The Sour Plum Girl [Rebirth] - Chapter 4

When Song Yiran returned home, she saw Ms. Song still in the living room watching television it was a popular outdoor variety show.

She tiptoed over quietly, but just as she neared the sofa, Ms. Song suddenly turned around. Yiran was instantly startled. “Ah… Mom, you scared the life out of me!”

She hurriedly clutched her chest, looking like she hadn’t quite recovered from the shock. Ms. Song rolled her eyes.

“You silly girl, trying to be sneaky and failing miserably. Why are you back so late? What have you been up to?” Ms. Song made a move to stand up, rolling up her sleeves with a serious expression.

Out of the corner of her eye, Song Yiran checked the time; the clock was already pointing to midnight.

She immediately bent over and raised her hands above her head, palms pressed together in a pleading gesture. “Mom, I was wrong! I won’t do it again.”

“You even thought about a next time? I think you’re looking for a beating.” Ms. Song stepped forward and raised her hand in a mock strike. Song Yiran dodged to the side and rushed up the stairs, shouting as she ran, “Mom, it’s late, I’m going to sleep! You should go to bed early too!”

Her voice quickly vanished at the top of the stairs, followed by the sound of a door closing.

Ms. Song sighed helplessly. “What a mischievous child.” Her gaze returned to the television.

After closing her door, Song Yiran leaned her entire body against it, listening intently. She only let out a sigh of relief once she was certain there were no footsteps coming up the stairs.

Evidently, Ms. Song wasn’t in the mood to deal with her.

She leaped onto her bed; the soft mattress seemed to strip away the entire day’s exhaustion. Her whole body sank into it.

Thinking about how she was sleeping on such a soft bed, her thoughts drifted to Song Song. In that kind of environment, the bed was likely very hard.

After the bankruptcy in her past life, Yiran had also rented a house. In the beginning, she had spent every day with a sore back. She would wake up and cry every morning, but she had to be strong; at that time, Ms. Song was in poor health and needed money for medical treatment.

Thinking of this made her angry it was all because of her second uncle’s family. Total ingrates.

And then there was that “Green Tea” girl. Later on, when she saw Yiran enter the entertainment industry, she constantly used her wealth to trip Yiran up and smear her reputation. She spent her whole time marketing herself with a “rich socialite” persona; just thinking about it was infuriating.

Agitated by these thoughts, she punched her duvet in frustration.

“No way. This time, I’m going to make that Green Tea get as far away as possible.”

“Also, Song Song… how can I get her to agree to move in here?”

Song Yiran felt a bit dejected; she felt that Song Song was not someone easily fooled. With these thoughts swirling in her head, she gradually fell asleep.

The next morning, she got up early and went downstairs for breakfast. Ms. Song didn’t find this unusual.

The two sat at the dining table. Song Yiran poked at the wontons in her bowl and looked at a gift box on the sideboard. She asked curiously, “Mom, what’s that?”

Without looking up, Ms. Song replied, “A phone sent by a business partner. I was thinking of using it as a staff bonus.”

“Oh…” Yiran replied, continuing to scoop her wontons. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she looked at Ms. Song.

“Mom, give the phone to me. I have a use for it.”

“Didn’t you just buy a new one?”

“But I want it! I really have a use for it.” Seeing Ms. Song’s look of distrust, Song Yiran solemnly raised three fingers as if taking an oath.

Ms. Song: “…”

Ultimately, the phone was given to Song Yiran. After finishing breakfast, she hurried out the door. She was always rushing around like a whirlwind; Ms. Song felt helpless, but she was still happy to see her daughter so full of life.

First Encounter Coffee Shop

Song Yiran arrived early in the morning. The shop was crowded with office workers busy with their morning commute.

She watched Song Song working busily. Realizing Song Song didn’t have time to pay attention to her, Yiran found a random seat by the window and sat down.

After unlocking her phone, she opened the app. She saw many comments and private messages from Song Tian.

Song Tian: “Yiran baby, don’t worry, I’m here to protect you. Fly high and bold!” Song Tian: “Yiran baby, look, there are more and more people in the group. Let’s grow bigger and stronger together.” Song Tian: “Yiran baby, I noticed some anti-fans, but don’t worry, we’ve already controlled the comments.”

Seeing this, she chuckled softly and opened the chat with Song Tian. Since adding her as a friend, the two hadn’t actually chatted.

Song Yiran: “Next time you can just message me directly instead of leaving comments.”

A reply from Song Tian came quickly.

Song Tian: “Ahhh… really? I was afraid I’d be bothering you! After all, we just met, I’m still a little shy.” This was followed by a very cute cat emoji, very much in Song Tian’s style.

Song Yiran: “It’s fine. Now Song Song is one of us too; she and I are collaborating.”

Song Tian: “Huge gossip! Huge gossip!…” The chat box kept showing “is typing,” but no message appeared for a while. Song Yiran eventually closed the chat; Song Tian would see it eventually.

She opened the app and looked through the brand information and reviews she had bookmarked earlier. Many brands were all style and no substance; she prioritized texture and material.

She already had new inspiration for the next theme. She typed and deleted notes on her phone, and soon, the crowd in the shop thinned out significantly.

Song Song had been observing her out of the corner of her eye. She had wondered if Song Yiran was a scammer, but on second thought, she had nothing to lose. Yiran was likely here today for the collaboration. Seeing how serious Yiran looked now, the doubts in Song Song’s heart lessened.

Similar things had happened before, but those people were always after her. Before long, they would want to flirt or be with her. She had grown weary of such things.

Who asked her to be so famous back in school? Speaking of which, she had been foolish herself. Thinking of this, a mocking smile touched the corner of Song Song’s mouth.

As a partner, she remembered that Song Yiran liked Brown Sugar Macchiatos. Seeing that the time was right, she made one and carried it over to her table.

Sensing someone approaching, Song Yiran immediately locked her screen a habit formed over many years. Lifting her eyes, she met Song Song’s calm gaze. Song Song placed the cup gently on the table. “My treat.”

Instantly, Song Yiran’s eyes turned red. “Really?” As if looking at a precious treasure, she took several photos with her phone, then carefully cupped it with both hands, her face written with joy.

This left Song Song feeling a bit bewildered. It was just a cup of milk tea; surely it wasn’t that big of a deal? She looked at her in surprise; Yiran’s happiness didn’t seem faked at all.

Her eyes seemed to hold stars. She took a small sip and praised, “Song Song, thank you! This is the best macchiato I’ve ever had.”

“Mhm. As long as you like it.” You drank the same thing yesterday, Song Song thought. They all tasted the same, no difference. But looking at Yiran’s smile, Song Song swallowed the words.

Song Yiran snapped out of her excitement and quickly grabbed a bag next to her, handing it to Song Song. Song Song looked confused and didn’t take it.

Song Yiran explained, “This is a phone from my mom’s business partner. You don’t have one, so you can use this.”

She looked at Song Song expectantly, but Song Song’s expression turned sour, showing a posture of refusal.

Fearing she would overthink it, Song Yiran continued, “It’s not for free. Aren’t we collaborating? I’ll advance this from your salary. We’ll just deduct it until it’s paid off.”

“I don’t need a phone. Just pay me as usual.” Her voice was cold. For her right now, tuition and living expenses were more important than a phone. If she couldn’t maintain basic living, there was no need for such an expense.

Song Yiran looked troubled. “But if you don’t have a phone, it’s very inconvenient for me to contact you. If there’s something that needs changing, I’d have to make a trip here, which increases my workload. And if I ask you to come to me, you probably don’t have the time.”

She was very aware of Song Song’s situation; having a phone would clearly make things much better.

Song Song didn’t speak. Her eyes swept over the bag, appearing to be in deep thought. Song Yiran’s heart pounded—would she say she wanted to break off the partnership? That would be a case of good intentions leading to bad results. That couldn’t happen…

Just as she was about to speak, she heard Song Song ask, “Can I pay in installments?”

Song Yiran was stunned for a moment.

Song Song said seriously, “Regarding the salary, I’ll keep what I need for living and the rest will go toward the installments. It might take a long time. Do you accept that?”

“If not, then—”

Before she could finish, Song Yiran immediately agreed. “Of course I accept! Here, take it. I wrote a note inside with my contact info. Remember to add me once you get a SIM card.”

Seeing Song Song take the bag, Song Yiran breathed a sigh of relief and added, “Don’t worry, it’s brand new and unopened. Congratulations on your new phone!”

Song Yiran stared at Song Song admiringly, thinking to herself: As expected of the great Song Song, she even thought of installments. In the future, there’s 24-month interest-free financing; as long as you dare to buy, there’s nothing you can’t pay for in installments.

Song Song took the bag; it had some weight to it. She didn’t open it, but the corners of her mouth curled up in a smile that was both kind and slightly distant. “I’ll contact you once I have it set up. Did you come here today just for this? Is there anything else?”

“Of course! I’ve already thought of the theme for the next issue. I wanted to go over it with you, but it looks like you’re about to be busy.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Song Song’s colleague waving. A second later, they called out for her.

Song Song could only offer an apology to Song Yiran. Seeing her head back to work, Song Yiran felt a bit helpless. Finally, she picked up her bag and waved goodbye to Song Song.

With a phone, communication would be much easier in the future; Song Song wouldn’t have to keep waiting for her here.

Yiran needed to scout an outdoor location first. For the new theme, she was thinking of the beach. However, she hadn’t decided on a photographer yet. After a moment of thought, she remembered Song Tian.

In her past life, Song Tian was Song Song’s “fansite master.” Many of the legendary photos and merchandise were handled by her. Thinking of this, she opened the chat.

Song Yiran: “Babe, are you free this afternoon? Could you come out and help me take some photos? I can pay you.”

With a ding, Song Tian replied instantly.

Song Tian: “Ahhh… it would be my honor! Where are you? I’ll be there right away!”

Song Yiran: “Are you free right now?”

Song Tian: “Whenever Yiran baby calls, I’m there.”

Song Yiran chuckled. She really had a way with words. She finally understood why Song Song had so many die-hard fans in the past; Song Tian likely deserved a lot of the credit.

Song Yiran and Song Tian met up and went to the beach. Initially, her impression of Song Tian’s photography was just basic. But after she explained her ideas, every single shot Song Tian took hit the mark perfectly. She was a kindred spirit.

The shoot went very smoothly. She originally wanted to give Song Tian a “red envelope” (cash gift), but Song Tian wouldn’t accept it, so Yiran treated her to dinner instead.

Song Tian was a very passionate girl. Every time she spoke, it was pleasant and relaxing. The meal was wonderful, and Yiran gathered a lot of information about Song Song from her.

After saying goodbye to Song Tian, Yiran walked back alone. Unconsciously, she found herself walking toward the “Night Colors” bar where Song Song worked.

She thought about what Song Tian had said. Song Song’s mother was a famous pharmaceutical executive in North City, but she had been dropped off in Yuncheng to live with her grandmother very early on. Her mother didn’t like her at all.

Two years ago, after her grandmother passed away, the house was taken to pay off debts. Song Song’s mother never returned, leaving her all alone. She had to rely on part-time jobs to put herself through school. Because Song Song was so beautiful, she was frequently harassed, and other girls were jealous of her.

She was often bullied at school, but she always remained silent, which only made the bullies more aggressive. Song Tian wasn’t at the same school, but every time she visited, she helped drive those pests away. Song Song’s indifferent attitude always made Song Tian angry.

If she was a rose, the soil nourishing her was already rotten to the core—so rotten that even standing up felt like a pipe dream.

During such long, dark days, with what kind of heart did Song Song face the world?

Song Yiran walked into the bar. In the dim light, Song Song stood at the bar, expressionless, mixing drinks.

She was too beautiful so stunning that she instantly commanded attention. Her cold demeanor made those who came there long to pull her into the mud, desperate to see her fall.

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