The White Moonlight is So Scheming - Chapter 23

The air hung heavy for several moments.

Just as Shen Juexia began to feel that something was off, Ji Zhijie suddenly spoke: “Of course, there’s no need to be afraid. It’s not like I’m going to do anything to you.”

A faint smile flickering in his eyes, Ji Zhijie turned and walked forward, settling onto the sofa in the living room. He poured a glass of lemon water for Shen Juexia and placed it on the coffee table before looking back at her. “Still not planning to come in? Are you trying to find a job at my doorstep?”

After changing her shoes, Shen Juexia closed the door behind her. “What job?”

“Standing at the door without coming in. Thought you wanted to be a door guardian at my place.” Tapping the armrest lightly, Ji Zhijie looked amused.

“You’re insane. Could you even afford me?”

Shooting Ji Zhijie a sidelong glance, Shen Juexia sat down on the other end of the sofa and picked up the glass on the table. Casually, she asked, “So, how do you plan to teach me? Don’t blame me for not warning you. I have zero experience in acting.”

“It’s fine. This is an adaptation of Miss Julie. Let’s watch it together first, and you can try to feel the emotional shifts of the female lead, okay?” His index finger resting on the mouse, Ji Zhijie half-knelt beside the coffee table, earnestly seeking Shen Juexia’s opinion.

Taking a sip of the lemon water, Shen Juexia crossed her legs and replied breezily, “Sure, go ahead and play it.”

“Alright.”

With a nod, Ji Zhijie tapped the screen lightly.

The computer screen went black.

“Aunt Liu, tidy up the guest room on the first floor.” After saying this, Shen Tinghan strode straight to the second floor.

Sister, is she throwing a tantrum?

The all-black Bentley glided into the underground garage. The car had barely come to a stop by the elevator when Shen Tinghan opened the door and instructed He Ling, “Wait here. Keep the engine running.”

“Yes, President Shen.” Covering her ringing ears, the noise in her cochlea only grew louder.

Shaking her head slowly, Shen Juexia instinctively tried to step back.

Behind her was a cold marble wall.

There was no retreat.

The back of her head slammed hard against the wall.

Her slender spine collided with the unyielding stone, the pain jolting her back to awareness.

No wonder. No matter how she asked, Ji Zhijie refused to tell her the reason for his injury.

Gritting her lower lip and clenching her fists, Shen Juexia stammered, “Her hand… her hand… Why would it…?”

As if caught red-handed, Lin Jie avoided Shen Juexia’s bloodshot gaze, unease creeping into her voice. “She went crazy on her own, okay? Let me tell you, if I hadn’t pulled her back out of kindness, she would’ve face-planted right into the flower bed. At the very least, she’d be disfigured! A broken nail is getting off easy!”

Her throat suddenly felt as if it were being strangled.

Her fingers tensed, trembling uncontrollably.

It wasn’t Ji Zhijie who had gone crazy.

This was all her fault.

The automatic glass doors slid open. Spotting Shen Tinghan, the TV station’s executive hurried forward. “President Shen, as per your instructions, we’ve taken down all the live broadcast replays and related materials from this episode.”

Stepping into the elevator, Shen Tinghan remained silent, her face icy.

“President Shen, today was just a case of our subordinates not knowing any better. A misunderstanding among allies. I’ve already reprimanded them thoroughly.” Though half-buried in years, the director forced an awkward smile, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes piling up in discomfort as she apologized to someone decades her junior.

“Ding dong, the 13th floor has arrived.”

“No need for education; just follow the normal legal procedures.” The silver elevator doors slid open slowly. Shen Tinghan glanced back at her briefly, his words concise. “All collaborations between Shen Corporation and your television station are hereby terminated. Regarding today’s broadcast incident, our legal department will draft a lawsuit tonight.”

“President Shen, perhaps we could discuss this further?” The outcome was worse than anticipated. Director Wang’s face paled as he hurried after him.

Unwilling to let anyone witness Shen Juexia’s disheveled state, Shen Tinghan suddenly halted and lowered his gaze to her. “Did Zhang Yue not inform you that I don’t want anyone appearing on the 13th floor?”

After receiving the notice from their side, the television station had immediately cleared the floor at top speed. The 13th floor, where was there anyone else now?

Meeting Shen Tinghan’s gaze.

Director Wang finally realized that the person he was referring to was her.

“Then I won’t disturb you any further.” Finding an excuse to save face, Director Wang cleared his throat. “The D3 elevator is currently semi-locked. No employees from the station will use it, so you needn’t worry.”

“Hmm.” Lifting his chin slightly, Shen Tinghan continued forward.

Watching Shen Tinghan’s figure disappear around the corridor corner, Director Wang sighed and retraced his steps.

Turning to Ji Zhijie, who was seated on the sofa, Shen Juexia bit the soft flesh inside her cheek and spoke softly, “Ji Zhijie, I’m going upstairs to check on my sister. You have some more fruit?”

Picking out the plumpest strawberry from the fruit platter with deliberate slowness, Ji Zhijie looked up and said, “Let me feed you this strawberry, and I’ll tell you what’s wrong with her.”

How could Ji Zhijie possibly know what was wrong with her sister? Ah, this was probably just her way of being coquettish…

Shaking her head, Shen Juexia tucked her hair behind her ear and leaned down.

Staring at her rosy tongue, Ji Zhijie narrowed her eyes and pressed the strawberry into her mouth. “Is it good?”

The sweet, honeyed fragrance of the strawberry spread across her palate.

Shen Juexia nodded. “Very sweet.”

________________________________________

As evening approached, the sunlight was soft and warm.

The sleek silver-gray sports car gleamed with an alluring radiance, like a flowing gemstone.

Seated in the passenger seat, Shen Juexia looked over curiously. “Sister, why are you driving yourself today?”

One hand rested on the steering wheel, while the other lay naturally on the center console.

“I didn’t want an extra person.”

Ah… Burying her head, she pulled the person all the way to the emergency exit.

The more she thought about it, the more this reasoning made sense.

Steadying her nerves, Shen Juexia asked in a low voice, “Have you seen my sister at all during this time?”

Rubbing her slightly reddened wrist, Lin Jie was about to complain when Shen Juexia mentioned Shen Tinghan, and her expression suddenly turned gossipy. “What’s up with Tinghan-jie?”

Gripping her shoulders tightly, Shen Juexia’s eyes reddened at the corners.

“Answer me. Have you seen her or not?”

Never having seen Shen Juexia like this before, Lin Jie lost all desire to joke around.

“Of course, I’ve seen her!” Lin Jie exclaimed, struggling to break free from her grasp. “Didn’t she come to the school to watch your performance that day? Several of us saw her. Why are you only interrogating me?”

When had they seen her?!

There had been no one else at the arts center at that time.

And afterward, she had deliberately kept her umbrella tilted low the entire time.

“You messed up all my clothes!” Lin Jie glared at her unhappily, venting her frustration, “Both you and Ji Zhijie are insane, going crazy the moment you hear Tinghan’s name.”

The color in her pupils instantly faded.

Shen Juexia stared at her blankly, “Cr-crazy… What do you—”

What does that mean?

For a brief moment, she froze.

Her ears burning, Shen Juexia’s face flushed so red it seemed about to drip blood.

What her sister meant was…

She only wanted to be alone with her.

The scenery outside the car window kept moving backward. Clutching the bouquet in her arms, Shen Juexia couldn’t help stealing glances at the person beside her from time to time.

Stars seemed to fall into her eyes.

Her dark, glistening pupils reflected the figure of Shen Tinghan.

Gazing intently.

Yet Shen Juexia suddenly seemed lost in thought.

A faint smile playing on her lips.

Her phoenix eyes shimmering, Shen Tinghan raised an eyebrow and asked, “Little princess, when are we getting out of the car?”

Only then did Shen Juexia notice the motionless scenery behind her.

They had already arrived long ago.

Like a little rabbit caught by a fox.

Shen Juexia quickly averted her gaze, unfastened her seatbelt, and pushed the door hard, but no matter how much force she used, it wouldn’t open.

She turned her head.

The little rabbit’s eyes held a questioning look.

The usually cool phoenix eyes now brimmed with amused delight. Raising a hand to hide the smile at the corner of her lips, Shen Tinghan subtly pressed them down.

Staring at Shen Juexia.

Her fingers resting on the control panel moved slightly.

With a “click.”

The sound was unusually crisp in the quiet car.

Her fingertips tinged with a translucent pink, her tongue lightly licking them, Ji Zhijie said earnestly, “It really is sweet.”

“You… tone it down a little!” Glancing guiltily toward the second floor, the little rabbit’s ears perked up warily.

With a careless smile, Ji Zhijie said cryptically, “She’s not angry. She just has important matters to attend to.”

“Did you study medicine abroad, or fortune-telling?” Shen Juexia retorted mercilessly, not taking her words seriously at all, pursing her lips as she said, “Be good, I’ll come down to find you soon.”

Long lashes casting a small shadow under her eyes, Ji Zhijie nodded lightly, a faint, elusive smile on her lips.

Soon, a shiny logo popped up in the middle, and gradually, a cheerful yet lonely background melody began to play.

At the start of the film, a beautiful blonde girl sat alone on her bed, flipping through a colorful picture book.

The girl tilted her head to look at the photo frame by the bed.

In the photo, her mother held her as a child, smiling tenderly. But now her mother had long passed away, and her father was rarely home.

“The dumplings are ready.” Carrying a white porcelain plate out of the kitchen, Ji Zhijie asked Shen Tinghan, who was sitting on the sofa, “Why are you alone? Where’s Shen Juexia?”

Closing the laptop on her lap and rising from the sofa, Shen Tinghan walked as she spoke, “A director sent her a new script. She’s upstairs on the phone. It’ll probably take her a few more minutes to come down.”

“Then eat by yourself.” Ji Zhijie coldly handed over the chopsticks.

Hah, not calling her ‘sister’ now? “Buzz… buzz…” The phone, already on silent mode, vibrated lightly on the table twice.

Glancing at the caller ID.

Frowning, Qiu Hao flipped the phone face down.

“Shen Congjun?” Twirling a pen between her fingers leisurely, Shen Tinghan asked casually.

“It’s Elder Shen.” Despite being of a higher seniority than Shen Tinghan, Qiu Hao couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence every time he faced him. Looking at the contract before him, he asked, “How long will it take to get her temporary medical practice permit approved?”

Shen Huimin actually wants to get involved too…

A faint shadow flickered in his eyes as Shen Tinghan uncapped his pen, his tone indifferent. “Two or three days at the earliest, a week at the latest.”

“Alright.” Without further ado, Qiu Hao signed his name on the equity transfer agreement without hesitation.

Closing the black folder, just as he was about to stand and leave, Qiu Hao couldn’t resist asking, “How do you plan to deal with him?”

Qiu Hao’s father and Shen Huimin were comrades-in-arms. He had grown up with Shen Congjun, and though he disapproved of Shen Congjun’s ways, he had still helped him out many times over the years.

If Shen Congjun knew his place, it wouldn’t be so bad to let him muddle through his life in foolish ignorance…

But unfortunately—

He couldn’t stop him from bringing trouble upon himself.

A faint smile curled Shen Tinghan’s thin lips, but his amber eyes remained icy as he said leisurely, “This is a society governed by law now.”

The hand pressed against her shoulder clenched into a fist.

Trembling with anger, Ji Jiezhe raised her voice, “Shen Juexia, you’re a liar! If that’s the case, why did you have to come and provoke me? Wasn’t one enough?!”

“No, I didn’t expect this either.”

Her pale cheeks flushed with rage, and her bloodless lips now looked startlingly vivid. Ji Jiezhe glared at her furiously. “Didn’t expect what? You’ve played both of us for fools, and now you’re still pretending with me!”

“At first, I just wanted to be friends with you. I didn’t expect to fall for you later.”

“Damn it!”

The little rabbit shivered in fright.

Gasping for breath, the corners of her eyes tinged red, Ji Jiezhe bit her tongue hard to stay clear-headed. “How dare you think I’d believe your lies now!”

“I’m telling the truth.”

Weakly, Shen Juexia repeated herself.

“Hah.” A cold laugh escaped Ji Jiezhe’s lips, now stained with blood. She gritted her teeth and asked, “Can you even tell the difference yourself? Who is it you actually like?!”

“I never treated you as a replacement for anyone.”

Her dark, bright almond eyes were like polished jade.

Meeting Ji Jiezhe’s gaze, holding her breath, Shen Juexia spoke word by word, “I like you, Ji Jiezhe. If I’m lying, then may I—”

Ji Jiezhe yanked Shen Juexia’s wrist.

Seeing the coldness in her eyes.

Knowing she wouldn’t let Shen Congjun off easily.

But his own mother still needed her favor, so he only asked this one question and didn’t press further.

After Qiu Hao left, the air grew eerily silent.

Only irregular gasps echoed in the hallway.

Listening to Shen Juexia’s ragged breathing.

Lin Jie had a feeling she might collapse any second.

Nervously licking her lips, she cautiously asked, “Is there anything else you want to ask? If not, I need to go in for—”

Her teeth bit into her lower lip.

Tiny beads of blood seeped from her cherry-pink lips.

Holding back tears, taking a deep breath, Shen Juexia’s voice was hoarse. “When did Ji Jiezhe see it?”

“See what?” It took Lin Jie a few seconds to react. “Oh, you mean Tinghan-jie?”

Her lips pressed tightly together.

Shen Juexia’s gaze was pleading.

She didn’t understand why she was fixating on this.

After a brief moment of recollection, Lin Jie frowned and answered carefully, “She probably saw Tinghan-jie open the car door for you and help you inside? Mainly, when I ran into Ji Jiejie, she had already been standing in the rain for a while, so I’m not entirely sure how long she had been watching.”

Her fingers dug into her nails.

Sniffling, Shen Juexia nodded heavily. “Th-thank you…”

Before she could finish speaking, tears spilled uncontrollably from her eyes.

Turning her head away in embarrassment, she wiped her cheeks roughly with the back of her hand, avoiding Lin Jie’s probing gaze as she stumbled out of the room.

Watching Shen Juexia’s retreating figure, Lin Jie was utterly baffled.

Fingers gripping a fountain pen, Shen Tinghan’s expression was complicated.

Accepting the chopsticks handed to her, she pulled out a dining chair.

Her amber eyes flickered with rare surprise as they swept over the dumplings on the plate. Shen Tinghan silently tightened her grip on the chopsticks. “You saw her?”

The motion of folding the apron slowed for a fraction of a second. Instead of answering Shen Tinghan’s question directly, Ji Jiejie lowered her long lashes. “She’s living happily now. She asked me to tell you… that she’s sorry.”

“Disgusting. I’d almost forgotten this taste.” Shen Tinghan set down her chopsticks after just one bite.

“Then don’t eat it.” Turning off the faucet and drying her hands, Ji Jiejie headed upstairs. “There’s another filling in the pot. Serve yourself.”

A slight frown creased Shen Tinghan’s brow as she stared at the dumplings on her plate.

How strange. She had thought she no longer cared about that person at all.

The scent dragged her memories back to a distant past. She still remembered—it had been just an ordinary afternoon.

After Shen Juexia was born, Xie Qingyue’s condition had improved significantly.

On a whim that day, Xie Qingyue stopped Aunt Chen, who had been about to make dumplings, and personally prepared a pot for them.

The taste had been unbelievably awful.

But she had still eaten them all happily.

Just like now.

Secret photos?

This is jiejie…

Hearing faint rustling sounds from behind the door, Shen Tinghan lowered her lashes, already guessing what she was up to.

Adjusting her sunglasses and mask, Shen Juexia gripped the doorknob and cracked the door open just a sliver. “Jiejie?”

“There’s no one else. Right now, it’s just the two of us on this floor.” Shen Tinghan didn’t rush her, speaking softly instead.

Just the two of them—her and jiejie.

Realizing this, her fingers curled slightly.

Eyes dark and twisted, Qin Xu sat in his car, clutching the hastily developed photos, a glint of determination flashing in his gaze.

Half an hour earlier, capturing evidence of Shen Juexia’s secret rendezvous with her “sponsor” had thrilled him beyond measure. Armed with the photos on his phone, he immediately sought out Xu Wei, intending to use this scandal to ruin Shen Juexia’s reputation.

She had skyrocketed to fame during her sophomore year with a perfume commercial.

Later, as a junior, she broke out in variety shows with her acting skills.

All the press releases hailed her as a rising star with genuine talent—no backing, yet she won a newcomer award within two years of debut?

If he leaked the blackmail material in his hands, her fans would turn on her within a day.

Weaving quickly through the crowd, Qin Xu cast a glance at Shen Juexia standing some distance away before sidling up to Xu Wei. Lowering his voice, he said, “Director Xu, there’s something important I need to discuss with you in private.”

Xu Wei, who had been catching up with an old friend, sounded slightly impatient when interrupted. “If you have something to say, say it here.”

Any later and it would be too late.

Once the hype died down, how could he still milk this for sympathy?

He had already come up with the perfect headline: “Watered-Down Awards, Qin Xu the Uncrowned King!”

Clutching his phone tightly, adrenaline surging, Qin Xu grabbed Xu Wei’s forearm. “Director Xu, just give me three minutes.”

The woman with immaculate makeup flashed a look of annoyance in her eyes, brushing off his hand. Xu Wei turned to her friend and said, “Wait for me a moment. There’s an urgent matter with the production team.”

The anxiety in his heart eased slightly.

Releasing the doorknob he had been gripping, Shen Juexia walked out of the lounge with her head lowered.

Those usually cold phoenix eyes now brimmed with tenderness reserved only for Shen Juexia. Tightening her grip on Shen Juexia’s hand, Shen Tinghan interlaced their fingers firmly and lifted her gaze toward the surveillance camera.

Even through the computer screen, the station director couldn’t help but feel a shiver in his heart. “Wang Zhu, the station is about to face a storm this time.”

The legal department of the Shen Group was notoriously difficult to deal with. Just thinking about the fallout gave her a splitting headache. Wang Zhu scolded in frustration, “I told you those kids were too eager for quick success, chasing ratings without any regard for consequences. How could they handle the news like this? Now they’ve brought trouble upon themselves.”

“Sigh, this time even I can’t shield them.”

The long-time colleagues exchanged glances, both seeing the helplessness and a newfound wariness toward the younger generation in each other’s eyes—

The hallway was completely empty.

Yet, Shen Juexia couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

Noticing the tremble in her fingertips, Shen Tinghan’s eyes filled with unmistakable heartache. Slowing her steps, she said softly, “Your sister will stay by your side. Don’t be afraid. Let’s go home, okay?”

Shen Juexia nodded quickly, then murmured, “Sister, will I never be able to act again?”

“Of course not. As long as you like—”

“But the people online all say I’m disgusting, that they never want to see me again…” As if struggling to get the words out, Shen Juexia spoke haltingly. “Sister, I… everyone hates me.”

Every word from Shen Juexia’s lips felt like a sharp knife, slicing into the tender flesh of Shen Tinghan’s heart.

Guilt and heartache twisted together.

Extending her arms, Shen Tinghan gently pulled her into an embrace.

“I’m sorry. It’s all because I didn’t protect you well enough. I came too late.” Her voice carried a hoarse bitterness as she slowly stroked Shen Juexia’s hair, amber eyes burning with suppressed fury.

Delicate fingers clutched the fabric of Shen Tinghan’s coat, and hiding in her embrace, Shen Juexia whispered, “It’s not your fault, Sister. I don’t… I don’t blame you…”

“I’ll make them pay for this.” The smile on her lips turned genuine.

“Miss Lin, our second young miss is upstairs. Let me get you a clean pair of slippers.”

Outwardly, nothing seemed amiss. Time was running late.

The school hallway was nearly deserted.

A sudden thunderstorm swept past.

Draping the quiet campus in a thin veil of mist.

The sky resembled an unfinished canvas, dark clouds and blue sky entwined tightly, the unpredictable weather making it impossible to guess whether the next moment would bring sunshine or a downpour.

Opening the weather forecast app.

She shoved the displayed page right in front of Ji Zhijie’s face.

Friday.

Cloudy turning to sunny.

“It’s been raining nonstop, where’s the ‘turning to sunny’?!” Hands on her hips, Shen Juexia pouted in dissatisfaction. “I told you the weather forecast wasn’t reliable, but you didn’t believe me before.”

Staring at the young mistress before him, puffed up like an angry little pufferfish.

Opening the umbrella, Ji Zhijie patiently coaxed, “Of course I believe you. It’s just a short walk to the activity center, and the rain isn’t heavy. Should we hurry over now?”

“Last time, when I asked you to check if it was raining outside you took forever,” Shen Juexia rolled her eyes, flipping through her little notebook again.

“That was—”

“Didn’t you say you believed me?!”

“It’s just that I tend to overthink things. Luckily, luckily you haven’t gotten tired of me.” Sensing the spark that could ignite at any moment, Ji Zhijie quickly tried to make amends.

Tilting her small face upward.

The bristling tail was easily smoothed down.

Linking arms with the girl.

Biting her lip, Shen Juexia gave a light hum, “Hurry up, didn’t you say we’re in a rush?”

The umbrella naturally tilted to one side.

Though their heights differed, their strides matched perfectly.

The fine, slanting mist of rain.

Scattered by the wind.

Side by side, the girls lightly crushed the dampness of early summer beneath their feet.

Most of the classmates had already left.

The empty classroom held only a few remaining students, each buried in their books and notes, focused on reviewing.

After tidying up the cluttered desk.

Zipping up her backpack, just as Shen Juexia was about to sling it over her shoulder.

“Let me.”

Snatching her pink backpack, Ji Zhijie asked softly, “Give me more chances to make it up to you, okay?”

Shen Juexia froze for a moment.

Then, suppressing the curve of her lips, she said nonchalantly, “Whatever.”

With that, Shen Juexia dashed out of the classroom.

Watching her swaying ponytail.

Clenching her palm, Ji Zhijie’s gaze softened.

A five-minute walk.

Took them a full fifteen minutes.

Walking side by side to the school gate.

Lowering her head, Ji Zhijie handed the backpack to her, “Shen Juexia, see you tomorrow.”

Taking the backpack, Shen Juexia nodded lightly.

Only after watching Shen Juexia get into the car.

Did Ji Zhijie turn and walk away in the opposite direction.

But in truth, she noticed every little detail.

Sensing the strange atmosphere, Lin Jie glanced left and right, her gaze slowly sweeping over Cheng Jue, a chill instantly ran down her spine.

Thinking she was just there to play messenger.

Little did she know, things were far more complicated than she imagined.

She had long heard about the tangled relationships in their family.

But it was this intense?!

Eyes burning with excitement, Lin Jie sniffled and eagerly ran upstairs.

“Shen Juexia!” The emergency room of the hospital.

The infusion ward.

Holding onto Ji Zhijie’s arm.

Shen Juexia practically clung to her entire body.

The washing machine emitted a “gurgling” sound as it spun.

Standing by the balcony sink, Ji Zhijie couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory of the earlier scene.

Though she had already figured out it wasn’t “bed-wetting,” the usually uninhibited young lady had still been so embarrassed she seemed like a different person, grabbing the towel and running into the bathroom without looking back.

Carefully washing the stain from the front of the dress.

Taking out a hanger, smoothing the dress’s frills, and hanging it where the sunlight hit directly.

Glancing at the washing machine, which still had over ten minutes left, she dried her palms, took out clean bedsheets from the closet, and bent down to remake the bed.

Gently pressing the door handle.

The bathroom door slowly opened.

The dense steam was suddenly dispersed by the hot air, rushing out in clusters and forming a dappled rainbow in the sunlight.

Hearing the noise from behind.

Turning around, Ji Zhijie lifted her gaze toward the door.

Seaweed-like hair cascaded down to her waist, the ends slightly damp.

Fingers clutching the hem of her T-shirt, Shen Juexia lowered her head and spoke awkwardly, “My hair got wet by accident while I was showering.”

The bedsheet, which had been folded neatly, was tucked under the mattress.

“Sit on the chair and wait for me. I’ll go get the hairdryer.” With a faint smile, Ji Zhijie brushed past Shen Juexia and walked into the bathroom.

A glimmer of light flickered in her almond-shaped eyes.

Her lips parted slightly, but in the end she said nothing.

“It’s all your fault that I’m eating so late,” Shen Juexia huffed, plopping down onto the stool. “I’m practically starving. You go stand in line yourself.”

“What do you want to eat?”

Ji Zhijie glanced subtly toward the second-floor cafeteria.

Tilting her head, Shen Juexia propped her chin on her hand and said, “I’m so hungry I could eat anything. I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

“Alright, then wait here for me.”

The peak dining hours had already passed.

Students who had finished their meals were gradually getting up and leaving.

More and more empty seats appeared in the cafeteria, and without the usual crowd blocking the view, the far end of the dining hall was clearly visible.

Rubbing her empty stomach, Shen Juexia suddenly realized. Ji Zhijie wasn’t standing in the line at the ordering counter.

Wait.

Had Ji Zhijie run off again?!

Grinding her little canines in frustration, Shen Juexia slapped the table and stood up, ready to hunt her down.

Just then, Ji Zhijie descended from the second-floor cafeteria, carrying a takeout bag.

Meeting Shen Juexia’s puffed-up cheeks with a puzzled look, she blinked. “Aren’t we eating in the cafeteria?”

The anger instantly fizzled out.

Shen Juexia took the bag from her hands.

Peeling open the plastic lid of the meal box, the little rabbit looked up and asked, “Why did you go to the second floor today?”

Grabbing a pair of chopsticks and sitting across from her, Ji Zhijie explained, “We’re graduating soon, and I still have a lot of money left on my card. I suddenly felt like treating myself.”

“Fine~”

Accepting the chopsticks, Shen Juexia was thoroughly pleased with the lunch selection.

Crab roe steamed rice cakes, fermented black bean yellow croaker, and sea urchin tofu hot pot; how coincidental that they were all her favorites!

Seeing through the young mistress’s little delight, a hint of amusement shimmered in Ji Zhijie’s amber eyes.

Sitting on the cold metal chair, her hand attached to an IV drip, Ji Zhijie watched the bustling hospital corridor when Shen Juexia’s figure suddenly surfaced in her mind.

How strange.

She had spent so much of her life alone.

Yet in such a short time, she had already grown accustomed to Shen Juexia’s presence.

Tilting her head back, the bright ceiling lights stung her eyes though glaring, the light carried only a sterile chill.

The IV fluid dripped slowly through the tube, entering her bloodstream bit by bit, and with it, time trickled away.

The soft glow of the setting sun spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a faint sheen over the polished marble floor.

Seated at the dining table, Shen Juexia propped her chin in her hand and glanced toward the kitchen.

Dressed in a deep blue casual shirt with sleeves casually rolled up, Shen Tinghan moved with practiced grace.

How odd…

Why was her sister cooking today?

Not dwelling on it for long, she opened WeChat and tapped into her conversation with Ji Zhijie.

Ji Zhijie had been even more baffling.

She hadn’t replied to any of her messages since yesterday.

The little rabbit pouted unhappily, grumbling inwardly:

Hmph!

Next Monday, Ji Zhijie is dead meat.

Just look at this!

Being cooped up for too long really does mess with your head.

It’s only been three days without going outside, and she’s already hearing things.

Sigh… why did it have to be Lin Jie?

Her thoughts were clearly all about Ji Zhijie.

Her chin rested on the plush head of a stuffed toy, her slender, pale fingers listlessly tugging at its ears.

Her lips pouted pitifully.

Shen Juexia looked like a little rabbit deprived of carrots.

“Shen Juexia!”

Knocking on the door with curled fingers, Lin Jie called out again.

Her seaweed-like dark hair cascaded down her back, the short sleeves revealing arms as fair as lotus roots. Clutching a soft bunny plushie, Shen Juexia widened her eyes in surprise.

Why did it feel like—

She was suddenly seeing two rabbits?

Lin Jie shook her head.

Banishing the bizarre image from her mind.

Like a spy on a mission, she turned her head and sneakily glanced behind her. After confirming no one was watching, she finally let out a heavy sigh of relief.

“Lin Jie, why are you…”

“Shh!”

Pushing up imaginary glasses on the bridge of her nose, Lin Jie stepped into the bedroom and lowered her voice. “Shen Juexia, are you being watched?”

“Huh?” Tilting her head, Shen Juexia couldn’t follow her train of thought.

Her lashes fluttered beneath the sunglasses as the little rabbit nodded and said, “Sister, I want to go home. Let’s go home together.”

Phoenix eyes narrowing slightly, the veins on the back of her hand faintly visible, Shen Tinghan masked the cold glint in her gaze and replied gently, “Mm, let’s go home.”

Just when all seemed lost, a new path appeared. Shen Juexia regained her rhythm of breathing, her eyes flickering as she rubbed her nose and lifted her chin proudly. “Hmph, I took a great photo, didn’t I?”

“It’s alright.” The dusk outside the window deepened as Shen Juexia turned off the tablet and stretched on the couch. “Sister, it’s getting late. You need to rest early these days.”

Her fingers paused briefly over the keyboard before Shen Tinghan’s gaze settled on her face. “Are you leaving?”

“Yeah, why?” Shen Juexia handed her a glass of warm water.

The tips of Shen Tinghan’s ears tinged pink as she didn’t take the glass but suddenly blurted out, “I… can’t sleep alone.”

Al…one?

The car came to a stop in front of the hospital.

Glancing at the time, Zheng Yating turned to Ji Zhijie. “Can you manage on your own? There’s still some time. If not, I can go with you to register.”

A faint smile touched her lips.

Veiling the mockery in her eyes.

Ji Zhijie replied, “It’s fine. I’ve always been alone.”

Hearing this, Zheng Yating couldn’t help but frown.

Why did she suddenly feel—

Ji Zhijie’s aura seemed different now.

Her eyes swept over Ji Zhijie before landing on her right hand. “What happened to your hand? You should’ve gone to the hospital to get it bandaged. Is the wound deep? What kind of injury is it?”

Glancing down at her injury, Ji Zhijie answered flatly, “It’s nothing. Just a fall.”

“Why do you keep getting hurt lately? The wound on your calf probably hasn’t fully healed, and now you’ve fallen again.” With that, Zheng Yating waved her hand. “Take better care of yourself. Time’s almost up, so I won’t keep you.”

“Alright, thank you, Dr. Zheng.”

Her gaze lingered on Shen Juexia.

For a brief moment, it froze.

Then, she suddenly noticed the little rabbit’s tell.

Amused, she savored the sight of the young mistress’s flushed ears.

Lowering her gaze, Ji Zhijie said earnestly, “Mmm, then I’ll have to trouble you to practice with me more often from now on.”

Scenes from their “practice” flashed before her eyes.

Her little face flushed crimson as Shen Juexia stomped her foot and scolded, “You’re shameless!”

Pulling back the curtain.

Shen Juexia walked out of the changing room with stiff, awkward steps.

Staring at Shen Juexia’s figure, her phoenix-like eyes shimmered with a light brighter than the stars.

Heaven had never favored her.

But Shen Juexia would.

In Shen Juexia’s world of peace and happiness.

There would be a place for Ji Zhijie.

Her lips parted slightly as she gripped the paper cup in her hand. Shen Juexia took a sip of warm water to steady herself. “Sister, you used to sleep alone before.”

“I used to take medication, but the doctor said sleeping pills can harm the stomach.”

The little rabbit finished the entire cup of water, her fingers crumpling the empty cup slightly out of shape. Shen Juexia lowered her head. “Then how do you know having me stay would help?”

“That night, I slept very soundly.”

She didn’t even need to ask—Shen Juexia knew exactly which night she was referring to.

Her heartbeat quickened slightly as she turned her back to Shen Tinghan, her voice softer than a mosquito’s hum. “Then have Aunt Xu bring over some spare clothes.”

Her gaze tracing the lines of Shen Juexia’s back, Shen Tinghan chuckled softly. “Alright.”

After saying this, Ji Zhijie walked stiffly into the bathroom.

Even after the bathroom door closed again, the frantic pounding in Shen Juexia’s chest refused to calm down. So terrifying, she had almost confessed!

Splashing cold water on her face, Ji Zhijie tried to wake herself up.

Droplets slid down her slightly pointed chin, dampening the collar of her shirt.

What exactly did Shen Juexia mean?

Why had she closed her eyes? And why was she using her photo as a wallpaper…

Unbidden, Ji Zhijie recalled the words Shen Juexia had spoken when she first entered.

Pressing her lips together tightly.

She.

Was truly done for.

Not lingering in the bathroom for too long, she dried her face with a towel, suppressing the inexplicable anticipation in her heart, and pushed the door open.

The living room was already empty.