Category: Friend(GL)

Chapter 67: Blockhead

You Ruxu ran into Chen Xiang at the station. Chen Xiang said, “Teacher You, what’s the good news?”

You Ruxu hummed softly, puzzled, “Good news?”

“Yes, you look very happy!” Chen Xiang said, “Did something good happen?”

Did she?

You Ruxu instinctively looked at her reflection in the glass door of the lobby. The corners of her lips were indeed lifted slightly, but she wasn’t that happy, was she? She pursed her lips, “Just going to work.”

Chen Xiang gave a thumbs-up: “Roger that!”

They returned to the office. Shi Qi was already wearing her down jacket. Chen Xiang handed You Ruxu hers, put on her own, and said, “Don’t we look like penguins?”

You Ruxu chuckled.

Chen Xiang continued, “Did you see the boss’s standee in the lobby?”

You Ruxu recalled seeing it, “Yes.” Chen Xiang said, “The boss is so happy, she’s treating us to dinner.”

Shi Qi had been in a good mood recently. Originally, being the station’s spokesperson was a PR department job, but her recent news stories had been excellent, so the station director assigned her the task. However, Shi Qi knew she owed it all to You Ruxu.

So, a celebratory dinner was inevitable. Getting into the car, she said to everyone, “No one’s allowed to miss the dinner.”

She looked at You Ruxu, “Especially you.”

You Ruxu usually avoided these team dinners whenever possible. This time, she couldn’t escape. She nodded, “I understand.”

Chen Xiang said, “Let’s have seafood!”

The cameraman agreed, “Sounds good.”

“Hotpot!”

Shi Qi said, “You guys decide where to go.”

They chattered excitedly, from the restaurant to past spokespersons, then to the old story about Shi Qi and the leader of Team 3. Chen Xiang, ever the bold one, asked curiously, “Boss, did you really steal her boyfriend?”

“Steal her boyfriend?” Shi Qi said, “Do I look like that kind of person?”

Chen Xiang said, “Then why did she hate you?”

Their eyes widened with curiosity, staring at Shi Qi. For years, they had only heard that version of the story, they almost believed it. Shi Qi said, “That was years ago, I had a senior colleague then, a very good person. Later, he was involved in a scandal.”

Thinking about that incident, Shi Qi paused for a few seconds before continuing, “No one at the station believed it, everyone was trying to find evidence to clear his name, I didn’t believe it either, but some people were convinced, they thought he was that kind of person.”

Chen Xiang was engrossed in the story: “Then what happened?”

Shi Qi said, “Later, we had a disagreement. Her boyfriend also believed our senior colleague was innocent and helped us look for evidence. We were in close contact during that time, so she assumed I was trying to steal her boyfriend…”

Chen Xiang sighed.

So that was what happened.

She said, “Then you were wrongly accused, Boss.”

Shi Qi smiled faintly. Later, her boyfriend became her partner. Two months later, he died in an accident while investigating a car accident case. That woman blamed her, saying if it wasn’t for her, her boyfriend wouldn’t have been involved in the case, so she hated Shi Qi. Shi Qi wasn’t surprised and just let her be.

She never paid attention to the rumors and gossip at the station, only confronting the woman when the accusations became too much.

Shi Qi was used to it.

Chen Xiang said, “Speaking of which, I also heard about a scandal involving a former member of our team.”

The cameraman, adjusting his camera, said, “You’re not talking about…”

Suddenly, the tires screeched as the car skidded on the icy road. Everyone inside was jolted. You Ruxu straightened up and heard Shi Qi ask, “What happened?”

The driver said, “There’s a car accident ahead.”

You Ruxu looked out the window and saw two cars collided. One was a new car with a temporary license plate, probably lost control due to the icy road and couldn’t brake in time. She glanced at it and heard Shi Qi say, “Just a minor accident, let’s go.”

The driver turned, and they drove away. You Ruxu looked out the window, her expression unreadable.

After her midday live broadcast, she received a call from Zhou Tianzui. Hearing the cheerful chatter of Zhou Tianzui’s colleagues in the background, You Ruxu’s mood improved slightly. Zhou Tianzui, sensing her low spirits, asked, “What’s wrong?”

You Ruxu said, “The wind’s getting to me.” She cleared her throat. “Are you free tonight? Can you take Yao Zhao back to your place?”

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Why?”

“I’m worried her stepfather will come looking for her these next two days.”

Yao Zhao had indeed been harassed by her stepfather these past two days. The man, knowing he hadn’t physically assaulted her, and assuming Yao Zhao wouldn’t reveal what had really happened, became even bolder, trying to take her back home whenever he had the chance.

Yao Zhao was having lunch in the school cafeteria, with her deskmate. Her deskmate was a fiery girl, always full of energy. Yao Zhao sat beside her, quietly eating, when she heard her deskmate say, “Hey, Yao Zhao, your hair looks good tied up like that.”

Yao Zhao had always looked gloomy before, always in her school uniform, her long hair unkempt, lacking energy. She didn’t look like a student at all, no vitality. She didn’t understand why the boys in her class always bullied her. Now, with her hair tied up and new clothes, she almost didn’t recognize Yao Zhao this morning.

She looked much better.

Much more lively, more like someone her age.

Yao Zhao glanced at her deskmate and smiled shyly.

Her deskmate said, “You should also talk more.”

Yao Zhao lowered her head, “Talk about what?”

Her deskmate said, “Anything! You’re too quiet, those guys always call you ‘mute,’ doesn’t it make you angry?”

Yao Zhao chewed on her chopsticks, she was used to it. Her deskmate, seeing this, poked her head, “Eat your lunch.”

After lunch, Yao Zhao looked towards the school entrance and saw her stepfather still there, demanding to see her, even threatening to sue the school. Hearing his voice, Yao Zhao instinctively tensed up, quickening her steps as she walked back to the classroom, feeling as if she was running away, but unable to escape.

Yao Zhao was terrified.

When school ended, very few people remained in the classroom. Yao Zhao finished her homework, lingering in the classroom, until she couldn’t delay any longer, and left with her books. She kept an eye out at the school gate, only relaxing after not seeing her stepfather. Then she heard a voice: “Yao Zhao.”

She turned around. It was Zhou Tianzui.

For some reason, Yao Zhao felt strangely calm and reassured at this moment. She remembered what You Ruxu had said to her last night, and today, she was thinking, perhaps she could also become someone like Zhou Tianzui.

If she worked hard enough.

Zhou Tianzui walked over to Yao Zhao, put away her phone – she had been about to call You Ruxu to ask what time Yao Zhao finished school, then saw her – and asked, “What do you want for dinner?”

“I…” Before Yao Zhao could answer, her wrist was grabbed.

“You little brat!” The man’s voice was rough and unpleasant, “Finally decided to show your face?”

Yao Zhao froze, her blood running cold.

She turned and saw the man’s furious face, her heart pounding. He continued, “Where have you been staying these past few days? Do you even know the meaning of ‘home’ anymore?” He looked at Zhou Tianzui. “Who are you? Where’s that reporter? Where did you hide this child? I can call the police and have you arrested for this!”

Playing the victim.

And he had a legitimate reason to call the police, as Yao Zhao was a minor, and he was her legal guardian.

Yao Zhao shouted, “You wouldn’t dare!”

She was usually quiet and reserved, but this sudden outburst startled even the man, who stared at her, dumbfounded. Yao Zhao’s eyes were red and filled with anger. He could scold her, hit her, but she wouldn’t let him call the police on You Ruxu and Zhou Tianzui!

These were the two kindest people she had ever met, she would fight to the death to protect them!

Zhou Tianzui looked at Yao Zhao, seeing her clenched fists, her body trembling with suppressed fear, yet still stubbornly meeting the man’s gaze. She gently patted Yao Zhao’s shoulder and said, “Relax.”

She looked at the man and said, “You’re her guardian, right? The one who abused her last time?”

The man said, “I never hit her!”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Whether you hit her or not isn’t up to you, it’s up to the evidence.” She held up a document. “This is Yao Zhao’s injury assessment report.”

The man tried to grab it, but under Zhou Tianzui’s gaze, he hesitated, not daring to move.

Zhou Tianzui continued, “And you have no grounds to call the police and force Yao Zhao to return home. Before this case is closed, she has the right not to see you. If you continue to harass her at school, forcing her to meet you, to go home, she can sue you for harassment, and the penalties will be cumulative.”

The man didn’t quite understand, but he understood the last part about being sued for harassment.

He harrumphed, “So she has to come home after the case is closed, right?”

He pointed at Yao Zhao, “Just wait until you get home, you’ll see what I do to you!”

Yao Zhao’s heart sank, the books in her arms almost falling to the ground. After the man left, she immediately asked, “Dr. Zhou, is that true?”

Her voice filled with hope, “Can I really sue him for harassment?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Of course it’s not true.”

He was her legal guardian. She had just made those things up to scare the ignorant man. Yao Zhao’s eyes dimmed. She gave a small “oh,” then said, “Thank you, Dr. Zhou.”

Zhou Tianzui looked at Yao Zhao. She was indeed pitiful, only fourteen years old, while other children her age were being pampered by their parents, their biggest worry their studies, she had to think about how to escape her family, even resorting to self-harm.

Zhou Tianzui’s voice was gentler now, “You’re welcome.”

Just then, her phone rang. It was You Ruxu, saying she was off work, that she would be home soon. Zhou Tianzui gave a few instructions and hung up. Yao Zhao said, “I’m sorry, Dr. Zhou, I’ve been causing so much trouble for you and Reporter.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Everyone encounters problems they can’t solve alone. It’s not a bother to ask for help.”

Yao Zhao listened attentively. She said, “Dr. Zhou, you’re just like Reporter said.”

Zhou Tianzui tilted her head, looking at Yao Zhao, a hint of amusement in her eyes, and asked, “She talked about me?”

Like a curious puppy, her ears perked up.

Yao Zhao said, “Reporter said you’re a good person.”

Zhou Tianzui raised an eyebrow, seemingly listening casually, but Yao Zhao didn’t say anything more. Zhou Tianzui turned to her, “That’s it?”

Yao Zhao, puzzled, but still honest, nodded, “Yes.”

Zhou Tianzui chuckled in exasperation.

A good person? What kind of compliment was that?

A blockhead.

With a little blockhead.

Two blockheads!

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Zhou Tianzui: I want to kiss a blockhead.
You Ruxu: …

Chapter 66: Kiss Her

You Ruxu was about to hang up when Zhou Tianzui called out, stopping her. She held the phone and responded, “Hmm?”

Zhou Tianzui heard a knock on the door, and Yu Qiao’s voice called out, “Xiao Tian, I made you some soup, come have a bowl.”

Zhou Tianzui said to You Ruxu, “Hear that?”

You Ruxu said, “So?”

“Your godmother made me some soup.” Zhou Tianzui’s tone made it sound as if Yu Qiao wasn’t her own mother. You Ruxu chuckled, “Then go have some.”

“I’m full.” Zhou Tianzui said, “I ate at your place.”

You Ruxu: …

Could this person speak normally for once?

She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, too preoccupied with Yao Zhao’s case to bother with Zhou Tianzui’s teasing. She said, “The injuries are minor, can we still press charges for domestic violence?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Don’t you already know the answer? Why are you asking me?”

Yes, she did know, that was why she asked, hoping for a different answer, even though she knew it was unlikely. But she didn’t want the case to just end like this. What Yao Zhao would face if she went back home was obvious.

You Ruxu sighed.

She leaned against the bed, rubbing her temples, and heard Zhou Tianzui say, “Can’t you just treat this as an ordinary case?”

“How?” You Ruxu said, “How old is she?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Fourteen, not that young.”

“Only fourteen.” You Ruxu said, “She’s still a minor. If I don’t help her, who will?”

Zhou Tianzui chuckled softly, “A Ran, are you projecting your mother onto her?”

You Ruxu said, “I’m not, I just think she needs me.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Yes, she needs you, now she needs you to help her escape her family, and what about later? Later she’ll need you to help her with her relationships…”

You Ruxu interrupted her: “What are you trying to say?”

“I’m saying, are you overly concerned about her, more than you should be for just a subject of a news story?”

You Ruxu paused.

She admitted she felt differently about Yao Zhao. Initially, she thought it was because Yao Zhao reminded her of her mother, but she knew Yao Zhao wasn’t her mother, and she wasn’t putting herself in the role of a savior. She just felt that for a child, a minor, if she also gave up, wouldn’t that be sending Yao Zhao back into the lion’s den?

As a reporter, she wasn’t just holding a microphone, but also a responsibility towards the people she interviewed.

You Ruxu said, “It’s not that I’m overly concerned about her, it’s that you’re too rational.”

Zhou Tianzui was momentarily taken aback, rendered speechless by You Ruxu’s words.

She was rational, because she had seen too much since she was young. But did seeing more of such things make her judgment infallible? She knew about Yao Zhao’s self-harm, thinking she was giving her a chance, subtly prompting her to confess, but she hadn’t considered why, why Yao Zhao would hurt herself.

She was too rational, her approach different from You Ruxu’s.

Zhou Tianzui let out a soft “mm” sound.

She was speechless. You Ruxu asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Zhou Tianzui said, “You’re right.”

You Ruxu, picturing her expression and tone, wanted to laugh. Zhou Tianzui, hearing this, asked, “What’s so funny?”

“I’m not laughing.”

“Admit it.”

“I’m really not laughing.”

Childish and pointless, yet You Ruxu felt a sweetness overflowing within her. Their phone call lasted over an hour. When she finally hung up, her phone felt warm to the touch. Returning to the living room to work, she saw Yao Zhao’s door was still open. She peeked inside and saw Yao Zhao lying on her side in bed, the blanket half-covering her. You Ruxu walked in and tucked her in. Yao Zhao stirred, her voice muffled, “Sister.”

You Ruxu said, “Did I wake you?”

Yao Zhao said, “No, I wasn’t asleep yet.”

You Ruxu said, “What were you thinking about?”

Yao Zhao said, “Sister, am I a bad person?”

You Ruxu looked at Yao Zhao. She had sensed the girl’s insecurity and timidity during their first meeting, so she hadn’t expected Yao Zhao to lie, to fabricate such a story. To her, Yao Zhao didn’t seem capable of such a thing. Yet, when she found out about the lie, she wasn’t surprised.

She was timid, but not cowardly.

She was insecure, but not resigned.

After what happened, she had tried to find a solution, although her method was wrong, she had protected herself within her limited capacity. You Ruxu’s praise was sincere.

She found Yao Zhao strong and brave.

You Ruxu said, “You’re not a bad person at all.”

She thought of Zhou Tianzui and said, “Do you remember Dr. Zhou from today?”

Yao Zhao said, “Yes, I do.”

“She’s a bad person.” You Ruxu said, “You should learn from her.”

Yao Zhao was surprised: “Dr. Zhou?”

You Ruxu nodded, “Yes, what do you think of Dr. Zhou?”

Yao Zhao thought carefully. Every time she saw Zhou Tianzui, she felt intimidated, afraid to meet her gaze. She said, “She seems to come from a good family, and she has a strong sense of justice.”

It was the kind of righteousness cultivated from a good upbringing. In her limited understanding, only a privileged background could cultivate such an aura, commanding respect without even speaking, like someone raised in a family of high-ranking officials.

You Ruxu said, “That’s not the case.”

She said, “Dr. Zhou, when she was young, just like you, suffered a lot.”

Yao Zhao said, “She suffered too?”

You Ruxu said, “Yes, when she was very young, her father was wrongly accused, and she and her mother were constantly subjected to abuse. They moved around a lot, she met all kinds of people, some understood her, some didn’t, but she was strong, and Yao Zhao, you’ll also be strong. Be brave, overcome this hurdle, and you’ll have a different life.”

A small spark ignited in Yao Zhao’s heart because of You Ruxu’s words, a warmth spreading through her, warming her cold hands and feet.

She had thought some people were just born with advantages, but they weren’t. They also had to work hard, step by step. This afternoon, she had felt Zhou Tianzui was unattainable, with a respectable job, beauty, and a righteous aura, all the good things seemed to belong to her, making her seem distant and untouchable. But You Ruxu’s words gave her a glimmer of hope, a glimpse into another world.

That night, Yao Zhao had a dream.

In the dream, she went to high school, went to university, got her master’s degree, found a decent job, and like everyone else, lived an ordinary and peaceful life. The dream was so beautiful that she was still slightly dazed when she woke up. You Ruxu was making breakfast. Hearing the noises, Yao Zhao walked out and said, “Sister, I’ll help you.”

You Ruxu said, “No need, go wash up.”

Yao Zhao lowered her head, gave a small “mm-hmm,” and went to the bathroom. Looking at herself in the mirror, her face had some color, a rare good night’s sleep, undisturbed by nightmares or fear. She looked much better than before. When she finished brushing her teeth, Zhou Tianzui had arrived and was sitting in a chair, talking to You Ruxu. She didn’t know what they were talking about, but You Ruxu glared at Zhou Tianzui, who smiled back.

She had never seen Zhou Tianzui smile like that before, a warm and gentle smile, completely different from her usual serious and formal expression.

She knew they were good friends, she had heard about it at the hospital. But she also felt they were closer than just friends. Yao Zhao thought, if only she could also have a friend like that.

Zhou Tianzui, turning her head, saw Yao Zhao and felt slightly awkward. With another person in the apartment, she couldn’t be as casual with You Ruxu.

You Ruxu said, “Breakfast is ready.”

Zhou Tianzui picked up a steamed bun and asked You Ruxu, “Are you going to the hospital today?”

You Ruxu said, “When will her report be ready?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “This afternoon, probably.”

You Ruxu nodded, “I have filming this afternoon, if I can’t make it, can you bring it over after work?”

Zhou Tianzui nodded, “Okay.”

You Ruxu ate her breakfast. Zhou Tianzui finished first. When Yao Zhao went to her room to get her books, Zhou Tianzui followed her. Just as Yao Zhao turned around, Zhou Tianzui handed her a hair tie.

It was a simple red hair tie, very elastic, no bows or patterns, just a plain, ordinary hair tie.

Yao Zhao looked at Zhou Tianzui.

Zhou Tianzui said, “I bought it from the shop downstairs this morning, for you.”

Her tone was casual. Yao Zhao froze, looked at the hair tie, then at Zhou Tianzui, her hand trembling slightly as she reached out. Zhou Tianzui placed the hair tie in her hand and turned to find You Ruxu.

Yao Zhao stood there, clutching the hair tie tightly in her hand.

After a moment, she went to the bathroom, looked at herself in the mirror, her long, dark hair loose and messy, her thick bangs like a small pot lid on her head, making her look listless. She looked at the red hair tie, bit her lip, then combed her hair and tied it into a high ponytail, leaving a few strands loose around her face. Perhaps because she wasn’t used to tying her hair up, she looked at her reflection and felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity.

As if she had seen this before.

In her dream.

She had seen herself like this in her dream.

Yao Zhao pinched her cheek, a sharp sting that brought tears to her eyes. She quickly wiped them away, washed her face, and walked out. You Ruxu and Zhou Tianzui were ready to leave. You Ruxu said, “I’ll drive you to school, it’s on my way.”

She looked at her hair tie, “You look much more refreshed like this.”

Perhaps it was psychological, or perhaps because she felt more refreshed, but her mind also felt clearer. Yao Zhao felt a little different from before, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint it. Downstairs, Zhou Tianzui asked, “Can you see the road more clearly now that your hair is tied up?”

Yao Zhao nodded without hesitation.

Zhou Tianzui said, “If you can see the road clearly, you won’t fall so easily.”

Yao Zhao paused, hearing these words, and looked at Zhou Tianzui. She had thought Zhou Tianzui would dislike her for lying, but not only did she not dislike her, she even bought her a hair tie and told her such a simple yet profound truth.

The small spark in Yao Zhao’s heart flickered again, warming her cold hands and feet.

You Ruxu dropped her off at school, then drove Zhou Tianzui to the hospital. Nearing the hospital, Zhou Tianzui was still looking down at her phone. You Ruxu said, “We’re here, you can get out now.”

Zhou Tianzui hummed in response, but didn’t move.

You Ruxu asked, “What are you looking at?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “CPR simulations, I’m filming a training video later.”

She looked up at You Ruxu: “Help me.”

You Ruxu said, “How?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Be my model.”

You Ruxu: “Now?”

Zhou Tianzui: “Tonight.”

You Ruxu asked, “What kind of CPR?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.”

You Ruxu’s breath hitched, looking at Zhou Tianzui, her heart racing. It was absurd, they had kissed countless times, yet hearing these words, she felt a tingling in her throat.

A sudden urge to kiss her right now.

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You Ruxu: This mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, are you being serious?
Zhou Tianzui: …

Chapter 65: Wife

Zhou Tianzui held the candy, her heart filled with a sweetness far surpassing any honeyed treat. You Ruxu wasn’t one for sweet words; even now, Zhou Tianzui hadn’t heard her utter a single “I love you.” This person just wasn’t the type. But that simple “to coax my wife” made her heart blossom.

Even if You Ruxu was just parroting her words.

Zhou Tianzui enjoyed it immensely.

She liked this parroting.

When Yao Zhao returned to the table, You Ruxu and Zhou Tianzui were chatting. A doctor and a reporter, both seemingly unattainable figures. She remembered her Chinese class, when the teacher asked them about their dream jobs. Many of her classmates said they wanted to be singers, actors, or lawyers, designers. When it was her turn, her mind was blank.

The future? She didn’t dare think about something so far off. She had thought about working, perhaps a nine-to-five job, perhaps with night shifts, at a factory. She might have to drop out of school after junior high, and even then, finding a factory job wasn’t guaranteed.

Her future was bleak and uncertain.

Yao Zhao lowered her head and touched the new fabric of her down jacket. It had a pleasant, indescribable scent, a bit like You Ruxu’s, an intellectual and elegant fragrance.

Completely different from her own.

She didn’t know why You Ruxu bought her clothes, why she took her in, why she was so kind to her. She was just a subject of a news story, one of many. She felt unworthy of such kindness, yet greedily clung to it.

She knew she didn’t deserve it, and it made her uneasy.

Yao Zhao stood there, frozen. The restaurant owner, seeing her, chuckled, “What’s wrong, little girl? Why are you just standing there?”

Several pairs of eyes looked over. Yao Zhao quickly returned to her seat, lowering her head, and saw the torn pieces of sesame cake in her bowl. You Ruxu said, “Do you like soaking them in the soup?”

Yao Zhao said, “Yes, I do.”

You Ruxu said, “Then go ahead.”

Yao Zhao put a few pieces into her bowl, lowered her head, and took a sip of the soup, the warmth spreading through her. She looked at You Ruxu, then at Zhou Tianzui, bit her lip, and continued drinking her soup.

You Ruxu, after finishing her meal, received a call from Chen Xiang, about work. She excused herself and went outside to answer the call. Yao Zhao continued eating, her head lowered. Zhou Tianzui picked up the plate of sesame cakes, “Want some more?”

Yao Zhao, slightly intimidated by her, shook her head. Zhou Tianzui said, “Not good?”

Yao Zhao said, “It’s delicious.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Then why aren’t you eating more?”

Yao Zhao bit her lip.

Zhou Tianzui put half of the remaining sesame cakes in her bowl, stirred her soup, and said, “Do you know why she became a reporter?”

Yao Zhao looked up at Zhou Tianzui. She was always a little afraid of her, hesitant to meet her gaze. Firstly, because she was a doctor, and secondly, because of her aura, the natural presence she exuded. Zhou Tianzui had a strong aura, a righteous aura, as if nothing could escape her sharp eyes. So Yao Zhao often felt that even her darkest thoughts were exposed under Zhou Tianzui’s gaze.

She shook her head: “I don’t know.” She asked curiously, “Why?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “When she was very young, she did something wrong, and she’s always blamed herself. She became a reporter to make amends.”

Yao Zhao nodded.

Zhou Tianzui continued, “It’s rare for someone to never make mistakes, but if those mistakes hurt others, it can weigh on your conscience for a lifetime, don’t you think so, Yao Zhao?”

Yao Zhao’s heart skipped a beat.

She lowered her head.

When You Ruxu returned, they had already finished eating. She asked Zhou Tianzui, “How are you getting back?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I drove.”

You Ruxu nodded.

She took Yao Zhao home, waving goodbye to Zhou Tianzui at the hospital entrance. Before, their hearts hadn’t been connected, even though they slept in the same bed every night. Now, their hearts were connected, yet they were apart.

You Ruxu found it amusing.

On the way back, Yao Zhao whispered, “Reporter.”

You Ruxu turned slightly, looking at Yao Zhao, and softly responded, “Yes?”

Yao Zhao asked, “Did you ever do anything wrong when you were young?”

You Ruxu didn’t correct her use of “also,” but after a moment of silence, nodded, “Yes.”

Yao Zhao bit her lip.

You Ruxu said, “I almost, caused someone’s death.”

Yao Zhao’s heart clenched. She looked at You Ruxu. To her, You Ruxu was like the clear wind and bright moon, someone who would never do anything wrong. But even she made mistakes. Yao Zhao fidgeted with the edge of her pants, not asking further.

She was quiet, lost in her own thoughts, until You Ruxu called her name when they arrived.

After getting out of the car, You Ruxu took her home and said, “Go do your homework.”

Yao Zhao stood at the study door, watching You Ruxu walk around outside. Guilt gnawed at her. She clenched her hands several times, but didn’t have the courage to open them, finally lowering her head and going into the study. You Ruxu, after finishing her tasks, sat on the sofa in the living room, her laptop on the coffee table. She had just finished a video call with Chen Xiang when she heard a small voice.

“Reporter.” Yao Zhao’s voice was soft, like a kitten’s meow, “Can I talk to you?”

You Ruxu closed her laptop and went to the kitchen to pour two glasses of warm water, handing one to Yao Zhao. The light fell on the young girl, her slender figure looking fragile, her hair tied back, revealing her delicate features, her face pale, her lips bloodless.

Yao Zhao had bitten her lip again, oblivious to the sting, her head lowered as she mustered the courage to speak, “I’m sorry, I lied to you.”

You Ruxu’s expression wasn’t surprised, but calm, as if she had been expecting this.

Yao Zhao continued, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I wasn’t abused, but I really wished I was, I would rather be beaten, I really didn’t mean to lie!”

Her voice was slightly frantic, her words tumbling out incoherently. You Ruxu frowned, then after a few seconds, understood. She put down her glass, placed her hands on Yao Zhao’s shoulders, and tried to calm her down, but Yao Zhao was overwhelmed by her emotions, almost hysterical.

“I really didn’t mean to, it would be better if he hit me, I wanted him to hit me! I wished he would hit me! He…”

You Ruxu gently shook her shoulders, “Yao Zhao?”

The water in Yao Zhao’s glass spilled onto the floor. She bit her lip hard.

You Ruxu hugged her carefully: “Yao Zhao, calm down.”

“I’m sorry,” Yao Zhao’s voice was small as she cried, “I really thought that, if only he would hit me, I’d rather he hit me.”

You Ruxu was speechless.

After a few minutes, when Yao Zhao had calmed down, she asked, “Did he, touch you?”

For a girl to say she would rather be beaten, there had to be something worse than physical abuse. Yao Zhao’s eyes were red and swollen. She had calmed down somewhat in You Ruxu’s embrace. Hearing the question, she flinched and said, “During the New Year holidays, he was drunk and mistook me for my mom.”

You Ruxu’s heart clenched.

Yao Zhao continued, “I ran away.”

“I didn’t dare go home, I wanted to call the police, but I was too scared, I didn’t want my classmates to find out, if they knew—” Yao Zhao didn’t finish her sentence. If her classmates found out, she would be even more isolated and helpless. She was already being bullied at school because of the domestic violence reports. If they knew about this, she would be subjected to even more judgment and ridicule.

You Ruxu knew the devastating power of rumors and gossip.

Yao Zhao said, “I thought he was just drunk, he said since my mom was gone, he would marry me when I turned eighteen.”

She was terrified, didn’t know what to do. She saw reports about domestic violence on TV, so she inflicted most of the injuries on herself. In the past two months, the man, exasperated by her, also hit her, but too lightly. She wished he would hit her harder, she would rather be beaten to death.

You Ruxu said, “Don’t say that.”

Yao Zhao’s eyes were red, “Can’t I report him now?”

She lowered her head, “Do I have to go back home?”

You Ruxu pursed her lips, “We’ll find a way.”

“I’ve already consulted a lawyer.” Yao Zhao said, “I have no evidence, there’s nothing I can do.”

If there was any other way, she wouldn’t have resorted to lying. She had consulted a lawyer, who said that since the man hadn’t touched her, it didn’t even count as harassment, she had no evidence, so she couldn’t sue him on those grounds. She needed evidence, or a different reason.

Evidence.

She would never let that man touch her for the sake of evidence. The thought was terrifying, she would rather die.

Domestic violence was her only option.

Yao Zhao said, “I really didn’t mean to lie.”

“I know.” You Ruxu reassured her, “Don’t think too much about it, Yao Zhao, drink some water and go rest.”

Yao Zhao looked at You Ruxu: “Aren’t you angry at me?”

You Ruxu remembered their first meeting, Yao Zhao also asking, “Aren’t you angry at me?”

Children with low self-esteem always blamed themselves, even when deeply hurt, afraid of disappointing others. You Ruxu shook her head, “I’m not angry, you did well.”

Although her methods were wrong, she was trying her best to protect herself. For such a timid child, it wasn’t easy.

You Ruxu’s gaze was filled with approval as she patted Yao Zhao’s shoulder. Yao Zhao’s anxiety gradually subsided. She went to the bedroom, took off her clothes, hung them by the bed, and peeked through the slightly open door. You Ruxu was sitting on the sofa, her back to her. Yao Zhao lowered her head.

A stranger had bought her clothes, taken care of her, and she had lied to her.

She was a terrible person.

Yao Zhao bit her lip hard, the cut reopening, the metallic taste filling her mouth. She lay in bed, feeling a sense of peace she had never known before.

Even if she was sent back home the next moment, she felt at peace now.

You Ruxu, outside, rested her forehead on her hand, leaning against the sofa, her other hand holding her phone, scrolling through countless cases and news stories, but none were applicable.

Her phone buzzed with a notification. She opened it; it was a message from Zhou Tianzui.

Zhou Tianzui: [I’m home.]

You Ruxu: [Okay.]

Zhou Tianzui: [What are you doing?]

You Ruxu: [Looking at case files.]

She immediately received a video call. You Ruxu got up from the sofa, took the phone, and went into her bedroom. As soon as she answered, she heard Zhou Tianzui’s lazy voice, “Working so hard, Teacher You?”

You Ruxu’s ears tingled. She touched her earlobe, it was warm. Zhou Tianzui’s presence seemed to travel across the distance. You Ruxu gripped her phone and said, “Don’t call me Teacher You anymore.”

Zhou Tianzui readily agreed, “Okay, wife.”

You Ruxu: …

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You Ruxu: I…

Zhou Tianzui: Okay, wife.

You Ruxu: …

Chapter 64: Wife

You Ruxu was stunned. She had considered many possibilities for the origin of that scar, but self-harm had never crossed her mind, because she firmly believed Zhou Tianzui wouldn’t do such a thing.

But that belief was now shattered. She remembered the first time she asked Zhou Tianzui about the scar. It was the night of her birthday, after they had been intimate, lying in the same bed. Zhou Tianzui was only wearing a shirt, unbuttoned, loosely draped over her body, a slightly languid posture. They lay there quietly, as if savoring the afterglow, or perhaps there was a chasm between them, a distance in every aspect except for their physical intimacy.

And even their physical intimacy didn’t feel so intimate.

You Ruxu, sharp-eyed, had noticed the marks on Zhou Tianzui’s lower back, like knife wounds. Curious, she had asked, “How did you get these?”

Zhou Tianzui had looked down, what was her expression then?

You Ruxu couldn’t remember.

But she remembered Zhou Tianzui saying, it was an accident.

She had wondered then if it was someone else, perhaps her mother during a moment of instability—she had never considered self-harm.

You Ruxu’s throat was dry. She stood there, frozen. Zhou Tianzui called out, “A Ran…”

You Ruxu took a sip of water, her throat aching as she swallowed. She blinked and asked, “You did it to yourself?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Yes.”

You Ruxu asked, “When?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “During junior high.”

Back then, when she transferred to a new school, her classmates found out about her father, her mother had a relapse, she had to take care of her mother during the day, study, and at night, lying in bed, she couldn’t control herself.

She had thought then that if she left early, she might be free.

You Ruxu gripped her glass tightly.

Junior high.

That was when she found out about her mother and Zhou Tianzui’s father, when she realized she had hated the wrong person, when the regret began. If she had come forward then, would Zhou Tianzui’s life have been different?

You Ruxu’s throat felt dry and constricted, unable to utter a single word.

Zhou Tianzui took a step closer and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I—” You Ruxu’s voice was low, “I, I’m sorry.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “We’ve already talked about this.”

“No, we haven’t.” She hadn’t told Zhou Tianzui about the notebook yet, about how she had lost the chance to clear Zhou Qiming’s name. In Yuhai, she had thought she could really start over with Zhou Tianzui, forget everything, just be You Ruxu, but now, learning about Zhou Tianzui’s past, she found it difficult, difficult to remain indifferent.

She had always known the power of rumors and gossip, how much they could hurt someone.

But she hadn’t realized, not about Zhou Tianzui—

Such a strong person.

You Ruxu remained silent for a few minutes, listening to the footsteps in the corridor, then Zhou Tianzui walked over to her desk, sat down, and said, “Come here.”

You Ruxu walked over. Zhou Tianzui said, “Give me your hand.”

She extended her hand.

Zhou Tianzui placed her closed fist in You Ruxu’s palm. She opened it, revealing two candies. You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui and heard her say, “For children.”

You Ruxu said, “I’m not a child.”

“Close enough.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Not for children, for my wife.”

You Ruxu pursed her lips.

Zhou Tianzui said, “Actually, I wanted to tell you before, but I was afraid you would overthink it, so I didn’t. It was a long time ago, I barely remember it, so I didn’t want you to feel guilty or indebted to me because of something I don’t even remember. You don’t need to feel that way towards me, you only need to feel one thing for me.”

You Ruxu asked, “What feeling?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Like me.”

Her tone was serious.

You Ruxu opened her mouth, then closed it without speaking. She looked at Zhou Tianzui, her eyes burning slightly. Footsteps approached in the corridor. You Ruxu lowered her gaze and heard Zhou Tianzui say, “I asked Yao Zhao yesterday, she wasn’t telling the truth. What if all those injuries, she inflicted them herself?”

“Impossible.” You Ruxu said, “Perhaps she just misremembered, not intentionally lying.”

You Ruxu’s tone was firm: “She was abused.”

Expressions, reactions, they wouldn’t lie. Yao Zhao’s instinctive flinch when her stepfather raised his hand, that couldn’t be faked. Seeing her unwavering conviction, Zhou Tianzui said, “What if?”

You Ruxu pursed her lips, refusing to consider the hypothetical.

Zhou Tianzui looked at You Ruxu, unwrapped a candy, and put it in her mouth. She said, “You told me yesterday that Yao Zhao reminded you of your mother, but she’s not your mother, don’t treat this as your mother’s case.”

You Ruxu said, “I’m not treating it as my mother’s case.”

“You are.”

You Ruxu said, “I’m not.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “You are! You’re treating this as your mother’s case, you think it would have been better if someone had helped you back then, so you’re putting yourself in the role of a savior!”

You Ruxu said, “I’m not! I’m a reporter, not a savior!”

“You still remember you’re a reporter?” Zhou Tianzui’s voice softened. The tension in the office, which had been frozen, now thawed slightly, like embers glowing, threatening to ignite. You Ruxu took a deep breath. Zhou Tianzui’s phone rang. She answered, then said to You Ruxu, “It’s done.”

You Ruxu nodded.

They left the office. Zhou Tianzui said, “I’ll be off work soon, want to have dinner nearby?”

As if their earlier argument hadn’t happened. You Ruxu glanced at her. Zhou Tianzui, catching her gaze, asked, “What’s wrong?”

You Ruxu said, “Nothing.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Then want to have dinner together?”

You Ruxu said, “Can I say no?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “No.”

You Ruxu said, “Then why even ask?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Just being polite.”

You Ruxu pouted, “You’re so childish.”

Zhou Tianzui: “More mature than a middle schooler.”

It took You Ruxu a moment to realize she was jealous about her taking Yao Zhao home. You Ruxu said, “Behave yourself.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Not angry anymore?”

You Ruxu wanted to laugh, “When was I ever angry?”

“Just now, in my office.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Weren’t you a little angry?”

You Ruxu said, “No, I wasn’t.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Really?”

You Ruxu was speechless.

She had been a little annoyed bickering with Zhou Tianzui, but also worried about her, a mix of annoyance and concern. Now, hearing this question, she didn’t know what to say.

You Ruxu said, “Really.”

She looked at the area below Zhou Tianzui’s waist, “I just, feel a little uneasy.”

Zhou Tianzui covered You Ruxu’s hand with hers, “Then don’t look, don’t think about it.”

You Ruxu looked up, their eyes meeting, then looking away as a doctor approached in the corridor, calling out, “Dr. Zhou.”

Zhou Tianzui greeted the doctor. The two stood there, chatting. You Ruxu looked inside and saw Yao Zhao walk out, fully dressed. Her hair was thick and dark, obscuring her face, hiding the youthful vibrancy she should have at her age. You Ruxu stood in front of Yao Zhao and asked, “All done?”

Yao Zhao nodded: “Yes.”

She said, “Thank you.”

You Ruxu smiled, remembering Zhou Tianzui’s words, “Alright, let’s go, we’ll have dinner nearby, okay?”

Yao Zhao said, “Anything is fine.”

She was shy, her demeanor awkward, her body still tense. She didn’t dare look at Zhou Tianzui, just stayed close to You Ruxu. You Ruxu looked at her for a moment, then said to Zhou Tianzui, “We’ll be going then, we’ll wait for you at the beef soup restaurant.”

Zhou Tianzui nodded. The doctor also said goodbye to You Ruxu.

You Ruxu took Yao Zhao and left.

It was dark outside, the streetlights casting long shadows. You Ruxu walked beside Yao Zhao and asked, “Are you cold?”

Yao Zhao was wearing a gray cotton jacket under her school uniform. You Ruxu realized she always wore her uniform. Yao Zhao chuckled, “This uniform is windproof.”

So she wore it over her jacket, for extra warmth, since her clothes weren’t very warm. Hearing this, You Ruxu, for some reason, thought of Zhou Tianzui.

What was Zhou Tianzui’s life like in junior high?

Was it like Yao Zhao’s?

You Ruxu felt a pang in her heart, “Let’s go buy you some clothes.”

Yao Zhao nodded, “Okay.”

You Ruxu took her to a nearby store. Yao Zhao hesitated at the entrance, but You Ruxu pulled her inside. The shop assistant greeted them. You Ruxu chose two down jackets, dark colors, not easily soiled, and asked Yao Zhao to try them on. Yao Zhao was surprised, “Me, me?”

You Ruxu said, “Go try them on.”

Yao Zhao, tongue-tied, wanted to say something, but the shop assistant pushed her into the changing room. Holding the new clothes, she didn’t know what to do, her eyes instantly reddening, pacing back and forth. You Ruxu stood outside, waiting. The shop assistant called out, “Little beauty, are you done yet?”

Yao Zhao said, “N-not yet.”

She quickly changed into the new down jacket. She felt awkward coming out, she was used to wearing hand-me-downs. Her mother would occasionally take her shopping, but they mostly just browsed, never buying anything. You Ruxu, however, was asking her to try on new clothes. She felt uncomfortable and self-conscious. The shop assistant said, “It fits perfectly.”

She brushed Yao Zhao’s hair back and adjusted the jacket, noticing the cut near her eye, “How did you get this?”

Yao Zhao looked down, “It was an accident.”

The shop assistant didn’t think much of it, “You should apply some medicine, you don’t want it to leave a scar.”

Yao Zhao gave a small “mm-hmm” and said, “I’ll go change back.”

“Just wear that one.” You Ruxu’s voice was gentle yet firm, reaching Yao Zhao’s ears clearly. Yao Zhao looked at You Ruxu and heard her say, “Please wrap up her old clothes.”

The shop assistant agreed. You Ruxu bought two sets of clothes for Yao Zhao.

Yao Zhao’s eyes were red as she left the store. She said, “Reporter, I…”

“Keep them, consider them a New Year’s gift.” You Ruxu said. Yao Zhao bit her lip, a small cut on her lip, a metallic taste in her mouth. She held the bags, their weight heavy in her hands.

Zhou Tianzui didn’t see You Ruxu at the restaurant and called her, only to find out she was shopping nearby. You Ruxu took Yao Zhao to the restaurant. Zhou Tianzui ordered three bowls of soup, placing one in front of Yao Zhao. You Ruxu sat beside Zhou Tianzui, hearing her ask, “What did you buy?”

“Nothing much.” You Ruxu said, “Just two sets of clothes for Yao Zhao.”

Zhou Tianzui glanced at Yao Zhao.

Yao Zhao felt her blood rush to her face, she blushed, fidgeting uncomfortably, “I’m going to the restroom.”

You Ruxu nodded.

After Yao Zhao left, Zhou Tianzui asked, “Did you talk to Yao Zhao?”

You Ruxu said, “Not yet.”

Zhou Tianzui drank her soup, casually breaking a sesame cake for You Ruxu, and asked, “You bought Yao Zhao two sets of clothes?”

You Ruxu: “Yes.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “What about mine?”

You Ruxu glanced at her, her hand pausing, then before she could speak, Zhou Tianzui said, “You didn’t buy me anything.”

You Ruxu said, “I’ll buy you something next time.”

Zhou Tianzui: “Oh.”

You Ruxu glanced at her.

Lowered her head.

After a few seconds, she reached into her pocket, found the candy Zhou Tianzui gave her earlier, and said, “Give me your hand.”

Zhou Tianzui put down the sesame cake and extended her hand. You Ruxu opened her clenched fist, revealing a candy, which she placed in Zhou Tianzui’s palm. Zhou Tianzui chuckled, “What’s this?”

You Ruxu said, “Didn’t you say?”

Zhou Tianzui looked at her, her voice soft, “Hmm?”

You Ruxu’s tone was slightly awkward, “To coax your wife.”

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You Ruxu: Learning how to coax my wife online.
Zhou Tianzui: You need to learn that?
You Ruxu: …

Chapter 63: She Isn’t

Yao Zhao’s case didn’t attract much media attention at the end of the year. After she recanted her initial statement, there wasn’t much follow-up. There was always a lot of news around the New Year. Not to mention the TV stations were busy preparing for the Spring Festival Gala, even the news teams had plenty of material to cover: weather, snowfall, the Spring Festival travel rush. Every topic was a major focus, so the domestic violence case, sandwiched between these major events, seemed insignificant.

As soon as You Ruxu returned to work, she was sent to report on the Spring Festival travel rush, stationed at the train station and airport, the wind biting at her face, but she held the microphone steadily, standing tall and straight in her beige professional attire, her hair neatly tied up in a bun.

Her image appeared on the TV screen, her clear voice reporting live. Zhao Mingqi, carrying a thermos of hot water, walked past Zhou Tianzui and said, “It’s so cold, I wonder if my goddess is cold too.”

Zhou Tianzui glanced at him and said, “Is she made of iron? Of course she’s cold.”

Zhao Mingqi was speechless.

He Wei quickly approached: “What’s wrong, Dr. Zhou?”

Zhao Mingqi shrugged, “I don’t know, she’s been like a firecracker all morning.”

Although she was usually like this, they could clearly sense her heightened irritability today. He Wei didn’t dare provoke her and, besides the morning rounds, avoided her. Lin Luo, watching them whisper, fidgeted with the carton of milk in her hand, thought for a moment, then knocked on Zhou Tianzui’s office door and called out, “Dr. Zhou.”

Zhou Tianzui looked up: “Something the matter?”

“This is some milk from my hometown. Everyone’s tried it, and I saved some for you since you weren’t here before.”

Zhou Tianzui frowned slightly and said, “Thank you.”

She looked down, “But I don’t really drink milk, you can have it.”

Lin Luo gave a small “oh” and left the office.

Zhou Tianzui sat in her chair, her typing pausing. She turned her head and looked at her computer screen. You Ruxu had sent her a message: [Cold.]

The photo attached showed her wearing the station’s blue down jacket with the Jindu TV logo, the jacket large and puffy, making her face look small. Zhou Tianzui’s expression softened slightly, and she replied: [Drink more hot water.]

You Ruxu: [I am.]

Zhou Tianzui: [More filming this afternoon?]

You Ruxu: [Yes, at the bus station this afternoon.]

Zhou Tianzui: [When will you be done?]

You Ruxu: [Probably around four or five.]

She was already in the car, the heater on full blast. Shi Qi handed her a lunchbox, with rice, vegetables, soup, and a chicken leg. Chen Xiang said, “This is the only time I feel alive.”

She looked at You Ruxu, “Teacher You, are you taking Yao Zhao to the hospital after work?”

Shi Qi looked up, “Going to the hospital for what?”

You Ruxu said, “For the injury assessment.”

“Didn’t she already have one?” Shi Qi said, “Does she need another one?”

You Ruxu said, “The last one was done at the clinic.”

Shi Qi nodded.

She said, “This story won’t make it to prime time.”

Prime time meant being broadcast on TV. Their material was generally categorized into urgent news, current affairs, and social news. Yao Zhao’s case belonged to social news. They could mention it briefly in their reports, but with the New Year approaching, there was too much urgent news, no time slot available. So, this story would be relegated to secondary coverage.

Secondary coverage usually meant online reports on the station’s official website. The viewership was much lower, especially at this time of year, even fewer people would pay attention.

You Ruxu said, “It’s okay.”

In fact, she didn’t want the story to become a big deal, she just wanted to minimize the harm to Yao Zhao as much as possible, after all, she was still young.

Chen Xiang nodded, “Yes, she’s really young, and it wouldn’t be good for her if this became a big deal. Last time, when we went to her school, seeing her classmates’ attitudes, it made me so angry.”

“Some netizens even said it was Yao Zhao’s fault, that if her mother hadn’t run away, she wouldn’t be beaten.”

Shi Qi said, “Typical victim-blaming, they can’t find fault with her, so they blame her mother.”

You Ruxu took a sip of soup and heard Shi Qi ask, “Will this case be closed before the New Year?”

You Ruxu said, “Probably.”

It wasn’t a complicated case. As long as they pressed charges against her stepfather and settled Yao Zhao’s living arrangements before the New Year, it could be closed before then. Shi Qi said, “She’s quite lucky. When I first joined the station, I covered a domestic violence case, the wife had been abused for four or five years, every time she was about to press charges, she would back down.”

Chen Xiang was surprised, “Endured it for four or five years? How? If it were me, I would have fought back long ago, either you die or I die.”

Shi Qi said, “Later, she finally couldn’t take it anymore and decided to press charges.”

Chen Xiang looked at Shi Qi, “Was she successful?”

Shi Qi shook her head, “No.”

She lowered her head, “The man beat her to death.”

Chen Xiang bit her chopsticks, silent.

You Ruxu looked at Shi Qi: “That was many years ago.”

“Over twenty years ago.” Shi Qi said, “I had just graduated, a senior colleague took me on that case.”

It was the first domestic violence case she had ever handled, and it left a deep psychological scar. After that, whenever she encountered similar cases, she became very passionate, determined to help, to persuade the victims to press charges. But after seeing so many people choose to forgive their abusers, she became disheartened, exasperated.

Chen Xiang sighed, “Save one life at a time.”

Shi Qi chuckled, “Do you think you’re a savior?”

“I’m not.” Chen Xiang grinned. “But Teacher You definitely is!”

You Ruxu said, “Don’t put me on a pedestal.”

Chen Xiang said, “It’s not a pedestal, Teacher You, think about it, you’re helping her now, and Yao Zhao will definitely be grateful. She’s a resilient girl, she can achieve great things. Maybe ten or twenty years later, she’ll become someone successful, and she’ll mention You! Ruxu! in her thank you speech…”

You Ruxu knocked on Chen Xiang’s lunchbox, “Are you still eating?”

Chen Xiang lowered her head, “Yes, yes, yes.”

Her playful banter lightened the mood. They continued filming in the afternoon. Shi Qi knew she had to take Yao Zhao to the hospital, so she let her leave early. You Ruxu went home, took a hot shower, changed her clothes, and went to the school. She saw Yao Zhao walking out, carrying a few books, and called out, “Yao Zhao.”

Yao Zhao looked up and saw You Ruxu in the distance.

You Ruxu was wearing a white down jacket, her hair tied up in a bun, with air bangs, light makeup. Just standing there, she looked like a painting. Several students, passing by, turned to look back, their eyes shining. She heard them whispering, “Who’s that?”

“I don’t know, she’s looking for Yao Zhao.”

“Wow, she’s gorgeous, she looks familiar.”

“I also think she looks familiar, is she a relative of Yao Zhao’s?”

Yao Zhao, under the curious and envious gazes of her classmates, walked over to You Ruxu. It was the first time she didn’t feel ashamed of being the center of attention, a small, youthful vanity satisfied. She even greedily thought, if only time could stop at this moment.

She reached You Ruxu, who took the books from her and said, “Let’s go to the hospital first.”

Yao Zhao nodded.

You Ruxu said, “Did your stepfather come to find you today?”

Yao Zhao said, “He came at noon.”

The security guard hadn’t let him in, knowing who he was. She had heard from her classmates that he had stood at the school gate yelling insults, but when she secretly went to check after lunch, she hadn’t seen him.

She had lunch in the school cafeteria today. For the first time since the start of the school year, she had sat in the cafeteria. You Ruxu had paid for her meals for the semester. Yao Zhao had secretly noted it down, determined to pay You Ruxu back as soon as she started working.

But by then, would You Ruxu still remember her?

She probably wouldn’t. You Ruxu met so many people every day. Perhaps they would never meet again. It would be normal for You Ruxu to forget her, but she still hoped You Ruxu would remember her, even just a little.

Yao Zhao, lost in thought, heard You Ruxu say, after parking the car, “We’re here.”

She followed You Ruxu out of the car and into the hospital, obediently trailing behind her. You Ruxu made a phone call, her every movement elegant and composed.

You Ruxu said into the phone, “We’ve arrived.”

Then she looked down, a faint smile playing on her lips, her smile beautiful. After hanging up, she turned to Yao Zhao, “Let’s wait here.”

Soon, someone in a white coat emerged, it was Dr. Zhou from last night.

Yao Zhao instinctively tensed up, her body aching slightly, her breathing shallow. She fidgeted with her pants, taking deep breaths, but her face remained pale. Zhou Tianzui walked over to them and said, “Let’s go, I’ve already talked to my colleague.”

She led them towards the outpatient clinic, You Ruxu walking beside her, the two seemingly engaged in casual conversation. Yao Zhao was tense, her breathing still uneven. Reaching the clinic, You Ruxu said, “Go on in, we’ll wait for you outside.”

Yao Zhao looked at You Ruxu and nodded.

After Yao Zhao went in, Zhou Tianzui said, “Come to my office for some tea.”

You Ruxu followed her to her office. Two other doctors were inside. You Ruxu greeted them with a smile. The two doctors offered her some snacks and biscuits, complimenting her makeup from today’s live broadcast. You Ruxu sat with them, chatting and laughing.

Zhou Tianzui, glancing up, saw her smile. She took a sip of tea, noticing a movement at the doorway. Zhao Mingqi poked his head in, looking for the other two doctors. You Ruxu also greeted him. The two doctors left, and only You Ruxu and Zhou Tianzui remained.

You Ruxu asked, “What time do you finish work?”

“Six o’clock.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Waiting for me?”

“I’ll wait until Yao Zhao’s checkup is done, then I’ll go back.” She said, “I won’t wait for you.”

Zhou Tianzui chuckled softly.

You Ruxu felt a tingling in her ears, hearing that laughter. She had heard Zhou Tianzui laugh like that many times in her dreams, right beside her ear. You Ruxu touched her earlobe, it felt slightly warm.

Zhou Tianzui said, “The report should be ready tomorrow.”

You Ruxu was typing on her phone. Zhou Tianzui asked, “What are you doing?”

“Writing the case report.” You Ruxu said, “It’ll be published in the next couple of days.”

“So soon?” Zhou Tianzui said, “You’ve already investigated the case?”

You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui, as if not understanding what she meant by “investigated.”

Zhou Tianzui paused, “Haven’t you thought about the possibility of something being wrong?”

You Ruxu said, “What could be wrong?”

Zhou Tianzui didn’t beat around the bush, “Have you considered that Yao Zhao might be lying?”

You Ruxu said, “What do you mean?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I mean, what if there’s no domestic violence, what if…”

“Impossible.” You Ruxu said, “She was abused.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “She’s still undergoing the assessment, the report isn’t out yet, how can you be so certain?”

You Ruxu said, “We saw her injuries with our own eyes, we even went to pick her up last night, you were the one who treated her eye, she wouldn’t lie.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “That doesn’t necessarily mean she was abused.”

You Ruxu said, “She was abused.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “She wasn’t.”

You Ruxu started to say, “She…”

Zhou Tianzui interrupted her, “The injury below her waist, it’s self-inflicted.”

You Ruxu’s voice trailed off. She looked at Zhou Tianzui, then down at the area below her own waist. A sudden silence fell over the room.

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Zhou Tianzui: Won the argument, lost my wife.
You Ruxu: …

Chapter 62: Blindly

Yao Zhao sat on the sofa. Hearing a noise behind her, she turned and instinctively tried to stand up. You Ruxu said, “Sit.”

She obediently sat back down.

Her hands gripped the edges of her pants, her head lowered, her expression anxious. This wasn’t the first time she had defied her stepfather, but it was the first time she had made such a big fuss, involving the police and reporters, people she had always considered untouchable, yet now they were right here beside her.

Yao Zhao’s heart pounded in her chest.

She kept her head down.

Zhou Tianzui said, “Come to the hospital tomorrow for an injury assessment.”

You Ruxu was surprised: “Didn’t she already have one?”

Yao Zhao nodded, “I did.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “You had it done at the clinic, their equipment isn’t as comprehensive. If you want to sue your stepfather, it’s best to have another one done.”

Yao Zhao looked at You Ruxu.

You Ruxu said, “Alright, I’ll accompany you after school tomorrow?”

Yao Zhao gave a small “mm-hmm,” her fingers twisting together nervously. Her face was pale, her lips bloodless, the telltale signs of long-term malnutrition. You Ruxu asked, “Have you had dinner yet?”

Yao Zhao said, “Not yet.”

You Ruxu said, “I’ll make something.”

She looked at Zhou Tianzui.

Zhou Tianzui said, “What about me?”

You Ruxu smiled, a slight parting of her lips.

She went to the kitchen. Zhou Tianzui stayed with Yao Zhao, asking, “Going out with your friends this weekend?”

Yao Zhao shook her head.

Zhou Tianzui glanced at her, handed her the TV remote, and said, “I’ll go wash some fruit.”

Yao Zhao took the remote, but didn’t dare change the channel. When Zhou Tianzui returned with two apples, it was still the same channel, the evening news. Zhou Tianzui handed an apple to Yao Zhao and said, “You’re very brave.”

Yao Zhao froze, looking at Zhou Tianzui.

She didn’t dare look Zhou Tianzui in the eye. It felt different from You Ruxu. She was afraid of Zhou Tianzui, afraid of her profession, her eyes, everything about her. Talking to her, Yao Zhao had to force herself to focus, not daring to relax for even a moment.

She knew she wasn’t brave at all.

So, hearing Zhou Tianzui’s words, her first reaction wasn’t gratitude or being moved, but shame. She lowered her head and took a bite of the apple, “No, I’m not brave.”

The apple was crisp and sweet, its juice filling her mouth. Zhou Tianzui said, “You are brave, many girls your age would just endure it in silence.”

Yao Zhao chewed on the apple.

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Are you still in contact with your mother?”

Yao Zhao’s chewing paused. She shook her head, “No.”

She had searched everywhere, made countless calls, but there was no trace of her mother. Sometimes, she hated her mother for abandoning her, just leaving her like that. Sometimes, she told herself that her mother had struggled to raise her for so many years, that she must have left because she couldn’t take it anymore, that she shouldn’t look for her, shouldn’t disturb her.

Her thoughts were a constant battle.

Zhou Tianzui said, “Have you thought about what you’ll do after this?”

Yao Zhao said, “I have.”

Worst case scenario, she would live alone. She was almost an adult, she could be independent. She wasn’t afraid, even preferred living alone. Zhou Tianzui nodded, hearing noises from the kitchen, “Reporter You is very professional, if you have any questions, you can tell her, she’ll help you.”

Yao Zhao said, “Okay.”

She looked at Zhou Tianzui timidly and said, “Thank you.”

“Thank you both.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “You’re welcome.”

“Don’t worry about the hospital checkup tomorrow, my colleagues are very nice.”

Yao Zhao swallowed the apple, not yet fully chewed, her throat scratching slightly, but she didn’t mind, “I understand.”

Zhou Tianzui continued, “I saw your previous injury assessment report in Reporter You’s files, you have many injuries, some quite old, is that right?”

Yao Zhao said, “I was afraid to tell anyone at first.”

Zhou Tianzui paused: “The injury on your waist, what caused that?”

Yao Zhao followed her gaze and looked down. After talking to Zhou Tianzui for about ten minutes, she wasn’t as nervous anymore, her face regaining some color. Seeing Zhou Tianzui’s curiosity, she didn’t hesitate, “I don’t remember exactly.”

She said, “There was a time when he would hit me whenever he was unhappy, it was probably during that time.”

Zhou Tianzui nodded, “Dinner’s almost ready, I’ll go help.”

Yao Zhao also stood up, “I’ll help too.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “You should rest.”

Yao Zhao bit her lip and stood there. You Ruxu, just as she finished serving the soup, saw Zhou Tianzui enter. She touched Zhou Tianzui’s earlobe with her slightly burned finger and, seeing Zhou Tianzui look over, smiled, “When are you going back?”

“After dinner.” Zhou Tianzui said, “I’ll have some soup first.”

She didn’t have much of an appetite, so she poured the rice back into the pot and filled a bowl with soup. You Ruxu was always exasperated by her picky eating habits. They took the soup to the living room. You Ruxu called Yao Zhao over for dinner.

Yao Zhao was very reserved, sitting there trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible. You Ruxu, seeing this, felt a pang of sympathy, placed some food in front of her, and told her to eat more.

You Ruxu asked, “Does it suit your taste?”

Yao Zhao said, “It’s delicious.”

It truly was delicious. Her mother rarely cooked, they often ordered takeout, or just had instant noodles and fried rice. There was never a shortage of instant noodles at her house. There was a time when she couldn’t even stomach those, so she learned to cook herself. Now, she was the one cooking at home. She came home late, so dinner was always late, which made the man angry.

Yao Zhao’s face paled, her shoulders slumping slightly, she continued eating.

You Ruxu said, “Let’s talk after dinner?”

Her tone was gentle. Yao Zhao’s lips moved slightly. She looked at You Ruxu and nodded.

You Ruxu smiled.

Zhou Tianzui left before finishing her meal. You Ruxu walked her downstairs and said, “I want Yao Zhao to stay here tonight.”

Zhou Tianzui frowned: “Aren’t the police coming over?”

“They are, but they didn’t say they would arrange accommodation for her.” You Ruxu said, “I want her to stay here.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “A Ran…”

“She reminds me of my mom.” You Ruxu’s voice was low, “It’s a little ridiculous, she’s just a middle school student, how could she be like my mom?”

You Ruxu and Zhou Tianzui stood downstairs, the surroundings dark, the wind cold. They were bundled up in their down jackets, walking along the stone path, their shadows elongated by the dim streetlights. You Ruxu said, “When I was young, my mom was also often beaten. There were times when she would lie in bed and look at me, and I always felt she wanted to say something.”

But she never did, just endured it, day after day.

Later, after the man started hitting her as well, her mother finally took her and left.

Zhou Tianzui said, “She’s not your mother.”

Her tone was firm and certain.

You Ruxu chuckled, “Of course I know that.”

Zhou Tianzui lowered her head.

They reached the entrance, the wind biting at their faces. Zhou Tianzui said, “Let’s go back inside, I’ll take a taxi.”

You Ruxu said, “Really don’t need me to drive you back?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “If you drive me back, I’ll have to drive you back as well, it’s too much trouble.”

You Ruxu muttered, “It’s not any trouble at all.”

Zhou Tianzui, hearing her mutter, chuckled, “What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Go back early.”

You Ruxu nodded.

She stood at the entrance while Zhou Tianzui hailed a taxi. The night was dark, the wind whipping their hair around their faces. Zhou Tianzui said, “A Ran, do you know what kind of interviews my dad used to say he was most afraid of?”

You Ruxu’s expression turned serious.

Zhou Tianzui’s calm tone as she mentioned her father was like a sudden clap of thunder, yet her demeanor was so casual, as if she was just talking about everyday matters.

You Ruxu paused for a few seconds before asking, “What kind of interviews?”

“Interviews where he had to empathize.” Zhou Tianzui said, “He used to say he was most afraid of those, empathizing. Although it could help him connect with the victims faster, it could also make him biased.”

You Ruxu pursed her lips.

Zhou Tianzui continued, “Bias can lead to mistakes.”

You Ruxu asked, “Did he ever make any mistakes?”

Zhou Tianzui, thinking of her father’s expression when he spoke to her, chuckled, “Perhaps, I don’t know.”

She only knew that these were things her father had experienced.

Perhaps, they were also things You Ruxu needed to experience.

You Ruxu gave a small “mm-hmm” and watched as Zhou Tianzui got into the taxi. She stood there for a while, then went back upstairs. Yao Zhao stood up from the sofa, her hands at her sides, looking at You Ruxu. One eye was covered with a small bandage, the other clear and bright, still carrying a hint of fear, her expression carrying the naivety and immaturity of a child her age. You Ruxu, remembering how Yao Zhao had flinched instinctively when her stepfather raised his hand, her expression softening slightly, asked, “Would you like some water?”

Yao Zhao said, “Has Dr. Zhou gone back?”

You Ruxu nodded, “Yes, you seem a little scared of her.”

Yao Zhao said, “I’ve always been afraid of doctors, since I was young.”

You Ruxu chuckled, “Why? Doctors don’t bite.”

Yao Zhao said, “But they give injections.”

Such a child. You Ruxu smiled and handed Yao Zhao a glass of water, then went into her bedroom, “You’re sleeping here tonight.”

Yao Zhao said, “Can I sleep on the sofa?”

Her tone was sincere and earnest, “The sofa is really nice and comfortable, I like sleeping on sofas.”

You Ruxu said, “No, you have school tomorrow, you need to rest properly. I’ll accompany you to the hospital after work tomorrow.”

Yao Zhao said, “I can go by myself.”

You Ruxu said, “I’ll still go with you.”

Just as Yao Zhao was about to speak, the doorbell rang. You Ruxu went to answer the door. Captain Zhou came to ask about the situation. You Ruxu excused herself and went to her room, sitting at her desk, thinking about Zhou Tianzui’s words. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, unable to type.

After a while, her phone lit up. You Ruxu looked over; it was a message from Chen Xiang.

[Teacher You, I’ve sent you tomorrow’s script.]

You Ruxu opened the document, but the words blurred into Yao Zhao’s name. She twirled her pen between her fingers, then tapped it lightly on the desk.

Once, twice, three times.

After a few minutes, as if having made up her mind, she closed the document, opened the one about Yao Zhao, and started editing.

Name: Yao Zhao.

Age: Fourteen.

Case: Long-term domestic violence.

…

---

---

---

Zhou Tianzui: Teacher You, I can give injections, are you scared?
You Ruxu: Scared of what? You’re not giving me an injection.
Zhou Tianzui: Maybe I should give you a few more.
You Ruxu: …

Chapter 61: Otherwise

You Ruxu cleaned the apartment after returning home, washing clothes and mopping the floor, busying herself so she wouldn’t think about Zhou Tianzui’s suggestion to go to her place. You Ruxu shook her head, put on the new coffee-colored flannel sheets, placed the little gray teddy bear on the bed – it matched perfectly – and lay down contentedly, turning over.

The person who usually lay beside her felt almost present, asking, “Sleep together?”

You Ruxu pursed her lips.

She reached out, her hand passing through the phantom image. You Ruxu rubbed her temples. After a while, she started to feel sleepy. Chen Xiang’s message arrived just as she was drifting off.

[Teacher You, are you covering the Yao Zhao case?]

You Ruxu: [Huh?]

Chen Xiang: [That’s what the people on Team 3 said, they’re following the case, and they said you went to the school at noon.]

You Ruxu: [Yes.]

Chen Xiang: [Did you inform the boss?]

You Ruxu sat up, rubbing her sleepy eyes, and called Shi Qi, who chuckled, “Can’t you just rest properly?”

Still working even on vacation, it was really unfair that the station hadn’t given her an award.

You Ruxu said, “I’m fine now, I can come to the station tomorrow.”

“I heard from Chen Xiang.” Shi Qi said, “But that domestic violence case isn’t easy to handle, are you sure you want to take it?”

You Ruxu didn’t hesitate, “Yes.”

Shi Qi said, “Alright, I understand.”

You Ruxu hung up, lay back down, and thought of Yao Zhao, of that man. She couldn’t remember his face anymore, just that he loved drinking, throwing chairs, and hitting people. Once, she hadn’t been able to dodge in time, and he hit her on the back of the head, leaving a large bump. Her mother couldn’t afford to take her to the hospital, so she took her to a barefoot doctor in the village, who just applied some disinfectant. She heard the doctor say, “Why are you still with him? He’ll beat you to death one day.”

The doctor advised her mother: “Get a divorce.”

“He won’t agree!” Her mother was anxious. She had heard the word “divorce” before. Her mother often said it to the man, and every time, it would lead to a fight, the man yelling insults, “You slut, who are you cheating with?”

“Want a divorce? Sure, over my dead body! Come on, kill me! Kill me! If you kill me, your daughter will never escape! Everyone will know she’s the daughter of a murderer, she’ll be sold off like trash!”

She watched her mother argue hysterically with the man, how the neighbors, who initially tried to help, eventually turned away, how her mother was beaten and left lying on the floor. She ran outside, wanting to get help, but was paralyzed by fear.

She couldn’t forget her mother’s expression at that time.

So similar to Yao Zhao’s.

You Ruxu turned over, closing her eyes. It felt as if someone was hitting her on the back of the head, a sharp pain. She touched the back of her head, it was covered in blood. She heard a familiar voice: “A Ran.”

“Don’t be afraid, A Ran, it won’t hurt for long.”

She fell into an abyss, only the familiar voice beside her, and the blood gushing from the back of her head, the metallic smell quickly overwhelming her. She wanted to scream, but a hand clamped down on her mouth, silencing her.

The sudden ringing of her phone.

You Ruxu woke up from the nightmare, her forehead covered in sweat. She took a deep breath. It had been years since she had such nightmares. She used to have them every night when she was first adopted and was afraid to sleep. Later, Wu Xiulian stayed with her, and gradually, the nightmares faded.

The phone was still ringing. You Ruxu picked it up and looked at the sky; it was dark.

How long had she been asleep?

It felt like only a moment.

You Ruxu answered the call. A scream came from the other end, “Reporter! Reporter, help me…”

“You little bitch, who did you call?!”

The call abruptly ended. You Ruxu reacted instantly, jumped out of bed, changed her clothes, and rushed out. Zhou Tianzui called her on the way. She connected via Bluetooth and heard Zhou Tianzui’s gentle voice: “You’re awake?”

You Ruxu said, “Yes.”

She coughed, her voice hoarse, and said, “I’m going to Yao Zhao’s house now.”

Zhou Tianzui was surprised: “What?”

You Ruxu said, “She’s been beaten again, I’m going to see what happened.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Want me to come over?”

You Ruxu started to say “no,” then thinking Yao Zhao might not want to go to the hospital, she said, “Okay, I’ll send you the address.”

Zhou Tianzui agreed, grabbed her jacket, and was about to leave when Yu Qiao asked, “What happened?”

She said, “A patient nearby needs emergency treatment.”

Yu Qiao didn’t delay her, “Then hurry, drive safe!”

Zhou Tianzui nodded and left.

You Ruxu quickly arrived at Yao Zhao’s house. It wasn’t far from the school, nor was it far from her apartment, about a ten-minute drive. When she arrived, Yao Zhao was crying. Two young women, who looked like recent university graduates, were standing beside her. They were the neighbors who had called the police before. Hearing the commotion tonight, they knew the man must have hit Yao Zhao again, so they knocked on the door. Yao Zhao opened the door, saw them, and burst into tears, unable to speak. The two women took her outside. The man wanted to drag Yao Zhao back, but they stopped him.

Yao Zhao, using one of the women’s phones, called You Ruxu.

You Ruxu rushed over. There was a bruise on Yao Zhao’s cheek, and a cut near her eye, a broken blood vessel, a thin trickle of blood, she didn’t know what he had hit her with.

The man said, “Yao Zhao, tell me clearly, when did I hit you? I came home and went to sleep, then I woke up and heard you whining, I asked what was wrong, and you ran off! Just like your slut of a mother, always running away!”

You Ruxu walked over to the man and showed her press badge, “Hello, I’m a reporter from Jindu TV’s midday news team. Are you certain about what you just said?”

The man, seeing You Ruxu, was momentarily stunned. This woman was incredibly beautiful. Others looked at him. The man puffed up his chest, “Of course I’m certain!”

You Ruxu said, “So you calling her mother a slut, that’s also accurate, and you’re willing to provide evidence?”

“I!” The man was speechless, just glaring at You Ruxu.

Yao Zhao called out timidly, “Reporter.”

You Ruxu stood in front of her and asked, “Can I take a look inside?”

The man blocked the door: “Why should I let you into my house?”

The two women chimed in, “Didn’t you say you didn’t hit Yao Zhao?”

“Exactly, if you didn’t hit her, then letting the reporter in will prove your innocence, what are you afraid of?”

The man said, “When was I ever afraid?” He looked at Yao Zhao. “You little brat, tell them, when did I ever hit you?”

You Ruxu also looked at Yao Zhao.

Yao Zhao said, “Half an hour ago, I came home from school, you told me to make dinner, I was a little slow…”

“You’re full of shit!” The man raised his hand, about to hit her, when You Ruxu grabbed his wrist, stopping him. He glared at Yao Zhao furiously, “Just like that bitch of a mother of yours! An ungrateful wretch!”

You Ruxu’s grip on his wrist prevented him from hitting Yao Zhao, but Yao Zhao still instinctively flinched, her fear evident as her face paled and her body tensed.

You Ruxu asked, “Have you called the police?”

The two women said, “Not yet, Yao Zhao said she would contact you.”

You Ruxu nodded, looking at the man, who yanked his hand away, still ranting. Zhou Tianzui arrived just then, seeing the commotion. She walked over to You Ruxu. You Ruxu said, “You’re here.”

Zhou Tianzui nodded.

She looked at Yao Zhao.

You Ruxu said, “Don’t be afraid, she’s a doctor.”

Yao Zhao visibly trembled. Zhou Tianzui looked at her, not saying anything, but gently touching the cut near her eye, “What did he hit you with?”

“A pen holder.” Yao Zhao’s voice was barely a whisper. Zhou Tianzui looked inside, past the man, at the messy apartment. It wasn’t difficult to imagine what had just happened. The man was still insisting, “I didn’t hit her!”

Perhaps because there were so many people watching, his tone softened slightly, “Reporter, I really didn’t hit her, she did it to herself…”

One of the neighbors couldn’t stand it anymore, “You really are, incorrigible!”

Yao Zhao hid behind You Ruxu, not daring to make a sound. More and more people gathered, many criticizing the man, who finally cursed and slammed the door shut. Yao Zhao flinched.

You Ruxu said, “Let’s go.”

She took Yao Zhao to the elevator, and as they went downstairs, she messaged Captain Zhou and said to Yao Zhao, “I’ll take you to the hospital first.”

“I’m fine.” Yao Zhao fidgeted with her fingers, “I’ll just buy a band-aid.”

You Ruxu said, “That won’t do.”

She looked at Zhou Tianzui, “Should I take her to my place? Until Captain Zhou arrives?”

Zhou Tianzui, looking at Yao Zhao, said, “I’ll go with you.”

You Ruxu said, “Okay, I can clean her wound.”

She looked at Yao Zhao: “Let’s go to my place first, is that okay?”

Yao Zhao, looking at You Ruxu, then at Zhou Tianzui, nodded: “Okay.”

You Ruxu drove. Zhou Tianzui and Yao Zhao sat in the back. They weren’t sitting too close, nor too far apart. Yao Zhao’s face remained pale, her body tense. Zhou Tianzui asked, “Relax, when did he start hitting you?”

“After New Year’s.” Yao Zhao said, “During the holidays.”

Zhou Tianzui nodded.

She didn’t say anything more.

The car was quiet, only the faint sound of music. They soon arrived. You Ruxu took Yao Zhao upstairs. Zhou Tianzui took out her medical kit and cleaned and bandaged Yao Zhao’s wound, her movements gentle. Yao Zhao whispered, “Thank you, doctor.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Your eye is injured, you should rest.”

Yao Zhao, still feeling very awkward and reserved, was only sitting on the edge of the sofa. Hearing Zhou Tianzui tell her to rest, she hesitated, then nodded, “Okay.”

You Ruxu poured a glass of water and placed it on the coffee table. Yao Zhao looked around the apartment, a small but cozy two-bedroom, completely different from her own home. She lowered her head. You Ruxu said, “Have some water.”

Yao Zhao said, “Okay, thank you.”

You Ruxu pursed her lips, her gaze towards Yao Zhao a mix of pity and something else.

Zhou Tianzui glanced at You Ruxu, then took the medical kit and went into the bedroom. You Ruxu followed her and asked, “Are you going back now?”

“I’ll wait and see.” Zhou Tianzui looked at You Ruxu, remembering her earlier expression, and called out, “A Ran.”

You Ruxu looked up, their eyes meeting.

Zhou Tianzui said, “Do you want to hand this case over to a colleague?”

You Ruxu said, “No.” Her tone was firm. “I’m covering this case.”

Zhou Tianzui, hearing this, didn’t try to persuade her further, her grip on the medical kit tightening.

Chapter 60: Sweetness

You Ruxu wasn’t very tired. Although she felt a little lightheaded from the alcohol, she wasn’t sleepy. The flannel sheets were comfortable. She turned over in Zhou Tianzui’s arms, facing her.

Zhou Tianzui’s eyes were closed.

She thought about what Zhou Tianzui had just said.

Hated her.

Hated her for many years.

She hadn’t known.

You Ruxu buried her face in Zhou Tianzui’s embrace, tears welling up in her eyes. Back then, she was just a child, a few years old, watching the man who came and went with her mother, thinking of her father, that horrible man. In her young mind, all men were like that.

Especially since her mother often cried.

She hated him even more.

This hatred blinded her, so when she found that notebook, the one detailing what happened to her mother, she couldn’t accept it. The hatred dissipated, replaced by an overwhelming sense of guilt. She couldn’t eat anything during that time, falling seriously ill. She didn’t dare tell anyone, afraid You Shu and Wu Xiulian would find out what a horrible child she was. She didn’t dare to reveal the truth.

She could only breathe in the shadows, feeling dark, selfish, and ashamed.

In the end, she didn’t come forward with the truth, but wrote everything down in a letter, along with Zhou Tianzui’s father’s notebook, and sent it to a reporter.

She thought the reporter would publish the story.

She waited and waited, but the reporter told her they hadn’t received anything.

You Ruxu held Zhou Tianzui tighter, noticing her frown slightly. Knowing she was a light sleeper, You Ruxu didn’t want to disturb her, so she carefully got out of bed. The door to the next room was open. Yu Qiao was reaching for something. You Ruxu quickly walked over and helped her, handing her the item. Yu Qiao said, “This leg is useless, it’s so inconvenient.”

“Where’s Xiao Tian?”

You Ruxu said, “She’s sleeping.”

Yu Qiao nodded, “Still asleep? She never used to nap, when she was young, we couldn’t get her to nap even if we tried.”

You Ruxu helped her out of the room and onto the sofa, “Either she wouldn’t sleep, or she wouldn’t wake up, so sound asleep you could steal her candy and she wouldn’t know.”

Was this Zhou Tianzui?

You Ruxu asked, “Is she always such a heavy sleeper?”

“Always.” Yu Qiao said, “When she was in kindergarten, even two alarm clocks wouldn’t wake her, we had to pull off the blanket.”

Yu Qiao’s face was wreathed in smiles, remembering Zhou Tianzui as a child.

You Ruxu felt a pang of bitterness.

Her alarm rang. Yu Qiao, thinking it was a phone call, said, “Go ahead, answer it.”

You Ruxu said, “I’m going to the school later, I’ll just go get my bag.”

Her bag was in Zhou Tianzui’s room. Yu Qiao nodded: “Go ahead.”

You Ruxu went to Zhou Tianzui’s room, glanced back; Yu Qiao was watching TV, a peaceful expression on her face. You Ruxu gripped her phone tightly, turned off the alarm, took her bag from the dresser, about to leave, then turned and looked at Zhou Tianzui, sound asleep.

“Either she wouldn’t sleep, or she wouldn’t wake up.”

“So sound asleep, even two alarm clocks wouldn’t wake her.”

Why was she such a light sleeper now? Even turning over would wake her. Was she afraid to sleep? Afraid something would happen to her mother while she was asleep? How did she endure all these years?

You Ruxu’s eyes reddened slightly. She walked to the bed, looked at the sleeping Zhou Tianzui, leaned down, and gently kissed her on the lips.

Zhou Tianzui didn’t wake up.

You Ruxu deepened the kiss.

Before, she had been so careful, afraid of waking Zhou Tianzui, but now, she kissed her as if to wake her, gently biting her lip, not gently at all, almost desperate and rough.

Zhou Tianzui opened her eyes.

She frowned.

Just as she was about to speak, You Ruxu’s tongue slipped into her mouth, silencing her.

“Mm…” Zhou Tianzui didn’t know what had come over her, but she didn’t mind being kissed, being kissed so fiercely by You Ruxu.

After a long moment.

You Ruxu released her.

Her lips were red and swollen. She didn’t say anything, just turned her back to Zhou Tianzui and touched up her makeup in the mirror.

Zhou Tianzui asked, “Where are you going?”

“To the school.” You Ruxu said, “I have something to ask Yao Zhao.”

Her tone was soft and gentle, as if the previous fervor hadn’t happened. Zhou Tianzui moistened her lips, about to speak, when You Ruxu stood up, turned around, “I’m leaving.”

Her makeup done, she looked as if nothing had happened.

Zhou Tianzui felt unsettled by the kiss.

She couldn’t help but ask, “When will you be done?”

You Ruxu smiled, “I don’t know, why?”

“Coming for dinner?” Zhou Tianzui looked at her, her desire to stay written all over her face. You Ruxu said, “No.”

Constantly coming over would make Yu Qiao uncomfortable. Although their relationship had taken a step forward today, she could still sense Yu Qiao’s slight reserve. Zhou Tianzui called out, “A Ran…”

You Ruxu walked over to the bed, leaned down, cupped Zhou Tianzui’s face in her hands, looked into her eyes, her lips parting slightly. Just as Zhou Tianzui thought she was going to kiss her again, You Ruxu released her hands and said, “I’m leaving.”

She left the room without a backward glance.

Zhou Tianzui glared at her retreating back.

Outside, Yu Qiao was watching TV. Zhou Tianzui saw the plate of fruit in front of her, took an apple, and munched on it listlessly. Yu Qiao asked, “When are you going back to the hospital?”

“Tomorrow.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Call me if you need anything.”

Yu Qiao nodded.

Zhou Tianzui said, “I’ll probably be busy, you can call You Ruxu if you can’t reach me.”

Now she had a legitimate excuse.

Zhou Tianzui smiled, the apple tasting extra sweet.

You Ruxu went directly to the school after leaving. They had lunch early, arriving at the school just as classes ended for lunch break. Boarding students went to the cafeteria, day students went home. Yao Zhao should have gone home, but there was no food for her there, and her father hadn’t given her any money for the cafeteria. So, every day, she brought a lunchbox, and after all her classmates left, she would add hot water to her cold rice, mixing it with pickled vegetables she brought from home, that was her lunch.

You Ruxu, reaching Yao Zhao’s classroom, saw her sitting alone at her desk, her head lowered, her book and lunchbox shielding her face.

The classroom was empty, leftover chalk marks on the blackboard. You Ruxu entered through the back door and called out, “Yao Zhao.”

Yao Zhao’s hand trembled, almost dropping her spoon. She turned around and saw You Ruxu.

You Ruxu was carrying a lunchbox, which she had just bought downstairs. She had come to the school earlier, then gone back out to buy the lunchbox before returning. Seeing Yao Zhao turn around, she walked over to her, moved aside the thick textbook shielding her face, and placed the lunchbox in front of her. She opened it; it was chicken and rice with two stalks of green vegetables, colorful and fragrant. Yao Zhao looked at You Ruxu.

Hearing her say, “Let’s eat together?”

Yao Zhao looked down.

You Ruxu switched their lunchboxes, placing the chicken and rice in front of Yao Zhao, who gripped her spoon tightly, her gaze fixed on You Ruxu. You Ruxu asked, “Do you mind?”

Yao Zhao’s grip tightened, her body tense, she didn’t say a word.

You Ruxu said, “Eat.”

Yao Zhao pushed the lunchbox back towards You Ruxu, wanting to retrieve her own. You Ruxu grabbed her wrist. Yao Zhao looked up, their eyes meeting for a few seconds. You Ruxu said, “Eat.”

Her tone was gentle, without a hint of coercion, yet her persistence gave Yao Zhao a strange sense of strength, as if saying, she could help her.

Yao Zhao’s hand relaxed. She stopped resisting, took the lunchbox, and started eating.

You Ruxu also didn’t speak. The classroom was quiet.

After a long while, You Ruxu asked, “What time do your classes start in the afternoon?”

“1:40.”

You Ruxu asked again, “What time do you finish?”

“6:00.”

You Ruxu said, “Those boys I saw last time, are they your classmates?”

Yao Zhao paused slightly and said, “Yes, they’re my classmates.”

Her tone was calm, as if she was used to such encounters. You Ruxu understood somewhat. Her mother wasn’t around, she only had her stepfather. If something happened, there was no one to protect her. As the saying went, “A rope breaks at its weakest point.” If this had happened before, Yao Zhao’s situation might have been better. Now, everyone knew she was being abused at home, which meant even her family didn’t care about her, making it easier for others to bully her without fear of consequences.

Those boys were probably thinking the same thing.

You Ruxu asked, “You’re not planning to press charges against your stepfather?”

Yao Zhao looked at You Ruxu.

Very few people referred to him as her “stepfather.”

Others would say, “Why is your father like this?” “It’s your mother’s fault, if she hadn’t run away, your father wouldn’t be angry, he only hit you because he’s angry.” “Your father provides for you, sends you to school, he only hits you because he wants you to succeed.” “Spare the rod, spoil the child.”

Even the reporter who interviewed her at the hospital said, “Your father, your father…”

Her father was dead, and she loathed that title.

Yao Zhao said, “He didn’t hit me.”

Just like in the previous interviews, Yao Zhao changed her story. The initial attention on the domestic violence case quickly died down because she claimed she had accidentally fallen and hit the table, that the injuries were from the fall. Although the police were still investigating, her words discouraged the reporters and TV stations, as they had seen countless similar cases.

You Ruxu nodded: “Mm-hmm.”

Yao Zhao looked at her: “Aren’t you going to scold me?”

You Ruxu tilted her head slightly, “Scold you?”

Yao Zhao was speechless. Others, hearing this, would call her crazy, or lecture her in exasperation, only You Ruxu remained calm.

You Ruxu said, “Why would I scold you?”

She packed up Yao Zhao’s lunchbox, put it in a bag, tied it up, placed it aside, and said to Yao Zhao, “I have a friend who was often beaten by her father when she was young.”

Yao Zhao’s heart clenched.

You Ruxu continued, “My friend was terrified of him.”

Yao Zhao fidgeted with her hands.

You Ruxu said, “Later, she told her mother she was scared and didn’t want to live with her father anymore, but her father refused to get a divorce, so her mother took her and left.”

Yao Zhao looked at You Ruxu and couldn’t help but ask, “What happened then?”

You Ruxu said, “Her mother died.”

Yao Zhao froze.

You Ruxu said, “Because they moved to a new place, and met someone even worse. Sometimes, my friend wonders, if they hadn’t run away, if they had come forward and reported her father, would her mother still be alive?”

And wouldn’t everything that followed have been avoided?

They wouldn’t have wrongly accused an innocent man, all these years.

You Ruxu looked at Yao Zhao, handed her a business card, and said, “Whatever you decide, it’s your choice. If you want to come forward, you can contact me.”

Yao Zhao’s hand froze.

She stared at the business card, like a lifeline, but did she dare take it?

Would it break?

Would she fall into another abyss?

A chill ran down Yao Zhao’s spine. She wanted to reach out, but hesitated. You Ruxu looked at her calmly. Yao Zhao heard footsteps outside, her classmates were back. She gritted her teeth and took the business card.

You Ruxu breathed a sigh of relief.

She left the school, threw away the lunchbox, and saw a message from Zhou Tianzui.

Zhou Tianzui: [Are you done?]

You Ruxu called her and said, “Just finished.”

Zhou Tianzui’s voice was warm, without its usual coolness, a low and slightly suggestive tone, “What are you doing this afternoon?”

You Ruxu said, “Going home to sleep.”

Zhou Tianzui: “Not coming over?”

You Ruxu chuckled, “No.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Alright, I have a question for you.”

You Ruxu, walking down the street, turned slightly and asked, “What is it?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Why did you kiss me today?”

You Ruxu choked, coughing a couple of times, “What?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “During your nap, at noon, why did you kiss me?”

You Ruxu bit her lip.

How could anyone ask such a question?

It was absurd.

She said, “Then why do you usually kiss me?”

Zhou Tianzui’s answer was matter-of-fact: “Because I like you.”

You Ruxu’s heart skipped a beat, a sweetness blossoming within her, spreading throughout her body. She wanted to speak, but her voice was also sweet, tinged with the same sweetness.

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Zhou Tianzui: Making a note, my wife initiated a kiss today.
You Ruxu: …

Chapter 59: Moth

Lunch was enjoyable, especially for Yu Qiao. Even Zhou Tianzui commented, “Mom, are you this happy about gaining a daughter?”

Yu Qiao said with a smile, “Of course I’m happy, I’m happy you have such a good friend. If I’m gone one day, you two can look after each other.”

She wanted to have some alcohol, but Zhou Tianzui stopped her. You Ruxu said, “I’ll have a little with you, Auntie.”

She poured a small amount for Yu Qiao and half a glass for herself. Yu Qiao said to Zhou Tianzui, “Xiao Xu is so much more thoughtful than you.”

Then, looking at You Ruxu, she said, “Auntie didn’t mean…”

Zhou Tianzui chuckled, “What ‘Auntie’? Mom, do you want a red envelope for changing your title too?”

Yu Qiao paused and laughed, “Xiao Xu, that’s not what your godmother meant.”

Afraid You Ruxu might think she only adopted her as a goddaughter so she would take care of Zhou Tianzui, Yu Qiao explained, “Your godmother means, neither of you want to get married, so it’s good that you have each other to rely on in the future.”

She seemed to be thinking of the past, her tone subdued, “It’s my fault for not raising Xiao Tian properly.”

Zhou Tianzui frowned: “Mom.”

You Ruxu said, “Godmother, we’ll take care of each other.” She looked at Yu Qiao, “I’ll also take care of you.”

She looked at Zhou Tianzui.

Grateful for this new identity, which allowed her to be closer to Yu Qiao, to care for her. You Ruxu was also in a good mood today, a heavy burden lifted from her shoulders. The alcohol made her feel slightly lightheaded.

Zhou Tianzui wanted to interject, but seeing the two chatting, it seemed unnecessary. She lowered her head and ate. She saw Yu Qiao reach out and hold You Ruxu’s hand. It was the first time she had done so, and she seemed a little awkward, glancing at You Ruxu’s face. Seeing that You Ruxu didn’t pull away, even smiling at her, Yu Qiao relaxed, her grip on You Ruxu’s hand tightening, and said, “I don’t need you to take care of me, I can take care of myself. You should take care of yourselves. I heard from Xiao Tian that your job is quite dangerous.”

You Ruxu, looking at their joined hands, was momentarily dazed.

Yu Qiao continued, “Yes, being a reporter is always dangerous. Xiao Tian’s father, he once reported on a company’s tax evasion, and our family was harassed constantly. We were terrified every time we left the house. I didn’t even dare take Xiao Tian outside. Later, her father was hospitalized.”

“He was hospitalized for two weeks.”

“A large wound on his chest.”

“He was so foolish, working himself to death.”

“He even wanted to resign after seeing how scared we were.”

Yu Qiao said, “Am I rambling?”

These words had probably been bottled up for years, so now, finding someone to talk to, she couldn’t stop. You Ruxu shook her head: “No, you’re not.”

Yu Qiao said, “So, your godmother hopes you’ll take care of yourself, your job is very dangerous.”

You Ruxu nodded, “I understand.”

Yu Qiao served You Ruxu some food. Zhou Tianzui listened to their conversation and, after finishing her meal, said, as they were about to clear the table, “Let’s sit in the living room for a bit.”

You Ruxu helped Yu Qiao to the sofa. Yu Qiao said she wanted to take a nap, so You Ruxu helped her to her room.

The wallpaper in Yu Qiao’s room was milky white. A wedding photo hung above the bed. The man was wearing a suit, kneeling on the grass, holding a ring, proposing. Yu Qiao looked very young, judging by the photo, they were both young.

Yu Qiao, seeing her looking at the photo, said, “Xiao Tian doesn’t look like her father at all.”

“Her father insisted on marrying me right after graduation.”

“She still doesn’t have a partner.”

You Ruxu was silent.

Yu Qiao sat on the edge of the bed. You Ruxu helped her settle down, noticing several notebooks and a photo album on the bedside table. The album was open, a photo inside torn and then repaired, the tear marks still visible. Yu Qiao, slightly embarrassed, put away the items. You Ruxu asked, “Is this a work journal?”

“Yes.” Yu Qiao said softly, “It was her father’s.”

It was clear that Yu Qiao often looked at it. Some of the pages were yellowed and worn from being turned so many times. She put it away in the cabinet. You Ruxu’s gaze lingered on the notebooks, her throat tightening, her emotions turbulent.

She clenched her hands and said, “Godmother, I’ll leave you to rest now.”

Yu Qiao said, “Okay, if you’re sleepy, you can take a nap in Xiao Tian’s room.”

You Ruxu nodded, “Mm-hmm.”

She left Yu Qiao’s room and, just as she closed the door, saw Yu Qiao take a journal from the bedside table, holding it in her hands, gently stroking the cover. You Ruxu’s eyes instantly reddened. She closed her eyes and closed the door.

Zhou Tianzui emerged from the kitchen, “Is my mom asleep?”

“Yes.” You Ruxu said, “She said she wanted to take a nap.”

“Let her rest.” Zhou Tianzui asked, “Are you in a hurry to leave?”

You Ruxu looked at her, “Why?”

“If not, take a nap with me.” Zhou Tianzui said seriously. You Ruxu’s earlier emotions dissipated, and she started to say, “I’m not…”

She was pulled into Zhou Tianzui’s room.

You Ruxu saw that the bed was made. Zhou Tianzui had changed the bedding, a milky white flannel set with light red floral patterns, the kind that looked incredibly warm and inviting. You Ruxu swallowed her words, sat on the bed, and touched the soft flannel, incredibly comfortable. She lay down, burying her face in the soft fabric, and closed her eyes contentedly.

Zhou Tianzui stood beside her: “Like it?”

You Ruxu nodded, “I do.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I bought two sets, I’ll change the one at home too.”

You Ruxu gave a soft “mm-hmm.” Just moments ago, she had said she wasn’t sleepy, but now, smelling the fresh laundry scent, she felt drowsy. Zhou Tianzui sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over, her chest brushing against You Ruxu’s arm. You Ruxu turned her head and saw Zhou Tianzui leaning closer, she pushed her face away, “What are you doing?”

“Nothing.” Zhou Tianzui pulled You Ruxu’s hand away and kissed her gently on the lips.

Her lips were soft, carrying the sweet fragrance of the fruit she had after lunch. Zhou Tianzui kissed her again. You Ruxu said, “I just saw your parents’ wedding photo in your mom’s room.”

Zhou Tianzui also lay down beside You Ruxu, casually saying, “Mm-hmm.”

“They seemed very much in love.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “They met in the dance studio during university.”

You Ruxu was curious: “Dance studio?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “My mom loved dancing.”

She herself had loved drawing. Her father used to say she inherited her mother’s artistic genes. Her mother loved to dance when she was in school, but her family couldn’t afford dance classes, so she taught herself, participating in every school event. Her father had pursued her mother, he didn’t know how to dance, but he learned quickly.

Yu Qiao often said, “Your father was amazing, he could learn anything quickly.”

She had seen some old videos from their university, clips of her parents dancing. You Ruxu nodded and heard Zhou Tianzui say, “They got married right after graduation.”

They were indeed very much in love.

You Ruxu’s voice was soft: “Did they ever fight?”

“They did.” Zhou Tianzui said, “My mom never approved of my dad’s job, she said it was too dangerous, so they argued a lot during that time.”

But her father would always coax her mother back.

A few times, her father bought roses, and when Yu Qiao refused to see him, he would ask Zhou Tianzui to deliver them.

Thinking about those times, Zhou Tianzui’s eyes teared up slightly. You Ruxu turned to her, and after a moment of silence, suddenly said, “I’m sorry.”

Her hand was held. You Ruxu looked down. Zhou Tianzui’s hand was beautiful, slender fingers, distinct knuckles. Perhaps because she always wore gloves, her skin was especially fair. She interlaced her fingers with You Ruxu’s, their hands clasped together.

Zhou Tianzui said, “I never understood my dad, but I believe he didn’t do anything wrong.”

You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui, their eyes meeting. She suddenly buried her face in Zhou Tianzui’s embrace, as if desperately needing a source of comfort, and Zhou Tianzui was that source.

She could only find peace by holding onto something.

Zhou Tianzui said, “Did my mom say something to you?”

“No.” You Ruxu said, “She didn’t say anything.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Then don’t worry about it, it’s been so many years, I’ll slowly persuade my mom…”

You Ruxu interrupted her, “Zhou Tianzui.”

Zhou Tianzui paused, “Hmm?”

You Ruxu asked, “Do you hate me?”

Zhou Tianzui didn’t answer immediately.

Hate her?

How could she not? If it weren’t for her and her mother, her father wouldn’t have died, wouldn’t have been slandered after his death, her mother wouldn’t have had to live in hiding with her, constantly moving, changing schools.

She had been recognized by a new classmate once, who pointed at her and sneered, “Isn’t she the rapist’s daughter?”

“This school accepts all sorts of people.”

“I’m not staying in the same class as a rapist’s daughter!”

She had been called in for questioning countless times.

Her mother had broken down countless times.

Those scenes were vivid in her memory, replaying every time she closed her eyes, those taunts and ridicule, like a curse, haunting her.

Zhou Tianzui held You Ruxu, silent for a long time.

After a while, she said, “Yes.”

An honest answer.

So honest that You Ruxu’s heart clenched, she loosened her grip on Zhou Tianzui slightly. Zhou Tianzui, feeling this, held her even tighter, “I hated you for many years.”

“I thought if I ever met you, I would take revenge on you without hesitation, make you taste the bitterness of being misunderstood, I imagined countless possibilities.”

With every word, her embrace tightened, as if trying to meld You Ruxu into her own body.

Zhou Tianzui lowered her head, her chin resting on You Ruxu’s shoulder, her warm breath against You Ruxu’s skin, sending shivers down her spine. She closed her eyes and said, “But A Ran, I never imagined another possibility.”

You Ruxu felt suffocated in her embrace, her heart clenched tightly, a raw ache, her nose tingling, her eyes burning. Her voice was choked with emotion, “What possibility?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Loving you.”

Her confession was frank and straightforward, nothing held back. She said, “A Ran, I never thought I would love you.”

Yet, she did, so deeply.

So deeply that she could forget all the past pain and suffering, so deeply that she would cover her eyes and ears, just wanting to be lost in this tenderness, so deeply that she wanted to—start over with You Ruxu.

You Ruxu’s anxious heart, suspended for so long, finally landed gently. She pulled away slightly, looking closely at Zhou Tianzui’s features, her nose, her lips.

She turned her head, closed her eyes, and kissed Zhou Tianzui softly on the lips.

Zhou Tianzui watched as tears streamed down You Ruxu’s face, her closed eyelids trembling slightly, like a moth, knowing there was fire ahead, yet flying towards it without hesitation.

She was willing to be another moth.

Chapter 58: Older Sister

You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui.

Zhou Tianzui gripped the steering wheel, her expression unreadable. You Ruxu didn’t press the issue, but asked, “Why did you suddenly ask about that?”

You Ruxu explained, “Just curious, you’ve never mentioned it before.”

She had asked Zhou Tianzui before, but Zhou Tianzui had never explained how she got the scar. Zhou Tianzui chuckled, took You Ruxu’s hand, and placed it in her down jacket pocket. Through the fabric, she guided You Ruxu’s hand to the spot on her waist, “That curious, huh?”

You Ruxu responded with a simple, “Yes.”

“Then offer something in return, and I’ll tell you.” Her tone was serious, reminding You Ruxu of yesterday afternoon, their playful intimacy on the sofa, Zhou Tianzui constantly asking for “favors.” You Ruxu withdrew her hand. Zhou Tianzui clicked her tongue: “Teacher You, your curiosity is lacking.”

This person—

You Ruxu pinched the back of her hand and pulled away. Zhou Tianzui chuckled softly. The sound made You Ruxu blush, and she turned her head away, still hearing Zhou Tianzui call out, “Teacher You?”

Calmly.

Zhou Tianzui: “Teacher You~”

You Ruxu took a deep breath.

Zhou Tianzui: “Teacher You…”

You Ruxu finally snapped, “What?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “What? Finding me annoying now?”

You Ruxu said, “No.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Then why aren’t you responding?”

You Ruxu: “You’re being childish.”

They stopped at a red light. Zhou Tianzui turned, looking at You Ruxu, “Not as mature as Teacher You, I suppose.”

You Ruxu, following her gaze, looked down at herself, then pushed Zhou Tianzui’s face away, “Drive.”

Zhou Tianzui chuckled. You Ruxu, hearing her laughter, couldn’t help but laugh as well.

They had been together for three years, shared countless intimate moments, yet now, they were like teenagers newly in love, clingy and childish.

And she loved it.

She loved this version of Zhou Tianzui.

You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui, at the smile on her face, her cheerful expression. The light turned green, and the car started moving, mirroring the gradual acceleration of You Ruxu’s heartbeat.

But thinking of the young girl she had just seen, You Ruxu sighed softly, turning to look out the window. It was winter, fallen leaves scattered everywhere, the wind swirling them around before they settled back down.

You Ruxu bought some fruit before they reached the apartment, even though Zhou Tianzui said it wasn’t necessary. Yu Qiao, sitting on the sofa, heard a noise behind her. She turned and, seeing You Ruxu, tried to stand up, “Xiao Xu, you’re here.”

You Ruxu walked over to her, carrying the fruit, “Auntie.”

“Come, come, come.” Yu Qiao said, “Why did you buy more things? You’re always spending money, I’m too embarrassed to invite you over anymore.”

You Ruxu said, “It’s just some fruit.”

Zhou Tianzui chimed in, “Mom, is your leg fully recovered yet? Why are you standing up?”

“Almost recovered.” Yu Qiao was pushed back onto the sofa by Zhou Tianzui. “Don’t move, I’ll go make dinner.”

You Ruxu sat on the sofa. Yu Qiao said, “Have some fruit, some apples? Tangerines? There’s also a pomelo, I’ll ask Xiao Tian to cut it.”

“I’ll do it.” You Ruxu took the pomelo and went to the kitchen. Zhou Tianzui asked, “Want some?”

You Ruxu smiled at her.

Zhou Tianzui said, “I’ll peel it for you.”

You Ruxu said, “I’ll do it myself.”

She stood beside Zhou Tianzui, rubbing the pomelo peel to soften it, then started peeling. The rind was thick. She peeled half of it and took out some segments. It was quite sweet. Zhou Tianzui asked, “Is it good?”

“Very sweet.” You Ruxu offered some to Zhou Tianzui.

Zhou Tianzui was washing vegetables, her hands occupied, so she turned her head and opened her mouth. You Ruxu, her hand hovering, felt Zhou Tianzui’s tongue brush against her fingertip. She blinked and heard Zhou Tianzui say, “Sweet.”

You Ruxu said, “Then I’ll take some out for Auntie.”

Zhou Tianzui nodded.

You Ruxu took the peeled pomelo to the living room, sat beside Yu Qiao, and peeled some segments for her. Yu Qiao quickly said, “Let me do it, thank you, Xiao Xu.”

You Ruxu pursed her lips, her fingers on the pomelo rind, “You’re welcome.”

Yu Qiao said, “They’re very sweet this season.”

You Ruxu nodded.

Yu Qiao asked, “Are you on leave recently?”

You Ruxu said, “Yes, I’m going back to work tomorrow.”

“Must be tiring, isn’t it?” Yu Qiao said, “I heard from Xiao Tian that you often work late, you should take care of your health.”

You Ruxu said, “It’s alright.”

“Being a reporter can be very tiring.” Yu Qiao said, “Xiao Tian’s father—” She paused, then took a bite of the pomelo. You Ruxu lowered her head, “What about your husband, Auntie?”

Yu Qiao chuckled awkwardly, “Nothing.”

She asked You Ruxu, “Did Xiao Tian ever tell you about her father?”

You Ruxu’s breath hitched, she lowered her gaze, and said casually, “She mentioned him a few times.”

Yu Qiao was surprised.

Zhou Tianzui never talked about her father, it was like a hidden wound she kept to herself, unwilling to discuss it even with her. She hadn’t expected her to talk about it with You Ruxu. Then again, they were the same age, and You Ruxu was a reporter, so she was probably easier to talk to. Xiao Tian had kept her father bottled up for so many years, it was good that she had someone to talk to.

Yu Qiao said, “Xiao Xu, thank you for listening to Xiao Tian.”

You Ruxu tensed slightly: “You’re welcome, Auntie.”

Just then, Zhou Tianzui came out of the kitchen, heard them talking, and asked, “What are you talking about?”

Yu Qiao smiled, “Nothing much, just that Xiao Xu has such a good personality, so polite, you should learn from her.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Learn from her? Am I not good enough? She’s so good, why don’t you just make her your daughter?”

Yu Qiao looked at Zhou Tianzui, stood up as if to hit her, “What are you saying! Always talking nonsense! Xiao Xu, she just likes to joke around…”

Zhou Tianzui chuckled, “I’m not joking, don’t you like her? She also likes you, what’s wrong with adopting a daughter?”

Yu Qiao glared at Zhou Tianzui.

She didn’t have the audacity to ask You Ruxu to call her “godmother.” Considering You Ruxu’s family background and her own status, Yu Qiao said, “You—”

“Godmother.” You Ruxu looked at Yu Qiao, “Is that alright?”

Yu Qiao froze.

She looked at You Ruxu, then at Zhou Tianzui, her tongue tied, momentarily speechless. Zhou Tianzui chuckled and said, “Mom, what’s wrong? Are you ignoring me now?”

Yu Qiao finally reacted: “No, Xiao Xu, I mean, Xiao Tian…”

She was flustered.

Zhou Tianzui helped Yu Qiao sit down. Yu Qiao looked at You Ruxu, still slightly dazed. Zhou Tianzui said, “Mom, it’s just adopting a daughter, no need to be so shocked, right?”

Yu Qiao said, “I’m not shocked.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Then what’s wrong?”

Yu Qiao said, “You’re talking nonsense.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “How am I talking nonsense?”

Yu Qiao said, “Is Xiao Xu even willing to agree to this?”

Zhou Tianzui looked at You Ruxu: “Teacher You, are you willing?”

You Ruxu, after a moment of hesitation, nodded, looking at Yu Qiao.

Yu Qiao said, “Don’t ask her like that…”

She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Who would refuse when asked like that? This child, honestly. Yu Qiao said, “Xiao Xu, don’t mind Xiao Tian, she just likes to—”

Zhou Tianzui took Yu Qiao’s hand and said, “What about me? When I went to her house last time, her mother also said she wanted to adopt me as her goddaughter.”

Yu Qiao paused and looked at Zhou Tianzui, “Really?”

Zhou Tianzui: “Really, it’s just adopting a goddaughter, why are you so nervous? Besides, I don’t have many friends, and I’m always busy, I’d be relieved if she could keep you company.”

Yu Qiao said, “I don’t want to take up your time.”

“Mom, what do you mean ‘take up our time’?” Zhou Tianzui said, “Did you think you were taking up my time when you raised me?”

Yu Qiao said, “Of course not.”

“Then we’re not either, isn’t it our duty to keep you company?” Zhou Tianzui said, “And Ruxu also likes you very much.”

Yu Qiao blushed slightly, “She likes me?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Yes, she said you have a good temper and you’re a kind person.”

Yu Qiao looked at You Ruxu, surprised that this was how she saw her. She knew You Ruxu wouldn’t look down on them, but she hadn’t expected her to like her. She remembered the “godmother” You Ruxu just called her, a clear and sweet voice, quite pleasant.

She nodded, “Then—”

“Then what? Wait a minute.” Zhou Tianzui went back to her room, took out a red envelope, handed it to Yu Qiao, and whispered in her ear, “A little something for changing your title, already prepared, now you can brag about having a daughter who works at the TV station.”

Yu Qiao tried to maintain a serious expression, but couldn’t suppress her smile. She handed the red envelope to You Ruxu, “Xiao Xu, I hope it’s not too little.”

You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui.

Zhou Tianzui took the red envelope from Yu Qiao and handed it to You Ruxu.

You Ruxu felt its weight in her hand.

She looked at Yu Qiao, who was smiling at her. You Ruxu’s heart softened, and she smiled back.

Zhou Tianzui said to You Ruxu, “You’re a few months younger than me, so you should call me ‘older sister,’ right, little sister?”

What older sister, little sister?

You Ruxu pursed her lips, and under Yu Qiao’s gaze, she lowered her eyes and softly said, “Mm-hmm.”

“Come on, little sister, help your older sister serve the soup.” Zhou Tianzui, helping Yu Qiao to the dining table, entered the kitchen with You Ruxu following behind her. Zhou Tianzui said, “Little sister, get me a soup bowl.”

You Ruxu: …

She glared at Zhou Tianzui, who took the opportunity to move closer, “What’s wrong?”

You Ruxu asked, “Where are the soup bowls?”

“In the sterilizing cabinet below.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Second drawer.”

You Ruxu crouched down, took out a soup bowl, and handed it to Zhou Tianzui, watching her serve the soup. Before Zhou Tianzui could say anything, You Ruxu took the bowl to the dining room. Yu Qiao, waiting for them, sat at the table, looking very pleased. Just as You Ruxu was about to sit down, she heard Zhou Tianzui call, “Little sister, come serve the rice.”

You Ruxu bit her lip and went into the kitchen. Taking advantage of Yu Qiao not being able to see, she pinched Zhou Tianzui’s waist. Zhou Tianzui, having changed into a thin, form-fitting sweater after coming home, didn’t react, just looked at You Ruxu.

You Ruxu didn’t pinch hard and released her hand, taking the rice spoon to serve the rice. Zhou Tianzui stood beside her, leaned closer, and whispered, “Little sister, want to sleep with your older sister tonight?”

You Ruxu gripped the rice spoon tightly.

Wanting to shove it into Zhou Tianzui’s mouth.

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Zhou Tianzui: Little sister, help your older sister undress.
You Ruxu: …