Category: Shion’s Notes

Chapter 149: Hard Times

“Nana, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Wu Siyu was taken aback. She had never heard Yu Linna speak like this before. How could she consider herself a burden?

This child…

“Don’t say that. We’re family…”

“No, we’re not!”

Yu Linna’s sharp denial made Wu Siyu’s heart ache, though she quickly masked her emotions. She knew, deep down, that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t replace Yu Linna’s real family, the missing link of blood.

But her desire to care for Yu Linna, to treat her as her own, was genuine.

However, Yu Linna couldn’t accept her kindness.

Though young, she understood they weren’t related, not truly family. And seeing their financial struggles, she couldn’t help but feel responsible, her presence adding to their burden.

“Nana, it might take time, but trust me, I’ll become your family. Just… wait a little longer, okay?”

No, no, Yu Linna’s heart screamed in protest. She was terrified.

She was alone, unburdened by attachments, but Wu Siyu’s kindness made her feel responsible. If her presence caused their family to fall apart, she would never forgive herself.

Yu Linna was unusually mature for her age, unlike other children who accepted things easily. She overthought everything, her mind burdened by adult concerns. Though she enjoyed taking advantage of others, accepting their generosity, she also avoided being a burden, especially to those she cared about.

Wu Siyu, puzzled by her behavior, left to attend to other matters. Her husband’s studio was struggling, and she had gone to help, her experience as an orphanage director proving useful. And with their financial difficulties, she needed to find a job.

Huo Ningning, still young, didn’t fully understand her parents’ struggles, but she sensed their worries, their constant frowns dampening her usual playful spirit. She had become unusually quiet and subdued. Yu Linna, meanwhile, was consumed by anxiety.

She had lived at the orphanage for less than three months before it was demolished. She had been at Aunt Wu’s house for less than a month, and now they were facing a financial crisis. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was a jinx. The thought made her even more anxious. Aunt Wu was the person she cared about most; she didn’t want to cause her any pain.

“Little Linna, what’s wrong? You seem unhappy.”

“Do I?”

“You’re not smiling. Smiling makes you happy! Come on, let’s play!”

Fortunately, Huo Ningning’s playful nature kept Yu Linna from completely succumbing to despair. Though initially resentful of Yu Linna for monopolizing her mother’s attention, she had grown fond of her, their initial friction forgotten.

But today, Yu Linna wasn’t in the mood to play, not just today, but for days now. She was distracted, her mind elsewhere, even during class, unable to focus, despite her intelligence and perfect test scores. Even her teachers noticed her lack of attention, reprimanding her in class.

“Why aren’t you playing? Do you not want to play with me…?”

“No… I just…”

Seeing Yu Linna’s constant distraction, Huo Ningning felt a pang of sadness. Her parents were struggling, and now Linna was too. Why was everyone so unhappy?

“Little Linna, my mommy said she brought you from an orphanage. Is that true?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t have a mommy and daddy?”

“No.”

“And no home?”

“No.”

Children often asked blunt questions, questions an older Huo Ningning wouldn’t dare to ask.

“No wonder Mommy keeps saying she wants you to be part of our family.”

“…She really said that?”

“Yes! So, we’ll be a family soon! Everything will be alright. Just stay here. I’ll play with you.”

Yu Linna remained silent, her unease growing. So many things had gone wrong since she arrived; she couldn’t just stay here, carefree. She was an outsider, no matter how hard she tried, she would never truly belong.

The financial problems persisted, and Wu Siyu, desperate for money, started looking for a job. At thirty, her prime years were behind her, and few companies were interested in hiring her. Despite her best efforts, she only managed to secure a position in logistics, a menial job, but it was better than nothing, and the daily wages were crucial for their immediate needs.

And then, disaster struck.

Huo Qiulin, stressed and burdened, often drank to cope. One day, after drinking during the day, he received a call about a new project and rushed out, still slightly intoxicated. And then, it happened.

His judgment impaired by alcohol, he lost control of the car, crashing into a road sign. Though his injuries weren’t life-threatening, he had to be hospitalized for two weeks, and worse, he was charged with drunk driving, his license revoked.

The Huo family was plunged into crisis.

Their already precarious situation worsened.

Yu Linna and Huo Ningning visited him at the hospital. Huo Qiulin, his face pale, his spirit broken, looked defeated, his unshaven face adding to his haggard appearance.

“You’re here. Have some fruit. I’m fine. I just need some rest.”

He forced a smile, gesturing for them to come closer. Huo Ningning, still young and unable to comprehend the situation, burst into tears.

“Ningning, don’t cry. Everything will be alright. Don’t cry.”

“Daddy…”

“Siyu, take Ningning outside.”

Huo Qiulin, unable to bear his daughter’s tears, asked his wife to take her out of the ward, not wanting to disturb the other patients. Only Yu Linna remained.

“Little Linna, have something to eat. I’m sorry you have to go through this. I wanted to give you a better life.”

Seeing him trying to be strong, she couldn’t pretend to be oblivious. She wasn’t stupid; she could see his pain. But unlike Ningning, she didn’t cry.

“Uncle… is it because of me…? Is this all my fault…?”

“Don’t say that! What does this have to do with you?”

“I overheard. Is it because… because there’s one more mouth to feed now?”

“…”

Huo Qiulin was speechless.

Their financial situation was precarious, his income barely enough to support their family. Wu Siyu had often worked extra jobs, even while managing the orphanage, a clear sign of their financial struggles. Though their income wasn’t high before, it had been stable, enough for a small family.

But with Wu Siyu unemployed and Yu Linna’s arrival, they were struggling to make ends meet.

“What are you talking about, child…?”

Huo Qiulin tried to deflect.

“Uncle, I’m not stupid. I know you and Auntie could barely afford to raise Ningning.”

“…You’re… not like other children.”

Huo Qiulin’s forced smile couldn’t hide his despair.

Children were supposed to be oblivious, innocent. Why was this child so perceptive? Were orphans simply more attuned to such things?

Perhaps. Having no parents, having to rely on herself, Yu Linna was naturally more sensitive to such matters.

“Uncle, you just admitted it.”

“Don’t tell your Aunt Wu. She’ll think I told you. Listen, child, I love my wife, so when she brought you home, I respected her decision. She loves you, and I’ll try to love you too. It’s that simple.”

“Uncle, I don’t understand.”

“Of course, you don’t. You’re a child. It’s called love. You’ll understand when you’re older. Just… don’t overthink things. No matter how difficult things get, we’ll take care of you until you’re an adult. Your Aunt Wu and I, we both feel the same way.”

They were too kind.

No one had ever been so kind to her. Even struggling financially, they still wanted to care for her. What kind of people were they? Yu Linna was deeply touched.

And that was precisely why she couldn’t be a burden to them.

Their kindness made her feel like a burden. They were working so hard, while she, unable to contribute, only added to their struggles. If she were truly their family, it would be different, but she was just an outsider.

And they treated her so well, an outsider… would she ever meet such kind people again? Probably not. She would remember their kindness, but she couldn’t impose on them any longer.

Perhaps she shouldn’t have come here.

If she hadn’t, she would simply be in another orphanage, or waiting to be adopted, not burdening this family.

She finally understood. She didn’t belong here. No matter how kind they were, she would never truly be one of them.

“I want to leave…”

“Be careful on your way back.”

Huo Qiulin misunderstood, unable to comprehend such a thought from a child. A child, with no resources, no means of survival… where could she possibly go?

Yu Linna genuinely wanted to leave, but she wasn’t sure if she could bring herself to do it. Because in this house, besides Aunt Wu, there was also Huo Ningning, her friend.

Chapter 148: Unease

Little Linna, still young, was oblivious to the troubles brewing within the Huo family. She enjoyed her carefree life, happier than she had ever been, content with her comfortable existence, hoping it would last forever.

Aunt Wu had said she wanted to adopt her, a prospect she initially doubted, but now she believed her. If she was adopted, would she have to call her “Mommy”?

Having never called anyone “Mommy,” she wondered if it would feel strange.

“Foreign devil! Come out here!”

One day, an older boy came to her classroom, shouting her name. Yu Linna stepped outside.

“That’s me. What do you want?”

“You’re the foreign devil? Come with me. I need to talk to you.”

“Okay.”

What could a little kid possibly want? she thought, forgetting she was a little kid herself.

The boy was taller and larger than other kids his age, though not as big as an adult, still imposing among his peers.

What does he want? Yu Linna wondered.

“Alright, what did you want to say?”

She followed him to the school playground. The chubby boy, arms crossed, looked smug.

“You, foreign devil, though strange-looking, you’re pretty. Be my girl. It’ll make me look good. What do you say? Not bad, right?”

“…”

Is this kid an idiot?

So direct, so arrogant, thinking he was some hotshot. Even the president didn’t have this much confidence. Did he think she would just agree to be his girlfriend? In his dreams.

“Are you done? I’m leaving.”

“Wait! Foreign devil! You haven’t answered me!”

“The moment you called me ‘foreign devil,’ I knew I would never agree. If you want respect, learn to respect others first.”

Yu Linna disliked this arrogant child, especially his use of the derogatory term “foreign devil.” Though she considered herself Chinese, being called that still stung. It wasn’t her fault she looked different; she was born this way. Judging her based on her appearance was unfair.

“Hmph! I’m offering you my protection, and you dare refuse?!”

“How generous of you. I’m not worthy. Goodbye.”

“Don’t you get it? You’re living with Huo Ningning, but you’re not really part of their family! You’re an outsider! No matter how much you try to please them, you’ll never be a Huo!”

Rejected and frustrated, the boy lashed out, his childish insults revealing an unpleasant truth. Children often spoke without thinking, their words sometimes brutally honest.

“None of your business!”

Yu Linna, her temper flaring, retorted angrily.

“What? Am I wrong? Don’t think I don’t know. Huo Ningning’s family is struggling. Their business is failing. They’re almost bankrupt. If it weren’t for you, a jinx, they wouldn’t be in this mess.”

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t know? No wonder they don’t treat you like family. It’s understandable you wouldn’t know. Let me tell you: Huo Ningning’s father lost a lot of money. His studio is about to close down. They’re all going to lose their jobs. It’s all your fault! Ever since you moved in, their family has been falling apart.”

“None of your business!”

Though her tone was sharp, Yu Linna felt a growing unease. Since she moved in, about two weeks ago, the Huo family seemed to be struggling. The food had become simpler, the house less tidy, and even Huo Qiulin, Ningning’s father, had started drinking, a constant frown on his face.

Could she really be a jinx?

That day, Yu Linna returned home, quietly investigating. Wu Siyu and Huo Qiulin were in the living room. She entered stealthily, unnoticed, her small backpack on her shoulders, hiding behind the door, eavesdropping.

“I’m sorry, Siyu. I lost it. All of it. The compensation you received for the orphanage… it’s all gone. I was planning to use that money to start a company.”

Huo Qiulin looked years older, his demeanor defeated, his spirit broken.

“It’s not your fault. That old woman scammed you! She was perfectly fine, but she insisted on suing! And we had no evidence, so her family extorted us.”

“It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have been so kind. It’s all my fault. Now the money is gone, and I’m not getting any clients. If this continues, I’m afraid the studio…”

“Don’t say that. This is just a temporary setback. We’re struggling now, but it doesn’t mean we’re hopeless. You have to be strong. We can start over.”

“Start over? Sigh… if only it were that easy. This family needs me. We have two children to support.”

Yu Linna, hiding behind the door, listened intently, understanding more than they realized. Aunt Wu and Uncle Huo were worried about money. And with the increasingly simple meals, their strained smiles… it all made sense.

“Honey, is it because of Nana?”

“I’ve told you countless times, it’s not the child’s fault. What difference does one extra mouth to feed make? Don’t bring this up again. I respect your decision.”

“But…”

“No buts. I’ll figure something out.”

At the mention of Nana, Huo Qiulin quickly changed the subject, afraid of making his wife feel guilty. They could do without many things, but not children. Even if she wasn’t his biological daughter, he had a responsibility to care for her.

Yu Linna, listening from behind the door, felt a pang of guilt. Since she moved in, Aunt Wu’s family seemed to be struggling even more. The best meal she had had was on her first day. After that, the food had become simpler, and they even turned off the lights and pretended not to be home when the electricity bill collector came.

The Huo family seemed to be falling apart.

And it all started when she moved in.

Was she really a jinx?

Returning to her room, Yu Linna’s mind raced, unsure what to do. As a child, she shouldn’t have to worry about such things, but she couldn’t ignore it. Just like that chubby boy had said, she was an outsider, not truly part of this family. She was a Yu, not a Huo.

Though Wu Siyu intended to adopt her, she wasn’t officially a Huo yet. She was still an outsider.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Huo Ningning entered. Yu Linna, having grown close to her during their time together, quickly brushed aside her worries, relieved to see her friend.

“Little Linna, Mommy and Daddy are fighting…”

“N-no way…” Yu Linna said weakly.

“It’s true! I heard them arguing downstairs. Daddy looked so angry! I’ve never seen him like that before! I’m scared…”

“…Ningning.”

“What… what’s going to happen to my family?”

Little Huo Ningning felt a growing unease. Her family wasn’t wealthy, their life comfortable but not extravagant. With her mother unemployed and Yu Linna’s arrival, their financial burden had increased. And Yu Linna must have noticed.

Her presence had made things worse.

“I don’t know…”

Yu Linna lowered her head, unable to answer. Huo Ningning, finally having her mother home, now faced a potential financial crisis. Even a child could sense the tension; their situation must be dire.

Aunt Wu still wanted to adopt her, but they were struggling. Taking on another child would only add to their burden. Why would she do that? Aunt Wu must understand the implications.

“I don’t want anything to happen to my family. Mommy is finally home; I don’t want her to leave again…”

Little Huo Ningning simply wanted her family to be together, safe and sound. She didn’t ask for much, just for her family to be whole. If money tore them apart, she wouldn’t be able to bear it.

The two girls peeked into the living room; the argument continued.

“Siyu, I told you, it’s not about the child. You brought her home, and I accepted her. Can we please not talk about this?”

“That’s not what I meant! I want you to rely on me! I’m your wife! You don’t have to shoulder everything yourself!”

“You’re unemployed; what can you do?”

“Qiulin!”

They were arguing about money. Every family faced financial challenges; without economic stability, a family couldn’t function.

Yu Linna’s expression darkened. Perhaps that chubby boy had been right. Her arrival had brought misfortune, like a jinx.

That day, Yu Linna had no appetite, picking at her food, then putting down her chopsticks after only a few bites. Her mind was in turmoil. She knew Aunt Wu cared about her, but she didn’t want to be a burden.

“What’s wrong, Nana? Are you feeling unwell? Why are you eating so little?”

Wu Siyu, worried, came to her room, her concern evident.

“No, I’m not hungry. I don’t want you to waste food.”

“Don’t say that. You’re part of our family, my child. There’s nothing wrong with me cooking for you.”

Those words made Yu Linna recoil. Though seemingly kind, she couldn’t accept them.

“No, I’m not your family. I can’t be your family. I can’t be a burden.”

She was afraid, afraid that her presence would destroy their family.

Chapter 147: Subtle Changes

Wu Siyu intended to formally adopt little Linna, but the process was complex, expected to take a month. As long as Linna was willing, the adoption would proceed smoothly.

Her biggest fear was that Linna wouldn’t want to be adopted…

Linna, now six, was starting elementary school. Wu Siyu enrolled her in the same school and class as her daughter, hoping they would bond. Children were innocent and adaptable; with any luck, they would become a family.

“Little Yu, are you a foreigner?”

On her first day at school, Yu Linna was surrounded by curious children. Though there were other pretty children her age, like Huo Ningning, mixed-race children were rare. Her blonde hair and captivating eyes drew their attention.

The children, fascinated by her unusual appearance, crowded around her, some even touching her hair. Blonde hair was a novelty.

“I’m Chinese,” she would reply, though it did little to deter their curiosity.

To them, she was an anomaly, different, special. It was impossible for her not to attract attention.

“Back off! Little Linna is mine! Don’t touch her!”

Huo Ningning, waving her small hands, dispersed the crowd, protectively shielding Yu Linna. This adorable creature belonged to her; no one could touch her.

Though young, Yu Linna understood Huo Ningning’s protective gesture, her heart warming towards her.

They attended the same school, were in the same class, lived in the same house, and might soon share the same parents.

Wu Siyu had confided in Huo Ningning about her intention to adopt Yu Linna. If successful, Yu Linna would become their family. Though surprised, Huo Ningning didn’t object. If it made her mother happy, that was enough.

Besides, little Linna was adorable and beautiful; it was understandable why her mother liked her.

And she herself was quite fond of little Linna.

Elementary school children were carefree, their minds unburdened by complex thoughts. Huo Ningning, still young, often dragged Yu Linna to the hill behind the school after class, spreading a mat on the ground, placing leaves and pebbles on it, creating an imaginary world.

“Let’s play house! We can be a married couple!”

“Okay! Who’s the daddy, and who’s the mommy?”

“I’ll be the mommy! You be the daddy!”

The hill behind the school was usually deserted, a perfect spot for their games. Huo Ningning loved playing house.

“Ahem, honey, you’re home! Dinner’s ready! Do you want to take a bath first, or eat?”

Little Ningning, fully immersed in her role, imitated her parents.

“I’m tired. I want to eat first. Serve me.”

“Okay, honey. Was work tiring today?”

“Very tiring. I want a good meal. Is there a Manchu Han Imperial Feast?”

“Honey, we’re not rich. We can’t afford a Manchu Han Imperial Feast. Just have some vegetables. Vegetables are nutritious and healthy. Too much meat is bad for you. Here, try my pickled eggplant.”

“A dinner without meat isn’t dinner! I want meat! Bring me some meat!”

The playful game took an unexpected turn, Yu Linna’s demand for a lavish meal sounding surprisingly genuine.

“Hey! Little Linna, we’re playing pretend! You’re the husband! Husbands can’t be so demanding!”

“But husbands deserve a good meal after work, don’t they?”

Yu Linna didn’t understand what she had done wrong.

“Let’s switch roles. You be the wife, and I’ll be the husband.”

“Okay.”

Huo Ningning cleared her throat, changing her expression, imitating her father.

“Honey, you’re home! I missed you! You’ve been gone for two months! Our daughter keeps asking for you! How long are you staying this time?”

“Well… I have to leave this afternoon.”

Yu Linna wasn’t good at role-playing, simply going with her gut.

“What?! You’re leaving so soon?! I haven’t even tasted your cooking yet! No, you have to make dinner before you leave!”

“I’m very busy! I have so many projects, so many clients! I have to work to support this family!”

“Hold on! Why is the wife working while the husband stays at home?! What kind of play are you putting on?!”

“Huh? Is that wrong?”

“Of course, it’s wrong! Let’s try again!”

Huo Ningning was exasperated. Why was playing house with Yu Linna so frustrating? This wasn’t how it was supposed to be!

Though her mother was often away for work, she never behaved like the character Yu Linna was portraying. What was she even doing?

“I don’t know how to act…”

Yu Linna didn’t know how husbands and wives interacted; she had no parents, no experience with family dynamics.

“Let’s try again. Honey, let’s take our daughter out this weekend. You’re always working; you never spend time with her.”

“Okay, let’s go out. I want to eat something delicious. How about hotpot?”

“Yay! But why hotpot?”

“Because hotpot has a lot of food! We can eat our fill!”

“Stop! You just want to eat hotpot, don’t you?! What are you even doing?!”

Huo Ningning wanted to flip the table. Why was playing house with Yu Linna always so chaotic? And what kind of wife was she portraying? A gluttonous mooch!

As the sun began to set, Huo Ningning, followed by the little blonde girl, walked home, exhausted. Playing with Yu Linna was always an adventure, her imagination running wild, her ideas often bizarre.

“Ningning, are you mad at me?”

Yu Linna, anxious, fidgeted with her fingers, unsure what she had done wrong. Huo Ningning seemed upset; should she apologize?

Huo Ningning, turning to face her, couldn’t stay angry at that adorable face. She sighed.

“It’s okay. Let’s go home. You must be hungry. Mommy’s probably finished cooking dinner.”

“Really? I’m starving! I want to eat Aunt Wu’s cooking!”

The mention of food instantly brightened Yu Linna’s mood.

On their way home, Huo Ningning bought two candied haws, giving one to Yu Linna, who ate it with such relish, as if it were a gourmet treat, though it was just an ordinary candied haw.

“Is it really that good?”

Huo Ningning, seeing her enjoyment, took a bite. It tasted… normal. She didn’t understand Yu Linna’s reaction.

“Sweet things are the best!”

Perhaps for Yu Linna, free things were the best…

Though still too young to be truly shameless, her freeloading skills would surely develop with age.

“Mommy, we’re home!”

“Welcome back, girls! You’re eating candy before dinner? Go wash your hands! Eat properly later.”

“Okay!”

Huo Ningning, unfazed, finished her candied haw and went to her room. Yu Linna, still wanting more, went to the kitchen, her mouth watering at the sight of the food.

“Hungry? It’ll be ready soon. Go watch some TV in the living room, Nana.”

“Auntie, I’m hungry.”

“Be patient. It’ll be ready soon.”

“Okay.”

Yu Linna obediently went to the living room to watch TV, waiting for dinner.

She was happy, having a home, food, and someone to care for her, free from worries. But this would be the only period of happiness in her childhood.

Huo Qiulin and Wu Siyu welcomed the little girl, but her presence was a financial burden. They weren’t wealthy, Huo Qiulin’s income barely enough to support their family, and Wu Siyu often worked extra jobs.

Though they had received compensation for the orphanage demolition, that money was earmarked for investments, and with their business struggling, Huo Qiulin felt the pressure.

“Honey, why aren’t you sleeping? Oh my god, are you drinking?”

Late at night, Wu Siyu found her husband in the living room, drinking beer alone, a troubled expression on his face. He rarely drank; something was clearly bothering him.

“Go to bed, honey. I’ll be there soon.”

“Is something wrong? Tell me. We can solve it together.”

“…To be honest, my studio… it’s not doing so well.”

“What? But you said you were planning to expand, to start a company.”

“If only it were that easy. I’m not getting any clients, not making any money. It’s a problem.”

Huo Qiulin leaned back on the sofa, his face etched with worry. The pressure of work and family weighed heavily on him. If it weren’t for his wife and daughter, he might have crumbled.

“Is it because I brought Nana home…? Is that why…?”

“No, Siyu, it’s not your fault. I like little Linna. It’s not because of her.”

“But… ever since she moved in, you seem more worried.”

Huo Qiulin remained silent. He couldn’t deny that Yu Linna’s presence added to his financial burden.

Huo Ningning, hiding behind the door, eavesdropping on their conversation, though too young to understand everything, caught a key phrase.

The name “Yu Linna” echoed in her mind, planting a seed of resentment.

Chapter 146: Childhood Life

A new resident arrived at Huo Ningning’s home, a little girl about her age, perhaps slightly younger. She was adorable, with a soft, round face, captivatingly large eyes, striking blonde hair, and skin fairer than most, her only flaw being her small stature.

Though considered pretty among her peers, often praised for inheriting her mother’s genes, Huo Ningning felt overshadowed by Yu Linna’s beauty.

Yu Linna was truly captivating.

Wu Siyu brought Yu Linna home with the intention of adopting her, a decision her husband fully supported. As long as his wife was happy, he was happy. Besides, with the orphanage demolished and his wife no longer working, it would be good for her to be home more. Their daughter, Ningning, constantly complained about her mother’s absence.

“Come, Nana, there’s a spare room. I’ll clean it up for you. This is your home now.”

Wu Siyu, holding Yu Linna’s hand, gently stroked her head, her tenderness making Huo Ningning feel a twinge of jealousy. That’s my mommy!

Yu Linna, new to the concept of a home, having always lived in an orphanage, didn’t quite understand what it meant. But Wu Siyu’s gentle words brought a sense of comfort, a feeling of a new beginning.

However, transitioning from communal living to a family setting would take time.

The room Wu Siyu led her to was sparsely furnished, with only a bed and a small wardrobe, the space empty and bare. But to Yu Linna, it was luxurious, the nicest room she had ever seen.

“Aunt Wu, can I really stay here?” she asked, tugging on Wu Siyu’s clothes, her eyes wide with disbelief. She clearly loved the room, and Wu Siyu smiled.

“Of course! This is Nana’s room now. You’re part of our family.”

Stroking her head, Wu Siyu’s affection was evident. She had always been fond of this child, treating her with extra care at the orphanage. Though she treated all the children equally, she couldn’t help but favor Yu Linna, giving her extra candy, sneaking her extra buns. Yu Linna, grateful for her kindness, cherished these small gestures.

Yu Linna arrived with only two sets of clothes and a notebook. The notebook, with the words “Yu Linna” clumsily written on the cover, was her most prized possession, fiercely protected.

She loved her new room, jumping on the bed, reveling in its softness, a feeling of pure bliss. To have such a luxurious place to call her own… she could die happy.

Children’s desires were simple, easily satisfied, their obedience easily bought with small kindnesses.

Huo Ningning, clutching a stuffed animal, entered the room as Wu Siyu was making the bed. Seeing her daughter, Wu Siyu put down her work and patted her head.

“Ningning, what are you doing here? Missing Mommy?”

“…Mommy, hug!”

“Haha, you’re still such a cuddle monster. Come here, Ningning, up you go!”

Wu Siyu lifted her daughter, who giggled happily. They had a close bond.

Wu Siyu was often away, busy managing the orphanage, leaving little time for her daughter. Huo Ningning, still young, naturally missed her mother and cherished these moments of closeness.

Yu Linna, standing by the side, sucking on her thumb, watched them, a flicker of envy in her eyes. So this is what family is like… Having never experienced it, she hadn’t understood, but seeing this mother and daughter, she finally grasped the concept.

“Ningning, Mommy has to finish this. I’ll play with you later. Why don’t you play with Nana?”

“Okay! Little Linna, let’s play! Come to my room!”

Children were innocent, their acceptance unconditional. Though this new girl had appeared suddenly, Huo Ningning wasn’t wary of her.

Yu Linna, hand in hand with Huo Ningning, followed her to her room. It was larger than Yu Linna’s, with a wardrobe, a desk, and even shelves, decorated in various shades of pink, a slightly flamboyant style that Yu Linna found surprisingly comforting.

“Mommy brought you home, so you’ll be living here now. I’m Huo Ningning. You can call me Ningning.”

“Okay, Ningning.”

“Let’s play! I love playing with dolls! Let’s play together! These are my collection.”

Girls formed bonds quickly. Within an afternoon, the two little girls became fast friends, Huo Ningning’s initial reservations replaced by affection. She taught Yu Linna how to play with dolls, how to dress them, how to create imaginary worlds.

Though unfamiliar with these games, Yu Linna quickly caught on.

When they weren’t playing, Yu Linna would scribble on pieces of paper, clumsily writing words like “doll” and “friend.”

“Little Linna, you can write these words? I’m not very good at reading. How do you pronounce these?”

Huo Ningning, always curious, peppered her with questions.

Their friendship blossomed, their bond deepening, sharing secrets and laughter. Though Huo Ningning was still possessive of her mother, she had accepted Yu Linna’s presence.

“Dinner’s ready, girls! Stop playing! I made a feast for you!”

Wu Siyu, opening the door to her daughter’s room, smiled at the two girls playing together. She had initially worried they wouldn’t get along, but it seemed her concerns were unfounded. Their friendship was all that mattered.

Huo Qiulin, reading the newspaper in the living room, put it down when dinner was ready. Seeing Huo Ningning and Yu Linna together, he was surprised by how quickly they had bonded.

“It’s been a while since I’ve tasted your cooking. Ningning always says mine isn’t as good as yours. I can finally take a break.”

“Not just a break, a permanent break. I’m unemployed now, so you’ll be supporting me from now on.”

“Haha, of course. Actually, my studio is doing quite well. I’m planning to expand at the end of the year, start a small company. I’m joining the capitalist ranks!”

“Oh, please. You’re barely middle-class, not a capitalist.”

“Then my dear wife is… proletariat?”

Their playful banter, their easy affection, made Yu Linna envious. So this is what family is like, what marriage is like…

Would she ever have such a loving family?

Sensing the little blonde girl’s gaze, Huo Qiulin coughed, ending their playful argument.

“We have an audience. This little one is even more observant than Ningning. She’ll be very clever when she grows up.”

“Nana, stop staring. Let’s eat.”

Wu Siyu patted her head, lifting her onto a chair, her bowl and chopsticks already set. The table was laden with food, a variety of dishes, not extravagant, but prepared with care.

Yu Linna, her mouth watering, eagerly picked up her chopsticks, savoring the delicious food, the flavors exploding on her tongue. Aunt Wu’s cooking was amazing.

She ate quickly, her orphanage habit of grabbing food before it was gone still ingrained in her.

“There’s plenty of food. No one’s going to steal it from you. Eat slowly.”

Wu Siyu patted her head, adding more food to her bowl.

Yu Linna ate happily, a joy she had never experienced before. Having always lived in a communal setting, she had never known such abundance, such freedom to enjoy a delicious meal.

This was the happiest she had been in years.

Food, fun, and a home… life was good.

After dinner, Wu Siyu cleared the table and washed the dishes. Her husband, Huo Qiulin, was watching the news. Seeing her approach, he made space for her on the sofa.

“This Yu Linna is quite charming, such a cute little girl. If we adopt her, I’ll be a father of two.”

“Yes, everyone advised against it, but I couldn’t leave her alone. Honey, can we afford another child?”

Huo Qiulin paused, silent.

Another child would be a financial strain, especially with Wu Siyu unemployed, his income their only source of support.

“Don’t worry, I’ll work hard. I’m indestructible. We can manage another child. As long as you’re happy, I’ll do whatever it takes. Haha, imagine how proud I’ll be when my two daughters get married!”

“Thank you, honey. I’ll find a new job soon. And the government gave me a substantial compensation for the orphanage demolition. It should be enough for your business expenses. You’ve always wanted to start a company, haven’t you? This is your seed money.”

“I love you, wife!”

As the couple exchanged loving words, Yu Linna, in her new home, slept soundly…

Chapter 145: Past Events

Yu Linna, age six.

This was a story only she knew.

The little girl with golden hair, a delicate face, and captivating eyes had arrived at the orphanage not long ago. Wu Siyu, the orphanage director, had taken her in from the police, who had rescued her from human traffickers. Unable to trace her family or locate any missing person reports matching her description, they had classified her as an orphan.

Yu Linna had been at the orphanage for less than three months, a relatively well-behaved child, easily pacified with food. Her only distinguishing feature, and a source of unwanted attention, was her striking appearance: golden hair, a face with both European and Asian features, a clear indication of her mixed heritage. A mixed-race child was a rarity at the orphanage, making her a target of curiosity, with some children, especially girls her age, constantly touching her hair.

Director Wu Siyu had taken a special liking to Yu Linna, often sharing her hidden stash of candies and chocolates, fostering a close bond between them.

However, their peaceful days were numbered. The orphanage received a demolition notice from the government, planning to build a commercial street in its place. Though Wu Siyu would receive a substantial compensation, the children faced the prospect of homelessness.

Fortunately, the government assisted in finding adoptive families for the children. The plan worked, and within months, many children found new homes, the demolition proceeding as scheduled.

Except for Yu Linna, the little mixed-race girl.

The demolition plans had been in motion even before Yu Linna’s arrival, the children gradually being adopted. By the time she arrived, only a few remained. Over the next two months, the number dwindled further, until fewer than ten children were left.

Due to her mixed heritage, few families were willing to adopt Yu Linna. Most Chinese families preferred not to adopt a mixed-race child, fearing social stigma and unwanted attention. They didn’t want to be subjected to gossip and judgment.

“Director, it’s a problem. No one wants to adopt little Linna. The rest of us have found foster families, but she… no one wants her. And the orphanage is being pressured to vacate the premises for demolition.”

Wu Siyu was also troubled, unable to find a solution. Yu Linna’s situation was unique, making adoption almost impossible unless she was sent abroad, which was even less likely.

“Nana is about the same age as my daughter. I can’t just leave her on the streets.”

“But Director, we’re running out of time. What should we do?”

Wu Siyu was at her wit’s end. She had established the orphanage to provide shelter and care for children, never imagining it would be demolished so soon. And she was facing unemployment. Though her husband provided for the family, she still had to pay for her daughter’s education.

What was she going to do?

Yu Linna often spent her time drawing in the orphanage courtyard, using a twig to sketch figures on the ground, usually a man and a woman, her idealized image of parents, a void she filled through her art.

She carried another person’s memories, the memories of a ten-year-old boy, a secret she kept hidden.

The boy had also lived in an orphanage, dying before reaching adulthood, his memories now residing within her.

Though these memories served no practical purpose.

“Sigh…”

Yu Linna’s stomach growled. She patted her belly; it had been days since she had a proper meal, subsisting on pickled vegetables and plain porridge, not even a single green vegetable. She suspected it was because the other children were being adopted, but she still craved something delicious. The orphanage used to have bread; now, even steamed buns were a rarity.

She was so hungry…

Suddenly, a hand gently stroked her head. Yu Linna looked up and saw a woman with a warm smile, holding two steaming buns.

“Hungry? Auntie brought you something delicious.”

“Thank you, Aunt Wu!”

Yu Linna grabbed the buns and devoured them, her manners forgotten. These meat buns were a feast, the most delicious food she had ever tasted! After days of bland porridge and pickled vegetables, this was like heaven. Life couldn’t be better.

Wu Siyu, watching her eat with such gusto, smiled, but her heart was heavy. If no one adopted Yu Linna, she would have to be transferred to another orphanage. There was no other choice. Most of the children had been adopted; only she remained.

Could this child really…

She was so young; was this really the best option…?

“Aunt Wu, what’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Having finished the buns, Yu Linna looked up at her with innocent eyes, her cuteness undeniable.

Wu Siyu patted her head, taking out a tissue to wipe her mouth.

“Look at you, your face is covered in crumbs.”

This six-year-old girl, so adorable, so charming, already possessed the qualities of a star. She would be a natural.

“Nana, where do you want to go in the future?”

“I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to stay here, with you, Aunt Wu.”

“You really mean that?”

“Yes! You’re so kind to me! I want to stay with you forever!”

This child…

Wu Siyu smiled.

Such a sweet, innocent child. Why didn’t she have parents? It was baffling. And why wouldn’t anyone adopt her? She was so lovely. Was it simply because she was mixed-race?

If all else failed…

“Nana, how about you come home with me?”

She had made up her mind. Since no one wanted to adopt Yu Linna, she would. She would give her a home.

“Home? Where? Isn’t this my home?”

“No, Auntie’s home. I’ve decided. I’ll take you home with me. You can be my daughter, okay?”

“No.”

“Why not? I’m so good to you. Why don’t you want to come home with me?”

“You’re my auntie, not my mommy.”

“Haha, you…”

Wu Siyu chuckled. Convincing her to call her “mommy” would be a challenge, but she would take it slow.

That day, Wu Siyu decided to take her home.

“Director, are you sure about this? You already have a daughter.”

“Yes, I’ve made up my mind. As long as she doesn’t object, I’ll be her family. And if she wants to leave in the future, I’ll respect her decision.”

And so, just before the orphanage was demolished, Yu Linna, the last remaining child, having lived there for less than three months, was taken in by Wu Siyu. The orphanage became a distant memory.

As Wu Siyu led her to the car, Yu Linna was confused, unsure where she was being taken. Sitting in the car, she felt a sense of déjà vu, a vague memory of being driven around by strangers, though the details were hazy.

The trauma of her childhood, the head injury, had clouded her memories.

“Auntie, where are we going?”

“Home. You’ll be living with me from now on. You have a home now.”

“Home?”

“Yes, I’m taking you home. You’ll have a mommy and daddy, and a big sister.”

Yu Linna was unfamiliar with these concepts, unsure what they meant.

She simply sensed no malice from Wu Siyu and obediently followed.

Getting out of the car, Wu Siyu, dragging her suitcase and holding Yu Linna’s hand, entered the apartment building, taking the elevator, a novel experience for Yu Linna, her eyes wide with wonder. Reaching their floor, Wu Siyu unlocked the door.

Opening the door marked a new beginning.

“Honey, I’m home! Miss me?”

“Welcome back, Siyu. Come in. I made some tea you’ll love.”

The man, though not particularly handsome, had pleasant features and an average build, neither muscular nor thin. His name was Huo Qiulin, Wu Siyu’s husband.

“And who is this?”

He noticed the little blonde girl hiding shyly behind Wu Siyu.

“This is Yu Linna. I brought her from the orphanage. I’m planning to adopt her.”

As they talked, a small head peeked out from the hallway, her bright eyes fixed on the blonde girl. Yu Linna, meeting her gaze, sensed her curiosity.

“Ningning, what are you doing here? Come here, sweetie, Mommy’s home!”

Wu Siyu, smiling, picked up the little girl, stroking her cheek, happy to see her daughter again.

“Mommy, who is she?” Huo Ningning asked, pointing at Yu Linna.

This was the first encounter between Yu Linna and Huo Ningning, a memory that would later haunt them both.

Extra 1

New Year’s Special: 100 Questions for the Ye-Yu Couple

Bai: Hello everyone, and welcome to the 100 Questions of Couple Compatibility! I’m your host, Mr. Bai, and I’m honored to be joined today by the proud, handsome, and leggy Miss Ye Zhiyun, future CEO, and the adorable, foodie, and slightly problematic Yu Linna! (From here on, they will be referred to by their surnames.)

Applause

Bai: Welcome! Please have a seat. Let’s begin with the questions.

1. What are your names?

Ye: Ye Zhiyun.

Yu: Yu Linna.

2. What are your genders?

Ye: Female.

Yu: Female.

Bai: Are you sure? Don’t you have the memories of a ten-year-old boy…? *(gets swatted)*

Yu: Hmph, I’m a girl now.

3. What are your ages?

Ye: 19.

Yu: 18.

Bai: … *(about to speak, gets swatted again)*

4. How would you describe your personalities?

Ye: I’d say I’m a proud, competitive, and dominant woman.

Yu: I’m a strong, resilient girl, working hard to make a living.

5. How would you describe each other’s personalities?

Ye: Nana is a strong girl, able to endure even the hardships of poverty. If I were her, I would have probably cried.

Yu: Zhiyun is courageous. Once she sets her mind on something, she goes for it, without hesitation. I admire that.

6. When did you two meet?

Ye: On the bus.

Yu: On the bus.

7. What were your first impressions of each other?

Ye: Terrible. I wanted to strangle this girl who appeared out of nowhere.

Yu: I thought she was beautiful.

Ye: …Nana, you’re making me blush.

Bai: I don’t want to be force-fed dog food. Next question!

8. What did you initially think of each other?

Ye: A rival.

Yu: An annoying loser childhood friend I didn’t know.

9. How did your relationship improve?

Ye: At first, I hated her, wanted to stay away from her, even get revenge. But as I got to know her, I saw her vulnerability, especially at the train station. I decided to protect her, to never let her cry again.

Yu: I don’t know. After Zhiyun helped me so many times, especially after pulling me out of the entertainment industry, our relationship improved.

10. What do you dislike about each other?

Ye: Nana is too stubborn, unwilling to open up to me, always thinking I’ll abandon her.

Yu: Zhiyun is perfect, except she likes to tease me. She’s so devious.

11. What do you like about each other?

Ye: She’s adorable when she eats.

Yu: She’s adorable when she’s gentle. I want to hug her.

12. If you could receive a gift from each other, what would you want?

Ye: Anything Nana gives me, I’ll cherish.

Yu: Me too.

13. Do you have pet names for each other?

Ye: I always call her Nana.

Yu: I don’t have a pet name for her. I just call her Zhiyun.

Bai: *Scoffs* You’re so young. Shouldn’t you be calling each other “wife” or “wifey”?

*(Both blush)*

14. How much do you love each other?

Ye: No one can love the whole world, but my world is Yu Linna.

Yu: *(Blushing)* Zhiyun, I love you too…

*(Bai: Oh god, the dog food…)*

15. If your partner’s feelings changed, would you forgive them?

Ye: Nana’s feelings will never change! Never!

Yu: Zhiyun’s feelings will never change!

Bai: This is a hypothetical question, understand? Hypothetical.

Ye: If Nana’s feelings changed, I wouldn’t want to live anymore!

Yu: No, Zhiyun, you can’t say that!

Ye: A world without Nana is bleak and colorless. I don’t want to live in such a world!

Yu: Zhiyun~ *(hugs her)*

Bai: Next question…

16. Who was your first love?

Ye: … *(looks away, avoids eye contact)*

Yu: My first love is Zhiyun.

Ye: … *(silence)*

Bai: You have to answer the question.

Ye: …It was… Li Muqing. He was my first love. But Nana, don’t worry, I love you more than I ever loved him. I *liked* him, but I only *love* you!

Yu: Mmm. *(blushes)*

17. Where was your first date?

Ye: A restaurant, with Li Muqing.

Yu: A restaurant, with Li Muqing.

Bai: That’s not a date! *(flips table)*

18. What do you do for each other’s birthdays?

Ye: I would throw a huge party, order a custom cake from a world-renowned pastry chef, invite all our friends and family, hire reporters, and livestream the entire event from a grand hotel.

Bai: Wow, spoiling your wife much?

Yu: I would bake a cake myself, cook a delicious meal, buy the best gift, and personally put a birthday necklace on her.

Ye: Nana, I want to celebrate my birthday now!

Yu: Eh? Now? But your birthday isn’t until…

Ye: Can I celebrate early? I want to celebrate early! Please? Can we celebrate when we get home?

Yu: Well…

Bai: Next question!

19. How close are you two?

Ye: We can eat from the same bowl, wear the same clothes, sleep in the same bed, and even shower together.

Bai: You’re lying! Could she even fit into your clothes?

Ye: Shut… shut up!

Yu: Hehe, same as Zhiyun.

20. Where do you usually go on dates?

Ye: Amusement parks, KFC.

Yu: Amusement parks, KFC.

21. Who confessed first?

Yu: … *(blushes)*

Ye: Me, of course. She would never make the first move.

22. Can you describe the confession scene?

Ye: No, that would be a spoiler.

Yu: Me neither. Let’s keep it a secret!

23. When do you feel your heart race when you’re together?

Ye: When she acts cute.

Yu: When she pats my head.

24. Have you ever argued?

Ye: Yes.

Yu: Yes.

25. What do you argue about?

Ye: I pretended to be her parent, but she wasn’t satisfied, so she got angry.

Yu: She pretended to be my parent without asking me, and she even tried to get revenge on me! I was tricked, so I got angry.

26. Did that create any distance between you?

Ye: No.

Yu: No. After that, Zhiyun seemed to tone it down, and our relationship improved.

27. What’s the one thing you’re most grateful for in this life?

Ye: Spending eighty million to buy her back from Chenghe.

Yu: Meeting Zhiyun.

28. Has anyone ever tried to come between you?

Ye: Yes, but I got rid of them. Nana is mine, and no one can take her away from me!

Bai: Whoa, I’m getting more and more curious. Can you elaborate?

Ye: No, that would be a spoiler.

Yu: Zhiyun already said everything.

29. What are your current occupations?

Ye: I’m a student, but I’m also working. I’m a businesswoman, an investor. And a cosplay photographer.

Yu: I’m a novelist. My new book is coming out soon, so please support it!

30. What’s the most difficult thing you’ve faced?

Ye: Wanting to be with her, but not being able to. I wanted to abandon everything and run away with her, but I couldn’t. During that time, not being able to see her, to hear her voice… I missed her terribly.

Yu: Same here. I liked her so much, but we couldn’t be together. I wanted to see her, but I couldn’t. I could only work hard to improve myself, to climb higher, hoping to be with her again.

31. If there’s an afterlife, do you want to be lovers again?

Ye: Yes, in this life and the next, even a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred thousand years from now, I want to be her lover.

Yu: We’ve overcome so much together. No matter how many times we’re reborn, I’ll always choose to be with her.

32. What would you do for your lover?

Ye: I would give up everything for her, my career, everything, just to love her.

Yu: I would give up everything for her, be with her no matter what.

33. Has your love story been smooth sailing?

Ye: I wish our love story was simple and straightforward. I don’t need grand gestures; I just want a simple, happy life with her. To be with her, I’ve traveled the longest distance imaginable.

Yu: Not at all smooth! I just want a simple love story! The author is so mean!

34. When are you getting married?

Ye: Hmm… we haven’t thought about it yet, but when we do, I’ll invite all our friends and family and throw the biggest wedding ever!

Yu: I haven’t thought about it yet… Don’t rush me…

35. What do you want your partner to do for you?

Ye: I want to eat Nana’s cooking again.

Yu: I want her to buy me a house.

Bai: What?! Little Linna, so direct?!

Yu: No, I mean… I want her to give me a home, so we can be a family.

Ye: Nana… *(touched)*

36. If you had to describe each other as an animal, what would it be?

Ye: A cat.

Yu: A lion.

37. Why?

Ye: Because Nana is like a cat: cute, cuddly, and always hungry. And so adorable when she’s angry. Just a little petting, and she calms down.

Yu: Zhiyun is like a lion: brave and fierce, especially towards those who bully me.

38. Has anyone other than your partner ever liked you?

Ye: … *(looks at Yu Linna)*

Yu: I… I… Next question! *(flustered)*

Ye: Nana, you’re in trouble when we get home.

Yu: No!

39. What’s the one thing your partner has done that you’re unhappy about?

Ye: Moving out.

Yu: Treating me like a rival over two yuan when we first met! I was so innocent!

40. How did you go from rivals to lovers?

Ye: I don’t know. I just fell for her. Li Muqing who? Let that loser stay single forever. I only want Nana!

Yu: I don’t know either. Before I realized it, we were together.

41. What’s the most heartbreaking thing you’ve experienced?

Yu: Being betrayed by Nangong Ying.

Ye: Seeing her cry at the train station.

42. What would your life be like if you hadn’t met each other?

Ye: Don’t ask “what if.” Without Nana, my life would be meaningless!

Yu: Zhiyun… *(blushes)*

43. Do you have any dreams?

Ye: My dream is to marry Nana.

Yu: W-what are you saying?! Marriage… we…

Ye: It’s only a matter of time. You can’t escape my grasp. *(chuckles)*

Bai: I’m full from all this dog food…

44. Are you two tsundere?

Ye: What kind of question is that? Have I ever been tsundere?

Yu: I’m not tsundere! Your whole family is tsundere!

Bai: I think I understand…

45. What do you want to say to the author?

Ye: Author, if you don’t give us more screentime, I’ll cut you!

Yu: Author, please, be a decent human being! Stop separating us!

Bai: Author, look what you’ve done.

*(Author: Don’t worry, there will be more sweet moments.)*

46. What are your family backgrounds?

Ye: My family is wealthy. My father is a successful entrepreneur, earning billions. I have an older brother who studied in America and speaks eighteen languages. And I’m a rising star in the business world, a future CEO.

Yu: I’m an orphan. I have no family.

Ye: Nana, after we get married, my family will be your family.

Yu: … *(blushes and hits her)*

47. What’s the one thing your partner says that makes you speechless?

Ye: “I have to write. Go to bed.”

Yu: “I have a business trip. Look after the house.”

Bai: You two are doing this on purpose!

48. What’s the one thing you don’t want to see your partner do?

Ye: I don’t want to see her cry. After seeing her cry so desperately at the train station, I never want to see her cry again. I want to protect her.

Yu: I don’t want to see her so busy all the time. I want her to spend more time with me.

Bai: Do you even have the right to say that?!

49. What would you do if your partner was an hour late for a date?

Ye: Punish her when we get home.

Yu: I wouldn’t dare be late!

50. Are you good at lying?

Ye: Yes.

Yu: No.

Ye: That’s obviously a lie. Even saying you’re not good at lying is a lie.

Yu: I’m not!

Ye: Do you not love me?

Yu: I love you!

Ye: See? She’s terrible at lying.

Yu: Zhiyun, you’re so mean!

51. Who flirts more?

Ye: Me, obviously.

Yu: Her.

52. Let’s see you flirt with each other right now.

Yu: Do you not love me?

Ye: *(Thinks, isn’t that what I just did? So amateur.)* Do *you* love me?

Yu: No.

Ye: Then give me a gift.

Yu: What kind of gift?

Ye: Kiss me. Right here, right now.

Yu: Mmm… I was wrong! I love you! So much!

Ye: See? I’m clearly the better flirt.

53. How do you express your love?

Ye: By putting aside my work and spending time with her.

Yu: By cooking her dinner.

Ye: So, you express your love every day?

Yu: Whoa, whoa, whoa! You’re playing tricks again!

54. Is your relationship public or secret?

Ye and Yu: It’s always been public!

55. Who’s the top?

Yu: Is that even a question? Me, obviously…

Ye: No, it’s me.

Yu: Me!

Ye: Who’s always on the bottom?

Yu: *(Blushing)* Being on the bottom doesn’t mean I’m the bottom! Girls can be tops even when they’re on the bottom!

Ye: Then explain how.

Yu: When they’re on top… during… you know…

Ye: … *(facepalms)* Ugh, my girlfriend is so cute. I love it.

56. Who’s the bottom?

Yu: Is this question any different from the last one? It’s obviously…

Ye: Her.

Yu: Not me!

Ye: When have you ever taken the initiative? You wouldn’t even dare, even if I gave you the chance. You just lie there obediently.

Yu: That’s not true! *(blushes furiously)* I didn’t! I’m not!

Bai: Ouch, my single heart…

57. Have you… done it?

Yu: I refuse to answer that question!

Ye: Oh, are you shy?

Yu: Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Don’t ask me! And don’t look at me! Turn around!

Ye: You’re so cute when you blush.

Fang: Wow, as a member of the live audience, this is so entertaining! Keep going, you two!

58. Where did you first… do it?

Yu: Why are you asking this again?! Are you demons?! I refuse to answer!

Ye: At my place.

59. What did your partner look like at the time?

Ye: Her eyes were unfocused, her face flushed, tears welling up, her hands gripping my clothes. When I got closer, she covered her face, her clothes already gone.

Yu: … *(glares daggers)*

60. Please briefly describe what happened that night.

Ye: She kept crying, kept struggling, but eventually fell asleep.

Yu: That’s not true! I didn’t cry!

Ye: Okay, okay, you didn’t cry. *(pats her head)*

61. What was the first thing you said the next morning?

Ye: Morning, Nana.

Yu: You liar! You said it would just be kissing! And then you… took me!

62. How many times a week?

Ye: Normally, three times a week.

Yu: When things aren’t normal, every night.

Bai: Suddenly curious about what constitutes “not normal”…

63. Describe your partner during… that… in one word.

Ye: Ripe for the picking.

Yu: Demon.

64. What’s your partner’s most sensitive spot?

Ye: Her earlobes and neck.

Yu: Her chest.

65. Do you enjoy… that…?

Yu: … *(silence)*

Ye: I do.

Yu: Can we please stop with these questions?!

66. Where do you usually… do it?

Ye: Hotels.

Yu: …I refuse to answer.

67. Where do you want to try… doing it?

Yu: Enough! Why are you all so obsessed with this?! Next question!

Ye: Nana, calm down.

Yu: No! You’re all perverts! Always wanting to know where we… do it!

Ye: They’re just curious, but I’m different. I don’t *want* to know where we do it. My bed, the kitchen, the balcony, the courtyard, the living room, the bathroom… anywhere is fine.

Yu: Waaaaah! *(bursts into tears)*

Ye: Don’t cry, Nana!

Yu: You’re all bullying me!

68. Why are you so reluctant to answer these questions?

Yu: None of your business!

Ye: Because she’s embarrassed about not being the top… *(mutters)*

69. Have you ever been with anyone other than your partner?

Ye & Yu: What kind of stupid question is that?!

70. If your partner said, “I’m lonely tonight,” what would you do?

Ye: I would drag her to my new king-sized bed without hesitation!

Yu: I suspect this question is targeted at me!

71. Are you shy during… that…?

Yu: Yes.

Ye: Yes.

Bai: No, you’re not.

72. When did it first happen?

Yu: Don’t answer that!

Ye: Would that be a spoiler?

Yu: Don’t answer!

73. Where do you like to kiss?

Ye: Her neck.

Yu: I hate you! You always give me hickeys!

74. Has your partner ever resisted?

Ye: Yes, quite fiercely. She put up a good fight, but I won in the end. *(licks lips)*

Yu: Waaaaah! *(cries, covering her face)*

75. Do you undress yourselves, or do you help each other?

Yu: …

Ye: I’ll answer for her. I undressed her.

76. What does… that… mean to you?

Ye: The most intimate moment between lovers.

77. Who’s more feminine?

Ye: What’s the point of this question? I *am* a woman.

Yu: Me too.

78. Did your parents ever object to your relationship?

Ye: Though they didn’t exactly approve, they… helped in a way.

Yu: I don’t have parents.

Ye: You have me. *(hugs her)*

79. When did you realize your partner was the one?

Yu: *(Thinks, finally a normal question.)* When she risked everything for me. That’s when I finally let down my guard.

Ye: Mmm. *(smiles)*

80. What do you want to say to your former friend?

Yu: Nangong Ying, though you betrayed me, I considered you a good friend. You have your dreams, and I have my happiness. I just hope you don’t regret abandoning me.

Ye: I have nothing to say. I just want to be with Nana forever.

81. Do you want to find your family?

Yu: That question is for me, right? Honestly, I do, but… I feel the author’s malice. I’ll probably never find them.

Ye: I don’t care. As long as you’re with me, that’s enough.

82. If you have children in the future, what would you name them?

Ye: Ye Linbao, meaning Ye Zhiyun and Yu Linna’s little treasure!

Yu: That’s a terrible name! It should be Yu Zhitong, meaning Yu Linna and Ye Zhiyun’s little parasol tree!

Ye: If you marry me, you’ll take my last name!

Yu: But your name is terrible!

Fang: Haha, Linna, you’re not even denying that you’ll marry her.

Yu: That’s not true! Who said I’m marrying her?! She’s marrying me!

Fang: A bit late for that, don’t you think?

83. Have you met each other’s parents?

Ye: Isn’t that obvious?

Yu: Exactly!

84. How did you overcome the obstacles in your relationship?

Ye: We faced many challenges, even separated for a while, but we found our way back to each other.

Yu: I don’t want to be separated from her again.

85. It’s the New Year. Do you have anything to say to each other?

Yu: Zhiyun, thank you for being with me this past year. I want to continue our journey together in the new year.

Ye: I’m lucky to have you by my side. I hope every year will be spent with you.

86. What does the New Year mean to you?

Ye: Another year with Nana.

Yu: Another year with Zhiyun.

87. What if you had been childhood sweethearts?

Ye: If she had been my childhood sweetheart, I would have chased her, not Li Muqing.

Yu: If she had been my childhood sweetheart, I would probably be a spoiled rich girl now.

88. What if Yu Linna were a rich girl?

Ye: Nana as a rich girl? I haven’t thought about it, but she would be quite suitable.

Yu: How could a poor girl like me be a rich girl?

Ye: You have blonde hair; blonde girls have a high probability of being rich girls.

Yu: Apologize to all the blonde girls in the world!

89. What if Ye Zhiyun and Yu Linna switched lives?

Ye: Switch lives? You mean I would have grown up poor and almost been exploited?

Yu: Live a life of luxury like Zhiyun? I can’t even imagine.

Ye: If I were Nana, Chenghe wouldn’t have dared to touch me. Anyone who tried would be dead.

90. What do you want to do for your lover in the future?

Yu: I want to write a book for Zhiyun.

Ye: I want to teach everyone who has ever bullied Nana a lesson, especially Chenghe. I won’t let them get away with it.

Yu: It’s okay, Zhiyun. As long as you’re by my side, revenge doesn’t matter.

Ye: I love you, Nana!

91. Do you think your love will last?

Ye: Yes.

Yu: If Zhiyun says so, then it will.

92. Do you have any travel plans?

Ye: Yes! I want to go to France for our honeymoon! To the Eiffel Tower, with Nana!

Yu: I’ve never been abroad, but I’ll go wherever Zhiyun takes me.

93. Who’s marrying into whose family?

Ye: Is that even a question? I’m marrying her; she’s marrying into my family.

Yu: That’s not true! You’re marrying into *my* family!

Ye: Oh? Want to settle this tonight?

Yu: You always cheat!

94. Who’s the husband and who’s the wife?

Ye: I’m the husband.

Yu: I’m not…

Ye: Yes, you are. You’re my wife.

95. Did anyone object to your relationship?

Ye: Yes, but we stayed together anyway.

Yu: She was so cool back then.

96. What is happiness?

Ye: Happiness is growing old with the person you love.

Yu: Mmm-hmm!

97. What’s the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you?

Ye: Getting on that bus and meeting the most important person in my life.

Yu: Same here. Because of that bus, I met the person I was meant to meet.

98. There’s a saying, “Rivals become lovers.” Do you agree?

Ye: It’s certainly true for us. From being the most incompatible pair to now being the perfect couple, I feel incredibly lucky. Though I initially hated her, wanted revenge, wanted to play pranks on her, she eventually became the person I wanted to protect most.

Yu: I never thought we would become friends, let alone lovers. She’s become the most important person in my life. I don’t care about our past; all that matters is that I’m hers now.

Bai: Alright, we’re almost out of time, so let’s end with the last two questions.

99. Have you ever thought about traveling the world together?

Ye: As long as I’m with her, I would travel to the ends of the universe.

Yu: I want to go everywhere with Zhiyun, to the ends of the earth.

100. Finally, please say one thing to your lover.

Ye: Nana, I’m so glad I met you. Please… spend the rest of your life with me.

Yu: Yes. Zhiyun, I’m so lucky to have met you. From now on, we’ll never be apart. Let’s go, together.

*Applause*

*(End of program)*

Chapter 144: Awakening

Chenghe Film Productions, the largest film company in the country, launched numerous stars every year, adept at creating household names. Nangong Ying, whose film had broken box office records at the end of last year, was one of their success stories.

Despite their dominance, they weren’t satisfied. They aspired to become a world-class film production company, a goal that wouldn’t be easily achieved.

“Manager, the meeting materials are ready.”

“Good, let’s go.”

Another busy day at Chenghe. To outsiders, the company glittered with stardom, a place where actors’ dreams came true. But those within the industry knew the reality was far more complex.

Incidents like the recent Yu Linna affair were known only to a select few, the true details hidden from the public.

Rumors of the company’s connections to organized crime circulated, though unconfirmed.

Yu Tianchen, Chenghe’s most renowned talent scout and star manager, known for his refined demeanor, had launched the careers of numerous A-list celebrities. Though outwardly gentle, those close to him knew him to be a shrewd and calculating man.

“Mr. Yu, Nangong Ying declined our offer, saying she has to prepare for her exams.”

“As expected. Don’t bother her anymore. Let her focus on her studies. She’s still a student.”

“Speaking of which, shouldn’t we start scouting for new talent?”

“I’ve been thinking about that. I recently tried to recruit Tang Yumeng, a third- or fourth-tier actress, but she refused to sign with Chenghe. Besides Nangong Ying, she’s the second one to refuse us so directly.”

“No matter how headstrong they are, they’ll eventually come crawling back.”

“Let’s not talk about that. I have a meeting to attend. Please prepare my materials.”

Chenghe, the undisputed leader in the industry, seemed to have new plans.

Meanwhile, back at the restaurant, only Tang Yumeng and Yu Linna remained. Though Yu Linna, in her men’s clothing, attracted the most attention, Tang Yumeng’s alluring figure drew envious glances from other women.

“So, I thought you were playing with that girl’s feelings. Sorry, I misunderstood.”

“It’s okay, Senior Yumeng… but… I feel a strange sense of familiarity…”

The feeling Yu Linna had experienced when she saw Huo Ningning’s back intensified, a feeling she hadn’t had before.

What was this feeling…?

“Let’s not worry about that for now. You two know each other; you can explain everything when you go back to school.”

Tang Yumeng pulled out a cigarette, placing it between her lips, about to light it, when Yu Linna stopped her, pointing to a “No Smoking” sign on the wall.

“Sorry.”

She put the cigarette away, frustrated. A nicotine craving at this time was inconvenient. She needed to cut back on smoking.

“Senior Yumeng, you smoke a lot?”

“Just sometimes. Don’t follow my example. Smoking isn’t good for girls.”

Though it sounded hypocritical coming from her, she didn’t encourage smoking, especially after being repeatedly lectured by her father and receiving disapproving looks from her brother. She hadn’t smoked before.

“Can’t you quit?”

“If only it were that easy. Once you start, you always want another one, and then another, and before you know it, the whole pack is gone.”

“Haha…”

Yu Linna, a non-smoker, couldn’t understand.

“I didn’t smoke before. In the past two years, with so many things on my mind, smoking helped me relax, and I couldn’t stop. I’ve tried to quit, but… I guess it’s just who I am now.”

“Senior Yumeng, you’re an actress, right? How’s work?”

“Not good. I haven’t had any acting gigs in a while. I’m almost broke, can’t even afford cigarettes. I’m thinking about getting a part-time job. You were an actress too, weren’t you? You understand what it’s like to have no work.”

“I can relate…”

Yu Linna hadn’t even landed a single role, a true nobody compared to Tang Yumeng. But she had left that world behind. She was now Shion, the Gold Award winner, her status vastly different.

“Actually, Chenghe contacted me a while ago.”

Tang Yumeng’s casual remark made Yu Linna’s hand tremble, her eyes widening, her expression stiffening.

Chenghe… that name was all too familiar. It was where her dream had begun, and where it had ended. Because of Chenghe, she had almost been exploited, and because of Chenghe, her friendship with Nangong Ying had been irrevocably broken.

That name was a nightmare.

“And…?” she asked, trying to sound casual, her hand clenching into a fist.

She didn’t want Tang Yumeng to follow in her footsteps. That place wasn’t a paradise; it was hell.

“I refused. I didn’t think it was the right place for me.”

Yu Linna’s hand relaxed.

“Why refuse? Do you know how many people would kill for that opportunity?”

“I’ve been in the industry for a few years now. Everyone says Chenghe isn’t a good place for actresses, not a good environment. I didn’t want to… compromise myself, so I refused.”

To refuse such a coveted opportunity… it took incredible resolve. Yu Linna herself had been tempted, having considered it for a while, only to be swayed by Nangong Ying and almost exploited.

Tang Yumeng’s refusal meant she either knew something or had better prospects. Yu Linna hoped it was the former.

“What if… one day, someone from your company told you that if you betrayed a friend, offered them up to the company, they would make you a star. What would you do?”

“…What’s wrong?”

Tang Yumeng noticed a change in Yu Linna’s demeanor, her usual cheerful facade replaced by a seriousness, her eyes pleading for an answer.

“Tell me. What would you do?”

If smoking were allowed, Tang Yumeng would have lit a cigarette.

She considered Yu Linna’s question carefully.

“I wouldn’t do it.”

Yu Linna’s heart relaxed slightly, but her hands remained clenched.

“Why?”

“To sacrifice a friend for fame and fortune… it’s not worth it.”

Tang Yumeng’s answer was genuine, the result of careful consideration.

Yu Linna’s hands finally relaxed.

It seemed Tang Yumeng valued relationships over her career. She wouldn’t betray a friend; she wasn’t that kind of person.

Perhaps that was why she hadn’t become famous, remaining a third- or fourth-tier actress.

“You’re asking me this because you’ve experienced something similar, haven’t you? It’s not surprising. This industry is complex; it’s impossible to avoid such situations.”

“Senior Yumeng, I…”

“It’s okay. I won’t ask about your past. I don’t need to know.”

Yu Linna finally felt at ease.

Sometimes, not knowing was best.

After chatting for a while longer, they left the restaurant. Tang Yumeng immediately lit a cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke that dissipated in the wind, like a bittersweet memory.

They walked in silence.

“Hmm?”

Yu Linna noticed a figure standing on the bridge by the park lake, a girl with glasses, a melancholic expression on her delicate face. She stood there, hands in her pockets, lost in thought.

“Isn’t that Huo Ningning?”

Yu Linna, recognizing her, walked towards the bridge. Tang Yumeng, cigarette still in her mouth, followed slowly. These high school girls, so young, so full of youthful energy.

“Huo Ningning…”

As she called out her name, she saw Huo Ningning’s lips moving, muttering something, words like “I’m sorry” and “Na…” barely audible.

“What are you doing here?!”

Huo Ningning, startled by Yu Linna’s sudden appearance, panicked. Had she been overheard?

“I should be asking you that. Why are you here? And why did you run away like that? You didn’t answer my question.”

“…”

Huo Ningning didn’t want to answer, not at all. That memory… it wasn’t a pleasant one.

It was a painful part of her past.

“Linna, do you really not remember?”

“That’s why I’m asking! Who are you? If you don’t tell me, I won’t know!”

Had she really forgotten…?

Huo Ningning, without a word, took off her glasses, her face, even without them, still attractive, perhaps even more so. Yu Linna’s image in her mind blurred, becoming less distinct.

“You might have forgotten, but I remember. You lived at my house for a month. Don’t you remember? My mother brought you home.”

She finally confessed.

She hadn’t expected this day to come so soon. She had thought it would be much later, since Yu Linna had forgotten.

Yu Linna, looking at the girl, initially thought she was from one of her former foster families. She searched her memory, but none of them matched Huo Ningning’s appearance. Until…

She recalled her first foster family…

Huo Ningning had said her mother had brought her home. Of all her foster families, only one mother had brought her home.

“You’re… Aunt Wu’s daughter?”

Even Yu Linna was surprised by her own realization.

Huo Ningning’s face, as it was now, overlapped perfectly with the face from her childhood memory. In the setting sun, their shadows stretched long, and a dormant memory began to awaken…

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Chapter 143: Awkward

“Wait, wait, wait! You know her?!” Huo Ningning was stunned, completely caught off guard. This beautiful older woman knew the little boy she had just met?

“Um, miss, even if you two are… involved… isn’t he a bit young…?”

“Hey, what are you thinking?”

Huo Ningning, true to her introverted nature, always jumped to the most outlandish conclusions.

Tang Yumeng wanted to smack her upside the head to knock some sense into her.

Yu Linna, hiding her face in her hands, wished she could disappear. She knew Huo Ningning had a wild imagination, but this was ridiculous. She wanted to pretend she didn’t know her.

“Anyway, why are you dressed like this? And all bundled up?”

Tang Yumeng sighed, looking at Yu Linna, her face mostly hidden by the hoodie. Why would a perfectly normal girl dress up as a boy? What was the point? Was it just to pick up girls?

She studied Huo Ningning, the bespectacled girl. She was quite attractive, her blushing cheeks adding to her charm. Aside from her introverted personality, there wasn’t much to fault.

Could Yu Linna be playing with her feelings…?

Tang Yumeng’s eyes widened in surprise.

“No!” Yu Linna exclaimed, her face flushing, sensing Tang Yumeng’s thoughts.

Tang Yumeng sat down next to her, studying her closely. Yu Linna, in her disguise, looked surprisingly convincing. Though still somewhat… androgynous… if you didn’t look too closely, you wouldn’t think she was a girl. The outfit, a decent brand, certainly helped. Clothes make the man, as they say.

Yu Linna’s usual attire was incredibly frumpy: either a black tracksuit or faded jeans paired with clothes she had worn since she was eleven or twelve. She was presentable only in her school uniform.

“Actually, you look quite good. You have good taste.”

“Really?”

“Well, the clothes are nice, but they don’t suit you. This style… it would look better on your younger brother.”

Her implication was clear: Yu Linna looked better in women’s clothing.

Yu Linna, though a girl, felt a pang of disappointment. She still had memories of being a boy, albeit only until the age of ten.

“Miss, who are you? How do you know Ye Lin? And stop ignoring me!”

Huo Ningning, blushing, finally spoke up, demanding attention, though her voice was still soft.

“I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Tang Yumeng, an older… acquaintance of… this little guy.”

“I’m Huo Ningning, a senior at First Municipal High School. I’ll be a university student next semester.”

Tang Yumeng observed Huo Ningning, the introverted yet attractive girl. She would have an advantage in the entertainment industry. And what had she called Yu Linna? Ye Lin? This girl was really committed to her deception…

“Lin… never mind. What are you doing? She doesn’t know, does she?”

Tang Yumeng sighed, placing her hand on Yu Linna’s flat chest. Though small, it was still a girl’s chest, the soft feeling undeniable.

Yu Linna’s face instantly turned crimson.

“Senior Yumeng, what… what are you doing…?”

“If you were truly flat-chested, it would be one thing, but you’re clearly…”

“Stop touching me!”

Being groped, even by a girl, was embarrassing.

“Nice… though a bit small.”

“Don’t call me small!”

Damn it! Why comment on her chest size?! And call her small?!

As a girl, being judged like this was humiliating!

It was like telling a boy he was… small.

Huo Ningning, watching in stunned silence, her face burning, as Tang Yumeng fondled Yu Linna’s chest, Yu Linna’s flustered reaction…

“Well, Miss Huo, enjoying the show?”

“Eh… what… what are you doing?! Why are you touching her there?!”

“I mean, are you blind? This little guy is clearly a girl.”

“What?!”

Huo Ningning was even more confused now.

She looked at Yu Linna, her face flushed, her head bowed, her figure indeed too slender for a boy, her delicate hands and rosy lips…

“A girl?”

“Yes.”

Tang Yumeng sighed. If she hadn’t said anything, Huo Ningning would have remained clueless.

“I… I didn’t mean to…”

Yu Linna, her disguise exposed, couldn’t keep up the act any longer. This outing had taken an unexpected turn. In Tang Yumeng’s eyes, she was now a deceiver, preying on innocent girls.

Huo Ningning’s mind raced. The little boy she had spent the afternoon with… was a girl? She shouldn’t have called him “little shota”; she should have called her “little loli.” This was getting confusing.

And that voice… it had sounded familiar.

Where had she heard it before?

…

Huo Ningning suddenly realized something.

“Could it be… Linna?”

She blurted out the name, a sudden realization. That voice… she had only ever heard it from one person: Yu Linna!

Yu Linna wanted to cry.

“I… I really didn’t mean to…” she repeated, taking off her hoodie, revealing her hair, the beautiful blonde locks tied back, framing her delicate features, her bright blue eyes captivating.

As she removed the hoodie, everyone in the restaurant turned to look, the cute boy transforming into a beautiful girl. All eyes were on her, captivated by her beauty. Such a lovely girl, so adorable, they wanted to hug her, to protect her.

Huo Ningning, looking at the familiar face, despite the men’s clothing, knew it was Yu Linna.

“Linna, apologize.”

Tang Yumeng nudged her head, prompting her to apologize.

Deceiving someone was wrong, and having been caught red-handed by Tang Yumeng, who clearly believed she was playing with Huo Ningning’s feelings, she had to apologize.

“Ning… Ningning… I’m sorry…”

Apologizing to someone she disliked was painful, but she had been the one to deceive her.

“No, it’s okay, Linna… though I’m quite surprised…”

Huo Ningning was indeed surprised. The boy she had spent the afternoon with was actually her classmate, Yu Linna. The revelation was a bit much to process. But she was also secretly delighted. She had never been able to ask Yu Linna out before, and now, she had spent an entire afternoon with her. She wasn’t angry; she was happy.

“Besides, spending time with you today… it felt like when we were younger. I’m happy. You don’t have to apologize.”

The afternoon with Yu Linna had felt like a return to her carefree childhood, a time when she had a best friend, a time of pure joy.

“Hmm?”

Yu Linna was taken aback. What did she mean?

Fragments of memories surfaced, fleeting images of playing with someone when she was very young.

Had she… had friends before?

She rarely dwelled on her past, often suppressing those memories. Her childhood wasn’t a pleasant one; she preferred not to remember.

But Huo Ningning’s words had triggered something.

“Ah, sorry, forget what I said.”

Huo Ningning, realizing her slip-up, quickly backtracked, but Yu Linna couldn’t ignore it.

“Ningning, what did you mean?”

“…”

“Did I know you when I was younger?”

Huo Ningning clenched her hands, gripping her clothes, biting her lip to stifle a sound, desperate to maintain her composure.

Tang Yumeng hadn’t expected this turn of events. Seeing Yu Linna’s surprise, her gaze towards Huo Ningning shifted. She had initially assumed Yu Linna was deceiving Huo Ningning, but it seemed they had known each other before?

“Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“…”

“Have I met you before?”

Huo Ningning remained silent, pushing her chair back and running out of the restaurant, disappearing into the crowd. Yu Linna stared after her, a familiar figure overlapping with Huo Ningning in her memory, yet she couldn’t quite grasp it.

Huo Ningning had always been eager to get close to her. If they had known each other before, it would explain her persistence, a connection Yu Linna had simply forgotten.

After all, she couldn’t remember much of her past, unlike Huo Ningning, who seemed to have a remarkable memory. Having moved from city to city throughout her childhood, it was impossible for Yu Linna to remember everyone.

Chapter 142: An Unfortunate Encounter

Let’s be clear, she wasn’t a cross-dresser; she simply wanted to experience wearing men’s clothing. She had no desire to become a boy again.

So, using a male persona to pick up girls… that had never crossed her mind.

That being said…

“Little boy, are you hurt? Let me buy you some candy as an apology.”

This woman was a dangerous creature, using such a tempting tactic.

“Well…”

“Or do you not like candy? I can buy you some fries.”

Impossible to refuse…

Yu Linna, you weak-willed fool!

Biting into the fries, the savory aroma filled her senses, a wave of deliciousness washing over her. How could fries be so good? Was this the magic of free food?

“Haha, seeing how much you like them means I have good taste. The fries here are quite good. What grade are you in, little brother? Why are you out alone?”

Having bought him food, Huo Ningning naturally struck up a conversation. She seemed more relaxed than usual, perhaps because she felt less constrained talking to a child.

With the hoodie and her head lowered, her voice deliberately deepened, Yu Linna was unrecognizable to anyone who wasn’t intimately familiar with her. That’s why Huo Ningning hadn’t recognized her.

If she were discovered, it would be troublesome.

“Um… I have to go…”

“If you don’t mind, little brother, why don’t you keep me company? I’ll buy you something delicious. I’m alone today anyway.”

For some reason, she felt a strange familiarity with this adorable little boy, a sense of kinship she couldn’t quite place.

What was this feeling…?

Yu Linna, unable to escape, followed her. How had things escalated so quickly? She had only done this for fun.

Finishing the last fry, she trailed behind Huo Ningning, continuing to freeload. Huo Ningning, true to her word, bought her more food, perhaps out of boredom, spending her day with a child she didn’t even know. Though the boy was undeniably cute, if his parents found out, they might accuse her of kidnapping.

But she couldn’t resist the urge to get closer to this child.

Because he looked so much like Yu Linna.

The facial features, the contours, especially those beautiful eyes, were almost identical. She wondered if they were related.

But that was impossible. Yu Linna was an orphan; she had no siblings. But she couldn’t bring herself to dislike this boy.

“Little brother, would you mind listening to me complain for a bit? Just a little while. I’ll buy you a large kids’ meal afterward.”

Who wants a kids’ meal?!

Though she wanted to shout, she suppressed the urge, worried about her voice betraying her. She noticed a change in Huo Ningning’s demeanor, a sadness in her eyes, her smile strained. Despite her cheerful tone, Yu Linna felt a sense of unease.

What was wrong with this introverted girl…?

“I… I had a fight with a very good friend a long time ago. A very, very good friend.”

“If you had a fight, just make up with her.”

“It’s not that simple.”

Huo Ningning shook her head, a bitter smile on her face.

“It was many years ago. I was young, even younger than you. We had a fight, and I hurt her. Then she moved away, and I couldn’t find her anymore. I never had a chance to apologize. Until recently, I met her again, but she had completely forgotten me. She didn’t remember me at all.”

Listening to Huo Ningning’s story, Yu Linna was stunned. She had never seen her like this before, never known about her past, her struggles.

“I really want to tell her I’m sorry, that I was wrong. But I don’t have the courage. I’m too weak to face her. And she… she probably doesn’t remember anything. Perhaps she’s forgotten everything.”

Huo Ningning harbored a deep regret, a past that haunted her, a mistake she had made years ago, the consequences of which she still carried. She longed to make amends, but it was too late.

Perhaps this was her punishment.

Years ago, her mother had brought a little blonde girl home, and that was how they met. They had been happy together, and it could have continued, but she… she had ruined everything.

It wasn’t until the little girl packed her bags and left for another city that she realized her mistake.

Listening to Huo Ningning’s confession, Yu Linna felt a strange pang in her chest, an unfamiliar emotion. She had always known Huo Ningning as an introverted, unpredictable girl, never witnessing such vulnerability, such sadness, such regret.

What kind of past did she carry?

“Alright, enough complaining. Let’s go. I’ll buy you that large kids’ meal, and then we’ll forget about this. Pretend I never said anything.”

Huo Ningning’s mood shifted, a smile replacing the earlier gloom, as if it had been an act.

She instinctively reached out to pat the boy’s head, but seeing the hoodie, she stopped.

“Little brother, why are you wearing that hoodie? Why don’t you take it off? I haven’t seen your face yet. Can I see?”

“No.”

If she showed her face, she would be instantly recognized. That was out of the question.

“Are you shy? Come on, let me see~”

“No.”

“Then tell me your name. I’m Huo Ningning. You can call me Sister Ningning. What’s your name, little brother?”

“…My surname is Ye.”

Sorry, Miss Ye, she hadn’t intended to borrow her name.

She had come out for fun, but somehow, she had ended up in this situation, disguised as someone else.

“Ye? And your given name?”

“…Lin.”

“Ye Lin? Sounds like a girl’s name.”

Not just sounds like one; it was one.

Yu Linna suppressed the urge to retort.

Fortunately, despite her poor eyesight, Huo Ningning hadn’t recognized her. Yu Linna considered herself lucky.

“Little Brother Yelin, let’s go eat. I’m hungry.”

Having unburdened herself, Huo Ningning felt much better, ready for some food. She had promised the boy a large kids’ meal; he would love it.

If only I could spend a day alone with a certain blonde girl…

Yu Linna trailed behind her, still keeping her head down. She hadn’t expected to be having a meal with Huo Ningning. Whatever, she would eat and then leave, claiming she didn’t have a phone if Huo Ningning asked for her contact information.

“Ouch!”

Yu Linna tripped over the threshold as they entered Wallace, stumbling forward.

“Yelin!”

She closed her eyes, bracing for impact.

Suddenly, a hand reached out, catching her. But she felt her chest press against that hand, a strange tingling sensation spreading through her body, her face flushing. Had she just been… groped?

“Hmm? A girl?”

A pleasant female voice sounded from above. Yu Linna relaxed; it was a woman.

“Thank… uh…”

She looked up to thank her rescuer, and her heart sank.

The woman, about twenty years old, had delicate features, a mature aura, and a figure that made Yu Linna envious. She was a goddess, a dream girl.

“Senior… Senior Yumeng…”

“Hmm? You know me… could you be…?”

Tang Yumeng studied the “little boy,” a sense of familiarity nagging at her. He was adorable. And then, a familiar face overlapped with the boy’s in her memory.

“Uh…”

Tang Yumeng’s mind went blank, speechless.

“Thank you, miss. Come on, Yelin, are you hurt? Let’s go inside.”

Huo Ningning pulled Yu Linna away, almost protectively, as if afraid Tang Yumeng would steal her away.

Tang Yumeng watched them, and Yu Linna glanced back, their eyes meeting. Tang Yumeng’s emotions were complex. The girl she had met at the villa was now disguised as a boy.

What expression should she make?

Facepalm?

Rage?

Amusement?

None of them seemed appropriate.

“Why is that girl staring at you? Is she interested in you? But she’s much older than you.”

“Ahaha…”

“Little Brother Yelin is popular with all ages. You’re quite charming. You’ll have lots of girls chasing you when you grow up.”

“…”

Yu Linna wanted to say that was impossible because she was a girl.

But running into Senior Yumeng here… it was incredibly awkward. Huo Ningning’s eyesight was poor, but Tang Yumeng wasn’t blind. Surely, she could see through her disguise.

And indeed, Tang Yumeng, having turned to leave, stopped and returned, tapping Yu Linna on the shoulder, her expression unreadable.

“You again? What do you want with him? He’s just a kid. How could you…?”

“Who said I’m interested in him like that? I just have something to discuss with him. Right?”

Ignoring Huo Ningning, Tang Yumeng’s gaze locked onto Yu Linna, her words laced with meaning.

“…Senior Yumeng, please don’t…”

Yu Linna wanted to beg for mercy.

Chapter 141: Miss Yu’s Disguise

Home visits were a nightmare. She had barely managed to get through the last one; another one would be the death of her.

“Have your mother come back. This is an important home visit.”

“She can’t come back anytime soon…”

“Then give me her phone number. I’ll talk to her myself.”

“…”

Yu Linna couldn’t possibly give her Ye Zhiyun’s number; that would be even worse. Why was her homeroom teacher so obsessed with home visits?

And her current living situation was different from before. A home visit now would be problematic. Her neighbor was Zhao Yuyan! What if they found out? She would be accused of neglecting her studies.

“Alright, that’s settled. You can go now.”

Not settled at all. Yu Linna felt anything but settled.

Dejected, she left the office with Huo Ningning, feeling utterly hopeless. She had thought she had escaped, but her homeroom teacher was relentless. She was doomed.

“Linna… don’t be so pessimistic. Maybe she’s just saying that…” Huo Ningning tried to comfort her, unable to bear seeing her so distraught.

“You don’t understand. If my homeroom teacher finds out about my situation… it won’t be good…”

She hated home visits. Having never had a parent attend a single parent-teacher meeting, the thought of two home visits in her senior year was unbearable.

She was going to die.

“If all else fails, just find someone to pretend to be your parent…”

“I already tried that. It won’t work again.”

“Why not? Just commit to the act.”

Yu Linna sighed, giving her a deadpan look. Huo Ningning, uncomfortable under her gaze, averted her eyes.

“What?”

“How did you know I had someone impersonate my parent? Did Jiangning tell you?”

“Ah? That… um… yes, she told me.”

Huo Ningning’s gaze darted around, avoiding eye contact. Though they were standing close, she deliberately maintained a distance, unusual for her, considering her usual eagerness to be near Yu Linna.

Yu Linna found her behavior odd. This introverted girl with glasses… something felt off, like she was hiding something. And for some reason, Yu Linna felt a sense of unease around her.

“Come on, let’s go. Class is about to start.”

Huo Ningning quickened her pace, walking ahead, her slender figure almost disappearing in the crowd.

(“Come on, let’s go. Class is about to start.”)

A memory flashed through Yu Linna’s mind, a girl’s voice, clear and cheerful, yet with a hint of fragility, as if deliberately using a tone she wasn’t accustomed to.

Whose voice was that?

Looking at the receding figure, Yu Linna felt a strange sense of familiarity, a feeling she couldn’t quite place.

“Must be my imagination…”

She shrugged it off, quickly forgetting about it.

Putting the home visit issue aside for now, Yu Linna still hadn’t resolved the illustration problem. Due to her insistence on a different style, the matter remained at a standstill. Her career, barely starting, faced a potential delay, a significant setback.

The weekend arrived, and the illustration problem remained unresolved, much to Yu Linna’s frustration. But getting anxious wouldn’t help; Zhiqiu, seemingly sulking, hadn’t contacted her. As a renowned illustrator, being challenged by a newcomer was a blow to his ego.

Yu Linna, needing a break from her worries, decided to go out. She opened her wardrobe, rummaging through her clothes. At home, she usually wore a red tracksuit, an old and unfashionable outfit. If she weren’t so attractive, she would be labeled a country bumpkin.

Now that she had money, she should dress better.

Everyone thought so.

However, Yu Linna hadn’t changed her style at all. She hadn’t bought herself any new clothes, despite receiving her prize money. She had bought clothes, but not pretty dresses. She had bought a men’s outfit.

…

Many would be puzzled by her choice. It was simply a whim. Having lived in this world for eighteen years, her time as a girl now exceeded her time as a boy. She had experienced everything a girl should experience, including the initial shock and horror of her first period, crying for hours until someone bought her sanitary pads.

But despite her years of experience as a girl, she sometimes missed being a boy. To recapture that feeling, she had bought a men’s outfit.

It was a decent brand, a black pair of pants and a red and gray hoodie, almost like children’s clothing, fitting her petite frame. She excitedly changed into the outfit, examining herself in the mirror.

The girl in the mirror, dressed in a stylish men’s outfit, looked different, but her delicate features still gave her a feminine appearance, not quite achieving the “cool boy” look she had envisioned. She thought for a moment, then tied her hair up, putting on the hoodie, checking the mirror again. The feminine aura was somewhat subdued, but she still looked like a cute boy.

And she was so short, like an elementary school student…

Though often mistaken for a middle schooler, in this outfit, she looked even younger. Her height was a serious problem.

She patted her chest, the soft feeling beneath her hand barely noticeable under the loose hoodie. From the outside, it was difficult to tell she had breasts (partly due to their small size). She could pass for a boy.

She had always wanted to try this, and now she finally had the chance. Yu Linna excitedly opened the door and ran out. Zhao Yuyan, brushing her teeth on her balcony, saw a small figure in men’s clothing running out of Yu Linna’s apartment and spat out her mouthwash.

“What the…?!”

Wow, Linna has interesting taste. Even elementary school boys aren’t safe. That boy hasn’t even hit puberty!

Clearly, Zhao Yuyan had misunderstood.

Out of the apartment, Yu Linna felt like a wild horse set free, taking the subway, riding the bus, enjoying the scenery. She felt a sense of exhilaration. Now, she looked like a cute, perhaps even handsome, boy. No one would mistake her for a girl. With the hoodie covering her hair, only her face was visible, and it was indeed a beautiful face, with bright blue eyes, fair skin, a delicate nose, and rosy lips. She was undeniably attractive.

Even in men’s clothing, her beauty couldn’t be concealed.

If she had a more developed figure, she would be a stunning beauty, captivating countless men.

She regretted not buying colored contact lenses; her bright blue eyes were too distinctive, a clear sign of her mixed heritage.

But since she was already out, she would embrace her temporary male persona.

She recalled her memories of the orphanage in her previous life. Having died at ten, before developing a clear sense of gender identity, all her knowledge about gender and biology had been acquired in this life, as a girl. She didn’t know much about being a boy, so she wanted to experience it, to see if she could recapture that feeling.

“Hello, handsome young man, would you like a candied haw?”

“Yes.”

Wow, being called “handsome young man” while buying candied haw was a novel experience. She was usually called “pretty girl.” This newfound novelty thrilled her, even making her less stingy with her spending.

Dressed like this, she felt like she had returned to her past life. It felt… good.

Biting into the candied haw, she smiled. The sweetness was delightful. Though she had lived longer as a girl, she sometimes missed being a boy, curious about what it felt like. It wasn’t bad.

Walking down the street, she was no longer subjected to leering men or overly affectionate women. Instead, elementary school girls giggled and whispered as she passed, her androgynous appearance appealing even to young girls. Some even tried to approach her, all of them elementary school students.

She felt a sense of satisfaction, strolling down the street with her candied haw, her confidence soaring. Suddenly, she bumped into someone, the candied haw leaving a sticky mark on their clothes.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to! I’m sorry, miss!”

Realizing her mistake, Yu Linna quickly apologized. She had been too caught up in her own world, not paying attention. And the girl’s clothes… they looked expensive. Had she ruined them? Would she be subjected to the kind of drama she often saw on television?

The girl turned, wiping her clothes with a tissue. The stain was already set; she would have to wash it later.

“It’s okay. I can wash it later. Are you alright?”

The girl’s voice was gentle and melodious, like a warm spring breeze…

Wait, that voice sounded familiar.

Yu Linna looked up, her gaze focusing on the girl’s face, her glasses… and then she froze.

“What’s wrong, little boy?” Huo Ningning tilted her head, puzzled.

Yu Linna was speechless, staring at the girl, feeling the world’s malice.