The Sickly Fake Daughter, But a Beloved Darling of All - Chapter 9

Xu Chengjin took off her earphones, covering her burning ears. She gave Si Yu a short reply Okay”—then no longer looked at her phone, instead focusing on Jin Xi.

“Where are you planning to eat lunch?”

“I have a part-time job at noon, so I’ll just eat at the shop.”

Jin Xi’s voice was soft, and a trace of fatigue showed on her face. “I won’t be able to accompany you.”

Xu Chengjin was surprised. Her lips moved slightly—she hadn’t expected Jin Xi to work so hard, with even her free time consumed by part-time jobs.

“You’ve worked hard.” Chengjin’s little finger hooked lightly around Jin Xi’s. She sighed silently, eyes fixed unwaveringly on her. “Then we’ll meet again in the afternoon.”

Jin Xi’s gaze slid from Chengjin’s face to their interlaced fingers. Her breathing faltered for a second, but she quickly steadied it. Every word seemed to squeeze painfully out of her chest, but still she said:

“Okay.”

After morning classes ended, Jin Xi left right away. Chengjin, who had sat stiffly all morning, felt her whole body ache. She braced herself against the desk, afraid she might faint when she stood. Most classmates had already left; she stood for a bit before sinking back into her chair.

Her stomach hurt.

She had eaten breakfast, but the pain still came.

Leaning forward, Chengjin pressed a hand to the sharp ache. It struck so suddenly—fine one second, agonizing the next, leaving her drenched in sweat.

“It hurts so much…” she muttered to herself. She bit her lip hard enough to color it red, trembling, her eyes reddening with unshed tears.

From her bag she pulled out stomach medicine. With no water, she could only swallow it dry.

“So bitter.”

She gulped one pill, closed her eyes, and waited for it to work. The classroom was nearly empty now. Footsteps sounded, but she paid no attention—until someone abruptly cupped her face, forcing her to look up—

“What’s wrong with you?”

She didn’t know when Wu Boran had arrived, but now she was holding Chengjin’s face, looking deadly serious. “Are you unwell?”

Chengjin’s forehead was slick with sweat. Her ears buzzed, her vision blurred with haze. After a few blinks, her sight cleared enough to recognize who it was.

Why was she here?

Chengjin pursed her lips, lashes trembling. “Why are you here?”

“I… was passing by.” Boran dabbed sweat from Chengjin’s brow with a tissue, coughing lightly. “Should I take you to the infirmary?”

Chengjin’s thoughts were sluggish. She gave a faint hum through her nose, showing reluctance. “So bitter.”

She parted her lips, stuck out her tongue, and gazed at Boran with innocent eyes. “The medicine’s bitter.”

Her lips and tongue were a vivid red, and her wide-eyed look made it impossible to look away. Dropping her gaze, she murmured: “I’m thirsty.”

Boran froze a few seconds, then pulled one hand away, still cradling Chengjin’s face with the other. She raked a hand through her hair, pressing down the odd feeling rising inside her. “Can you walk? I’ll take you to buy some water.”

“My stomach hurts.”

Chengjin dodged her touch, trying to lie back on the desk to ride out the pain. But in the next instant, she was swept into Wu Boran’s arms. Resting her head against Boran’s shoulder, she caught a whiff of perfume. Strangely, it smelled just like her own.

Softly, she muttered, “Your scent smells just like mine.”

She could almost swear Wu Boran stiffened at that, as if caught.

“You just sprayed yours on me this morning.” Boran’s tone was dry. “Where exactly does it hurt?”

Chengjin gave a weak laugh. “My stomach. But I took medicine, it’s better now.”

“You ate breakfast this morning, didn’t you?” Boran gripped her shoulders, holding her upright. “Does it hurt a lot?”

“Not anymore.” Chengjin smiled faintly, voice fragile. “Didn’t think you’d come.”

Boran grunted and began gathering Chengjin’s things. “I think you just didn’t eat enough. Or your habits are bad. Anyway, I’ll pack this up, and you’re coming with me to eat.”

“You’re so fierce.” Chengjin rested her chin in one hand, peering up through heavy-lidded eyes. “I do eat properly.”

“You just don’t listen.”

Without giving her a chance to argue, Boran quickly stuffed her things away, then coldly extended a hand. “Hold on to me.”

Chengjin pretended to be startled. “Isn’t that improper?”

Her words made Boran pause, thinking deeply, then suddenly crouch down. “Then I’ll carry you.”

This time, Chengjin froze. Staring at Boran’s back, she curved her lips into a smile, lifted her little bag, and lightly placed her hand on Boran’s shoulder—

But the moment Boran reached back, her hand closed on air.

“Let’s go.”

The girl she was supposed to carry had already walked ahead. Standing before her, Chengjin beckoned with a grin. “I’m hungry. Come eat with me.”

Sunlight fell perfectly around her figure, as if meant for her alone.

Boran clenched her fists, then followed without hesitation.

The cafeteria was bustling. They each ordered a bowl of noodles. Chengjin ate slowly, and by the time she finished, Boran had been waiting ages.

Seeing her wipe her mouth and look up, Boran immediately said: “Finally done, my lady.”

“Chewing slowly is healthier.”

Feeling warm, Chengjin dabbed sweat from her forehead. “I won’t be staying in the dorm tonight.”

Boran narrowed her eyes. “Why? Don’t like it?”

“No.” Chengjin shook her head, equally puzzled. “My sister said there’s a banquet tonight. You’re not going?”

Boran blinked, then quickly opened her messages with her parents—her mother had indeed invited her, but she had refused.

“…I’ll go.” She typed a reply, then lifted her head with a crooked smile. “I forgot.”

Chengjin didn’t suspect anything. Checking the time, she realized she could nap before the event. Standing, she headed out. “My sister’s picking me up this afternoon. Do you want to come with me?”

“Sure.” Boran quickly followed. “Where are you going?”

“Back to sleep. I’m exhausted.”

“Oh.” Boran chuckled. “You should’ve said so sooner.”

Chengjin admitted fault sweetly: “Okay, my bad. Next time I’ll be clearer.”

At her coaxing, Boran dropped the subject and obediently accompanied her back to rest.

That afternoon, Chengjin had PE, but only needed to show up—she wasn’t required to exercise due to her health. While waiting for Boran, she decided to join Si Yu for a campus stroll—after all, a promise is a promise.

She woke earlier, heading to the track first. Jin Xi was already waiting and came up as soon as she saw her. “Chengjin.”

“Are you tired from work?” Chengjin clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head up. “You’re so early.”

Jin Xi nodded, then rested her head lightly on Chengjin’s shoulder. “I’m used to it.”

Chengjin ruffled her hair fondly, smiling. “I can’t work out with you.”

She’d gotten approval from the school: she had to attend class but didn’t have to participate, earning just a passing grade.

“It’s fine. Just being here is enough.” Jin Xi, knowing her health, nestled briefly into her neck before whispering, “What perfume are you wearing? It smells so nice.”

The brush of hair made Chengjin squirm ticklishly. Pushing her gently back, she exhaled. “Do you like it? If you do, I’ll give you a bottle.”

“I couldn’t use something so expensive.” Jin Xi’s tone was calm, as if resigned—everything on her was less valuable than a single blouse Chengjin wore.

They weren’t from the same world.

Hearing this, Chengjin’s smile faded into sadness. “Why do you think like that?”

Seeing her face change, Jin Xi quickly tried to soothe her. “No, it’s just the truth. I don’t need perfume at my part-time jobs.”

“We’re friends, aren’t we?” Chengjin’s hand slid down from her shoulder, stopping just above her heart. Even without touching, she could sense Jin Xi’s rapid heartbeat.

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. They would vanish with each blink, only to well again. “Please don’t think like that.”

Jin Xi’s pupils trembled. She rushed out, “Don’t be sad.”

“We’re friends.” She brushed away Chengjin’s tears, bowing her head. “Don’t cry because of me.”

“Would you dislike it if I wore the same perfume as you?” Chengjin gripped her collar, gently tugging her closer. Breath tickling her lips, she whispered, “Would you like it?”

They were so close Jin Xi could count her lashes. Flustered, she quickly steadied herself. “I’d like it. Anything from you, I’d like.”

“Then when I go home, I’ll bring one for you.” Chengjin let go, just as Jin Xi reached for her hand. “The teacher’s calling us. Let’s go.”

Jin Xi cleared her head, replying softly, “Okay.”

They’d chosen Tai Chi, an easy elective. Chengjin sat in the shade. Midway, a student asked for her contact, but before she could decline, Jin Xi had already refused for her.

“You’re drenched in sweat.” Chengjin handed her a tissue, sighing. “Do you still have to work at the café later?”

“Yeah. I’ve got two fixed jobs—five thousand a month.”

Chengjin’s eyes went wide. “That’s amazing, Jin Xi. You’re incredible.”

Her sincere praise tugged a smile from Jin Xi that she couldn’t suppress. She coughed lightly to cover it, changing the subject. “It’s not that impressive.”

Chengjin only chuckled silently. Just as she was about to speak, a familiar figure appeared—Si Yu.

“What is it?” Jin Xi, noticing Chengjin’s pause, turned—and instantly her smile vanished.

This “President Si”—she’d looked him up. The only Si family in S City, its head: Si Yu, 23, powerful and feared. Ruthless, the internet said.

How could Chengjin be involved with someone like that?

“Class is over. I have plans, so I’ll go first.” Chengjin stood, dusting herself off. As she left, she pressed a packet of tissues into Jin Xi’s hand. “Bye-bye.”

Jin Xi clenched the tissues tightly, forcing a smile. “Bye.”

But once her back was turned, Jin Xi’s brows knitted in a hard frown, eyes locked on Si Yu.

The sun blazed. Chengjin raised an arm to shield her face, but it was useless. Just as she hesitated, a shadow fell across her—Si Yu had arrived with an umbrella.

“Don’t you feel it’s scorching?”

“Burning.” Chengjin fanned herself, brow furrowed. “You’re done with work?”

“All done.” Of course, Si Yu had wrapped everything up before coming. “The school leaders wanted me to give a motivational talk. I said I wanted to stroll alone, but they wouldn’t let me, so they followed. Now, though, I’m with two.”

She handed over a mini fan. “Here, use this. It’s really too hot. You should rest instead.”

“I promised you.” Chengjin smiled faintly under the shade. Tugging her sleeve, she said, “Let’s go.”

Si Yu leaned closer, voice low. “Alright.”

The school leaders, watching, exchanged knowing looks. After all, both families donated generously each year.

“So you two know each other.” One chuckled, retreating. “We’ll leave you to it.”

“Thank you.”

Si Yu gave a slight nod, smile cool. “We’ll wander ourselves.”

Walking together under the trees, cicadas buzzing above, Si Yu said, “Back when I studied here, there weren’t this many plants.”

Now, the grounds looked beautifully improved.

“I like it,” Chengjin said softly. But she usually only walked late at night—when she wasn’t allowed out. Living in a dorm now, with curfews, she couldn’t even try.

Si Yu hummed in agreement, tilting the umbrella toward her. “How’s your health today? Fever gone?”

Mentioning it made her pout. “I had breakfast, but after class my stomach hurt again.”

“Did you see a doctor?” Si Yu frowned.

Chengjin shook her head. “No. I took medicine, felt better quickly.”

“Does this happen often?” Her tone carried concern. “You should get it checked when you can.”

Chengjin nodded quickly. “Okay. I’ll go. Maybe it’s from irregular meals before.”

She felt guilty admitting it—she was a picky eater, disliked cafeteria food. She used to have meals delivered, but stopped because it drew too much attention. Now she lived mostly on noodles or porridge.

After a pause, Si Yu asked, “How do you find the cafeteria food?”

“Good,” Chengjin answered honestly.

She kicked a pebble along the path. “But—”

Lifting her gaze, she added bitterly, “It doesn’t quite suit my stomach.”

“Then…” Si Yu hesitated, voice softening. “That breakfast I made—did you like it?”

“It was good.” Chengjin meant it. Folding her hands, she rubbed them together nervously. “Seems President Si can cook.”

“A little accomplished.” Si Yu’s lips curved with pride. “I’ll cook for you again sometime.”

Chengjin didn’t refuse—she brightened instead. “I’d like that.”

Si Yu studied her smile, licking her lips. “I have something for you.”

She stopped walking and pulled out a bracelet—a sleek, white fitness band. Minimalist and elegant.

“What’s this?”

“A fitness tracker?”

“Try it on.” Si Yu gestured. “It monitors your body. If anything’s wrong, it alerts the bound user.”

“My company’s latest product. Want to try?”

Chengjin caught on a single word. “Bound user… is that you?”

“Yes.” Calm, natural, Si Yu held her hand and fastened it on. “Don’t worry. I just care about you.”

“And I’m sorry about last time.”

Her eyes shone with a rare vulnerability. “Truly sorry.”

Remembering that day made Chengjin’s ears burn. She quickly covered Si Yu’s lips with her palm. “Don’t say it. It was mutual.”

“But with you as the bound user… isn’t that troublesome?”

“Of course not.” Si Yu laughed under her breath. “Not at all.”

“Then thank you.” Chengjin twirled her wrist, admiring the bracelet. “It’s beautiful. I love it.”

Si Yu’s smile deepened. “As long as you like it.”

“Tonight’s—”

“Xiao Jin!”

A voice called in the distance. Chengjin whipped around—her sister, Xu Jing. She ran over at once. “Sister!”

Si Yu bit her lip, following slowly. “President Xu.”

Xu Jing smiled warmly. “What a coincidence to see you here, President Si.”

Si Yu shook her hand, her tone firm:

“Not a coincidence. I came here deliberately.”