She Adopted Me After My Biological Mother Passed Away - Chapter 38

There’s an old friend returning to the scene.

Shi Shuxue shook her head: “I don’t remember anything.”

She had thought her past with Chi Yeyu consisted of only a few brief encounters, she thought they were total strangers, and that Chi Yeyu’s intimacy toward her was just a natural part of her personality. She never imagined they shared such a deep history.

In her youth, Chi Yeyu used to self-harm and had even contemplated ending her life. However, Shi Shuxue hadn’t known this, the Chi Yeyu she met was cheerful and open minded, moving through life with ease. Unlike Shi Xianyu, she was strong in both heart and skill, so problems rarely defeated her.

“So, we really should decide on the costumes,” Yu Xiu said.

Shi Shuxue leaned over to flip through the design sketches. “In that case, why don’t you and Tiangua wear this set, and Ci Cheng and I wear the second set? Wouldn’t that work?”

“Makes sense. The color tones of these two sets are similar, so it won’t look inconsistent,” Yu Xiu nodded and made a mark.

Backstage Dressing Room, Day of the Special Performance

There was still some time before the show, and the band members were getting their hair and makeup done.

Shi Shuxue sat upright before the vanity mirror, reflecting a clean, elegant profile. She wore a loose, cream-colored rehearsal outfit, her long hair pinned back loosely to reveal her fair neck.

The makeup artist held a fine eyeliner brush, their fingertips carefully tracing the corner of her eye to create a sharp flick, and couldn’t help but whisper in admiration: “Teacher Shi, your skin is amazing. It’s so fine, no pores at all, not even any redness. Applying makeup on you is a joy. I don’t even need extra concealer.”

This was a classic line makeup artists often used, but Shi Shuxue’s attention was stuck on the first two words.

Teacher Shi? Calling her?

Someone handed over a cup of warm water. Shi Shuxue took it and set it on the table. Her gaze brushed past her own reflection and landed on the doorway.

The makeup artist was a chatty young person, but Shi Shuxue’s mind wasn’t on the small talk, she listened half-heartedly, responding occasionally. The artist rambled on about how beautiful her eye shape was, natural “willow leaf” eyes that were lively without needing much modification and she just offered a few “thank yous,” her fingers mindlessly rubbing the rim of the cup.

Suddenly, the door curtain was swept aside, letting in a gust of cold winter air. Chi Yeyu’s voice followed: “How are the preparations? I saw so many people on the way here, the traffic was backed up for ages. The audience is already packed.”

Shi Shuxue looked up sharply, her eyes instantly locking onto Chi Yeyu. Chi Yeyu wore a structured black leather jacket, the collar casually open, with tiny droplets of melted snow clinging to her hair and one hand tucked into her pocket.

Shi Shuxue’s previously calm eyes lit up instantly, like stars being suddenly ignited. Her earlier indifference vanished, and the corners of her mouth curled into a slight smile she didn’t even notice. But as she turned her head toward the door, she reined in the smile and made her expression cool again: “Almost done. Just the aegyo-sal left, then I’m ready.”

Seeing the sudden change in her demeanor, the makeup artist smiled knowingly, gently straightened her face, and quickened their pace. They teased: “It seems Teacher Chi is the one with the magic touch. I called ‘Teacher Shi’ several times just now without much of a response.”

“Pffft, Teacher? Hahahahaha! Xiao Xue, she called you ‘Teacher’!” Chi Yeyu was easily amused; she clutched her stomach laughing, her curved eyes resting on Shi Shuxue’s face.

Shi Shuxue’s ears flushed slightly as she raised her eyebrows in protest: “She called you ‘Teacher’ too!”

“Hahaha, that’s fine with me, I’m thick-skinned. People even call me ‘President Chi,'” Chi Yeyu said playfully, leaning over to inspect Shi Shuxue’s perfectly made-up face. “So pretty. Once you’re in makeup, you look like a little adult.”

“I’ve been an adult for a long time,” Shi Shuxue replied.

Ci Cheng, sitting next to her, couldn’t help but follow Shi Shuxue’s reflection in the mirror. She didn’t even notice the makeup artist applying glitter to her own eyes, she only hoped the styling would end quickly so she could talk to her.

Then Chi Yeyu cut in, chatting about all sorts of things with Shi Shuxue. The atmosphere between the two was intimate and seamless. Although they were talking about today’s performance, it felt impossible for anyone else to get a word in.

When the makeup was finally finished, Shi Shuxue’s “guardian” was still prattling on. Ci Cheng pretended to play on her phone, but her ears were focused on their meaningless conversation.

“Hey, let me interview Teacher Shi Shuxue. You’re about to step onto such a big stage, are you nervous?”

“Are you that bored?”

“Come on, cooperate with me. I’m only ‘bored’ when I’m with you.”

“Oh. I’m a little nervous.”

“Really nervous? So what are you thinking about right now? Anything you want to say to family or friends?”

“Chi Yeyu, are you acting in a variety show?”

“Whatever works.”

“Oh. I’m wondering if the snow outside is heavy.”

“It’s not! Just a few tiny flakes. You can relax for the outdoor show, but Teacher Shi Shuxue needs to make sure she has heat packs on her stomach later.”

“…Chi Yeyu, stop talking to me like that!”

As they chatted, Chi Yeyu was suddenly called away by a familiar voice from the door. Ci Cheng saw it was her own sister, Ci Tang. She was likely there to see the performance, though she didn’t know why she had come backstage to find Chi Yeyu first.

Regardless, she was incredibly grateful to her sister for cutting off the noisy, pointless dialogue between Chi Yeyu and Shi Shuxue.

“Shi Shuxue,” she turned and called.

Ci Cheng’s long hair was styled in three strand braids today, hanging down her chest with colorful ribbons woven in to match her stage outfit. She had noticed long ago that Shi Shuxue always stole extra glances at her when she wore braids, guessing it was a preference of hers, so this had become her “semi-permanent” hairstyle when seeing Shi Shuxue.

Sure enough, Shi Shuxue’s eyes drifted toward her hair with feigned indifference as she asked, “What is it?”

“Are you coming to the group dinner after the show tonight? I want to order a cake and wanted to ask what flavor you like,” Ci Cheng said.

She usually attended university at D-U in this city and only got to see Shi Shuxue during rehearsals and shows. Tonight was Christmas Eve, a special night for the band to dine together, and she was 90% sure Shi Shuxue would go. She had been looking forward to it for a week.

However, Shi Shuxue was oblivious to her hidden feelings. Her mind was still on the woman who had called Chi Yeyu away.

Camel-colored long coat, intellectual style thin-framed glasses, a gentle and mature voice… long hair.

Was she a friend from work? Or someone involved with her outside of work?

Shi Shuxue had things on her mind. Pretending to consider Ci Cheng’s question, she finally replied after a moment: “Strawberry, I guess.”

“Okay, strawberry it is,” Ci Cheng nodded.

Yu Xiu walked over from Tiangua’s side and pouted. “I’ve noticed that our band’s drummers are particularly biased toward the bassist. Little Ci Cheng, you’re ordering a cake and didn’t even ask about my taste?”

Tiangua remarked dryly, “Your taste? Doesn’t everything you eat taste the same to you?”

“Don’t undermine me! Tiangua, we should be on the same side, otherwise what will we do if those two gang up on us?” Yu Xiu said.

Tiangua gave her a look of pure disdain and went back to her game. “Who’s on your side?”

Ci Cheng finally asked, “Sister Yu Xiu, what flavor do you want?” She thought that since strawberry was non-negotiable, if Yu Xiu liked something else, she could just order a second cake, she was using her sister’s cake card anyway.

Yu Xiu said, “I like strawberry.”

“…Then why did you even ask?” Tiangua asked, bewildered.

Yu Xiu pulled a chair over to watch her play a rhythm game. “None of your business. I asked because I wanted to.”

Ci Cheng was quiet for a while. Feeling the backstage heater making things stuffy, she tugged on Shi Shuxue’s sleeve again and asked, “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“Going back for exams,” Shi Shuxue said.

Ci Cheng said, “Your school isn’t on break yet?”

“Classes are over, but finals take a long time,” Shi Shuxue answered.

“Are the finals hard?”

“I haven’t taken them yet, how would I know?”

“True, we’re both freshmen,” Ci Cheng continued making small talk. “Can’t you take a leave of absence from your classes?”

“It’s almost finals week, no leave,” Shi Shuxue said. Chi Yeyu had been coming to harass her every other day during the second half of the semester; she had used up all her leave on Chi Yeyu, spending more time in hotels than in her dorm.

Ci Cheng said, “Oh, me too. I can’t take leave.”

The dressing room fell into a strange silence for a moment before Shi Shuxue asked, “Are you a little nervous?”

Ci Cheng nodded. “Yes, I might be a little nervous.”

“It’s okay, I am too. Once we’re on stage, we’ll just follow the rhythm we practiced,” Shi Shuxue said, offering a rare bit of comfort.

“Shi Shuxue, do you want to go… with me… during winter break?” Ci Cheng’s heart was touched, her eyes flickering. She reached out to hold Shi Shuxue’s hand, but was suddenly interrupted by a lazy, cocky voice.

“Xiao Xue, where do you plan to travel for winter break?”

Chi Yeyu had a nonchalant smile on her lips, her eyes narrowing as she gave Ci Cheng a look that was half-smiling, half-probing, before wrapping an arm around Shi Shuxue’s shoulder.

If Ci Cheng couldn’t read that look by now, she’d be the biggest fool alive! Chi Yeyu was definitely doing this on purpose!

Shi Shuxue looked up at Chi Yeyu. “Do you even have time?”

“Of course, I have annual leave,” Chi Yeyu said brightly.

“We’ll see,” Shi Shuxue replied. Right now, she only wanted to get Chi Yeyu into bed, she had no interest in other places. If she had to keep living as the “young adoptive mother” and “rebellious daughter” in Chi Yeyu’s mind, she wouldn’t be in the mood for a vacation.

Chi Yeyu nuzzled her face. “So cold.”

“Who was that who called you out just now?” Shi Shuxue asked.

Chi Yeyu said naturally, “Ci Tang.”

“Who is Ci Tang?” Shi Shuxue asked.

Chi Yeyu said, “You don’t know? Oh, I guess I never told you. Ci Tang is Ci Cheng’s older sister. She was the original drummer of the band a long time ago, the one who taught me.”

Hearing that, Shi Shuxue knew who she was.

“The one who was ‘especially gentle, taught you hand on hand, and rescued you from the talent-wasting hands of Shi Xianyu’?”

“Huh? What on earth?” Chi Yeyu was shocked. “Gentle? Hand on hand? Rescued? Why do you have such a huge misunderstanding of Ci Tang?”

One shouldn’t speak ill of sisters behind their backs, so Chi Yeyu glanced at Ci Cheng and leaned into Shi Shuxue’s ear, whispering: “I’m telling you, don’t let her gentle looks fool you. She is not gentle at all. Ci Tang is terrifying!”

Her breath made Shi Shuxue’s ear itch. “I can’t tell.”

“She’s really fierce, way worse than me. She would never teach you how to hold the sticks hand on hand. she’s a cold-faced ‘Asura’ who only cares about the rhythm. She’ll scold you just for having the wrong wrist tension. Unlike me. I’d crouch down to help you adjust your grip and find the right feel.”

Chi Yeyu was perfectly comfortable belittling her teacher while elevating herself without a hint of guilt.

Whether Shi Shuxue believed her or not, she pushed her face away. “I get it. You’re the gentlest.”

“Exactly. That’s the right way to think,” Chi Yeyu said, satisfied.

As it got closer to showtime, they all changed into their costumes. Although the snow wasn’t heavy, the temperature outside was around -3°C or -4°C.

Shi Shuxue had changed into a wine-red turtleneck sweater with a ring of fine white fluff around the collar, topped with a short vest. She looked like a Christmas berry dusted with light snow. Her bottom half was a dark green plaid skirt that hit just above the knees, the hem sewn with strange, glowing colorful threads.

Chi Yeyu kept looking at her, feeling like she reminded her of something. It wasn’t until she saw the tree outside the mall entrance that she realized: Shi Shuxue didn’t look like a berry on the bottom, she looked like a Christmas tree draped in a string of colorful lights.

Yu Xiu shrugged at Chi Yeyu. “Don’t blame me. Your kid picked these clothes herself.”

“At least she looks warmer than you two.” Hearing that Shi Shuxue had chosen the outfit herself, Chi Yeyu bit back her complaints. At the very least, Shi Shuxue looked extremely cute in it, like a little Christmas cake.

She knelt on the floor to stick heat packs inside Shi Shuxue’s clothes, slapping several onto the underside of the skirt, terrified she would freeze.

Tiangua, who was wearing short shorts, said, “It’s not necessary. You’ll be sweating once you’re on stage.”

Yu Xiu: “You don’t understand. There’s a kind of cold called.”

“Yu Xiu, you talk too much,” Chi Yeyu said. “Are you lonely now that Li Lingling is gone?”

Yu Xiu was shocked. “How do I talk too much? My total lines aren’t even a third of yours!”

A staff member came to hurry them. “Time to go on stage, it’s almost time.”

The four of them, dressed in reds and greens, headed out one by one. As Ci Cheng was about to leave, she suddenly noticed someone standing in the shadows outside the door.

The light there was too dim to see clearly, but the figure had clearly been standing there for a while, eavesdropping on their conversation.

Ci Cheng turned to look closer, and the person looked up at the same time. Their eyes met, and Ci Cheng read an emotion so intense it was bordering on extreme.

Resentment.

“Ci Cheng, did you enjoy your chat with her?” The girl had a loose, messy ponytail and sharp, sword-like eyes. Her thin lips were pressed into a line, giving her an air of petty bitterness.

“Qiao Zina, why are you here?” Ci Cheng frowned. She hadn’t seen Qiao Zina in nearly two years.

After the school bullying incident, the police had taken Qiao Zina and her group of delinquent friends to the station. Later, Qiao Zina’s father picked her up, giving her a harsh slap before they left. Since then, she hadn’t returned to school. The homeroom teacher said her father had withdrawn her, and she wouldn’t be continuing her studies at that high school.

“This is backstage. How did you get in?” she asked.

“Heh.” Qiao Zina gave a cold laugh. The dark circles under her eyes made her look haggard, and she was surrounded by a gloomy, sickly aura. “Ci Cheng, do you really have to speak to me like that?”

She wore a simple black padded jacket and faded jeans, while Ci Cheng was dressed exquisitely and gorgeously tonight. They looked like they belonged to two different worlds.

“Qiao Zina, I don’t know what else there is to say to you,” Ci Cheng said. “I have to go on stage. If there’s something else, let’s talk later.”

“You certainly have it good. You cut contact without a word, made new friends, went to university, and even joined a band with Shi Shuxue to perform on the same stage…”

Qiao Zina’s expression darkened. “Who was I sticking up for back then? How can you just end this relationship whenever you want? In the end, you two made up and are living in the spotlight, while I’m living like a sewer rat! I lost my life, I lost my friends!”

Ci Cheng was momentarily speechless.

“What am I to you? A stumbling block on your path? Some unimportant friend you can throw away whenever you like?”

As she spoke, she became more agitated, her chest heaving. Her gaze swept over to the mirror on the vanity, which reflected Ci Cheng’s beautiful outfit and her own worn-out appearance.

Nearly two years of bottled-up grievance, anger, and resentment suddenly broke through. Qiao Zina grabbed a chair and swung it violently at the vanity mirror.

CRASH!

With a sharp crack, the glass shattered instantly. Sharp fragments flew everywhere, some hit the floor, some bounced off the walls, and some cut the back of her hand, drawing beads of blood.

She didn’t seem to feel the pain. She stared intently at Ci Cheng, whose forehead had been sliced by a large shard. Blood gushed out.

“Why do you get to live so well? Why?!”

The sound of shattering glass alerted the staff waiting outside. The band members rushed back. For some reason, the backstage door hadn’t been fully closed, attracting a crowd. Fans curiously flocked over, and seeing the chaotic scene inside, they began pulling out their phones to film. Camera flashes went off one after another.

“Who is that? Why is she fighting with Ci Cheng?”

“She’s smashing things! Is she a stalker fan?”

“Look, she’s bleeding! What happened?”

“I don’t know. Just take photos first, we’ll check the trending searches later!”