.

Miss Bai stood rooted to the spot, unwilling to leave.

To strike at her happiest moment was this Song Fengyu’s revenge? No. Bai Ruowei let out a bitter laugh. How could Song Fengyu ever persuade Song Shizhou?

This was Song Shizhou’s gift to her.

A ring was taken out from Bai Ruowei’s pocket. Miss Bai quietly held the ring in her palm, feeling the pain of its hard edges cutting into her flesh.

The central air conditioning at the banquet seemed to have malfunctioned. The warm atmosphere from a moment ago turned chilly in an instant, and Bai Ruowei suddenly felt so cold. The warmth of spring had ultimately been an illusion after all, it was still winter.

Today, she had originally planned to propose to Song Shizhou in front of everyone.

But now, this ring would probably go unused.

By the time they left the hotel, it was nearly midnight. Song Fengyu held her hand, her steps unusually hurried.

She was so happy, so excited. In twenty years, her repressed heart had never beaten as joyfully as it did now.

Fengyu’s palm was warm perhaps because she was a little too excited, her hand was slightly sweaty. Song Shizhou took out a handkerchief and handed it to Fengyu.

“Thank you for today, Sister Yu.”

“I feel terrible for making you go through so much trouble for me… I’ll repay you.”

Before she could finish, Fengyu grasped her hand first.

“What kind of talk is that?”

“I’m your sister. Helping you is my responsibility.”

Song Shizhou’s expression shifted slightly, but Fengyu continued,

“I know you insist on cutting ties with Mom, but even if you reject the Song family, I’ll always be your sister.”

She nodded.

“Right, Shizhou?”

It was true.

The bond between them as sisters ran far deeper than any ties to the Song or Lu families. Song Fengyu smiled brightly, and Shizhou nodded as well, as if agreeing with her sentiment.

“Sorry, Sister Yu. I was being narrow-minded.”

Su Ziqing came clattering out in her little high heels. The night was hazy, and her carefully styled wavy hair cascaded down her back. The thin straps of her dress didn’t even need to be held up—she looked like she was cosplaying some runaway princess, dramatically clutching those flimsy scraps of fabric.

“Song Shizhou, Sister Yu, wait for me!”

She was panting after just a few steps. Song Shizhou looked at her with amusement.

“You can’t just make such a scene and then leave without explaining. Spit it out.”

Her words drifted away on the night breeze, heard by a few taxi drivers who honked aggressively.

Song Shizhou turned back, exasperated.

“Didn’t I tell you before?”

Su Ziqing suddenly realized.

“Those little hints of yours don’t count!”

After reconciling with Miss Bai, Song Shizhou had invited Su Ziqing out to catch up. Su Ziqing’s conversation topics at gatherings never strayed far from what new car she’d bought, which scandal had erupted at which social event, or who had hooked up with whom while pretending they hadn’t.

Song Shizhou had tried several times to steer the conversation elsewhere.

“Actually… my relationship with Miss Bai isn’t that stable.”

“We might break up soon.”

“Don’t—”

Su Ziqing immediately lit up with excitement.

“When’s the wedding? When’s the ceremony? Can I be the flower girl?”

Truthfully, she hadn’t been all that invested in Miss Bai and Song Shizhou’s relationship at first. But Su Ziqing, the loudmouth, might have been too enamored with the Little White Dragon’s heroic image, making it hard for her to accept that her fairy-tale idol had now paired up with her best friend.

Every time Song Shizhou even slightly brought up the topic, trying to drop a hint, Su Ziqing would desperately change the subject, leaving Shizhou unsure whether to even bother explaining.

At that gathering, Song Shizhou had mustered the courage to hint again about her relationship with Bai Ruowei, only for Su Ziqing to keep asking if she could be the flower girl. Song Shizhou had been utterly exasperated by her.

“You’ve grown so much now. Even if you were to do it, it would be as a bridesmaid.”

They chatted casually, exchanging idle banter. How could words spoken over drinks be taken as truth? Thinking back now, Su Ziqing was somewhat surprised.

“You’d already made up your mind back then.”

Perhaps she truly was that cold and heartless.

Song Shizhou paused briefly before nodding with a faint smile.

A gust of wind blew, raising goosebumps all over Su Ziqing’s body—whether from the chill or fear, she couldn’t tell.

Song Shizhou’s expression remained unchanged, while Song Fengyu smiled and interrupted their conversation.

Fengyu hinted,

“It’s too late today. Whatever needs to be said can wait until tomorrow.”

“After all, we can talk anytime now.”

Su Ziqing nodded. Fengyu wrapped an arm around Shizhou, preparing to leave.

A black Maybach silently pulled up at the hotel entrance, followed by two rows of black sedans. Under the night sky, they resembled a coiled black serpent.

Song Fengyu froze, instinctively tightening her grip around Shizhou’s waist.

A figure emerged from the car.

Lan Chi leaned against the vehicle, holding a black umbrella, her smiling gaze fixed on Song Shizhou.

Just like that rainy day when they reunited, when she had held Song Shizhou’s hand as they walked through the misty streets of the small town.

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