"Oh, what's wrong with you, kid? You must have been wronged by Hugh Pei. Tomorrow I'll go to the Pei family to demand an explanation—how dare they bully my daughter..." My mom was startled, quickly sitting on the bed to hug me.
"Mom, Pei... Hugh Pei didn't bully me. I'm just so touched... you're so good to me..." I clung to her waist, choking out the words.
Hugh Pei really hadn't bullied me. Everything was of my own doing, a one-sided obsession.
He was an openly ruthless man, and I was a foolish admirer.
Mom patted my back gently, letting out a deep sigh. I was her only daughter, and she knew me best—how could she not see the wrongs I'd endured at Hugh Pei's hands?
I wasn't someone who cried easily. Tears only fell when my heart was heavy with grievances.
"Still want that sticky rice chicken?" she asked.
"Yeah, I've been craving it like crazy..." I dried my tears, climbed off the bed, and snuffled as I took her arm to go downstairs.
Dad must have already gone to bed. It was just Mom and me in the dining room, chatting as we ate. The sticky rice chicken was fragrant, and I wolfed down more than half of it in one go. I'd eaten so little these past few years that gorging like this made my stomach bloat, nearly making me vomit.
Mom patted my back. "Why eat so much? You'll be too full to sleep later."
"I was starving." I forced a silly smile. The last time I'd eaten this heartily was at my graduation. Ginny Deng and I had our graduation dinner, and after that, I married Hugh Pei, starting my life as a resentful wife.
"Even if you're hungry, eat slowly. Eight tenths full is enough," Mom said softly.
I linked my arm through hers, acting coquettishly. "Mom, stay with me tonight, okay? Tell me some health preservation tips!"
Mom agreed without hesitation.
When I woke up the next day, I felt an unprecedented lightness—full belly, good sleep. After breakfast at home, I headed to the hospital.
Julian Qi was playing on his phone. His leg hadn't broken, but the flesh wound was severe, stitched up and wrapped in thick bandages, making it hard to move.
"Sis, you're here?" Julian Qi looked surprised and a little embarrassed when he saw me. "You don't have to worry so much, or visit so often."
"Nonsense," I said, smiling warmly and turning to Leo Li. "Leo Li, bring it in."
Leo Li carried in a pile of nutritional supplements, setting them beside Julian Qi's bed.
Julian Qi, seeing such a grand gesture, was clearly overwhelmed by the attention, a bashful look crossing his face. "Sis, it's just a scratch, nothing this serious."
"Your body and skin are gifts from your parents—even a flesh wound is a wound," I said, sitting down beside his bed with a smile.
"Oh, right, sis—what's your name?" Julian Qi suddenly asked.
"I'm surnamed Xu. You can call me Sis Zoe," I replied calmly, not minding the title. I was indeed six years older than him.
Julian Qi nodded. "Okay, Sis Zoe."
We chatted—his mind, typical of a college student, was simple and innocent. He was a junior in civil engineering, working part-time during summer break, a good kid.
He talked about his future, about his lovely girlfriend, dreaming of a stable job after graduation and marrying the girl he loved.
I let out a small, inappropriate laugh, then quickly stopped.
Julian Qi looked puzzled. "Sis Zoe, what's funny?"
I gently rubbed my nose, voice still as soft as spring breeze. "Nothing... seeing you just reminds me of my college days. I had such beautiful dreams back then, too."
"Which university did you graduate from, Sis Zoe?" Julian Qi asked, curious.
I looked at him deeply. "University A."
Funny enough, Hugh Pei and I were technically seniors to Lila Wei and Julian Qi.
Julian Qi's face lit up. "Sis Zoe, we went to the same school! You're my senior!"
I feigned delight. "Yeah, what a coincidence, huh?"
City A had several universities, but University A ranked top three nationwide. Anyone who got in, no matter their family background, was sharp—after graduation, their prospects were bright. Even if they didn't strike it rich, they'd live comfortably.
If Lila Wei never met Hugh Pei, Julian Qi's dream would likely come true.
We talked more about University A. He was chatty, and I matched his energy, the room filled with laughter when a clear, melodious voice interrupted: " Julian, I'm here to see you!"
That voice—exactly like Hugh Pei's custom ringtone from my past life. Same tone, same lilt.
I turned. Lila Wei wore a pure white chiffon dress, her black hair loose, ends curling naturally—innocent with a hint of femininity, pretty and charming.
I didn't envy her looks, but the youthful vitality of a twenty-year-old made my heart ache.
At twenty, I'd already loved Hugh Pei secretly for three years. I'd wasted my best years on that deadly one-sided love.
Why, at the same age, did Lila Wei get Hugh Pei's wild devotion, while I poured my obsession into diary pages?
" Lila!" Julian Qi's face lit up at the sight of Lila Wei, then fell with guilt. "Ugh, I should've kept it from you—didn't mean to worry you."
Lila Wei, carrying fruit, glided over like a swan. "Silly—how could you not tell me if you're hurt?"
I stood, giving her the only chair.
It didn't matter—soon, I'd have to give Hugh Pei to her too. A chair was nothing.
"Sis!" Lila Wei recognized me, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Because I hit your boyfriend, I thought.
I smiled awkwardly. "Sorry—I accidentally bumped into Julian. Just checking if he's okay."
Lila Wei looked at me, then at Julian Qi, and smiled. "What a coincidence! This sister comes to our café a lot these days—she's really nice. Must've been an accident."
Her easy grace, her disregard for money—no wonder Hugh Pei was drawn to her.
No trace of greed, only clarity in her eyes.
I hated how my designer clothes suddenly felt cheap beside her.
"Zoe overpaid me, too—I feel bad," Julian Qi said, scratching his head sheepishly.
"That won't do—only what's necessary," Lila Wei said, pulling out her phone. "Sis Zoe, let me have your payment code. I'll return the extra."