Zhou Xuyan’s words left Shi Sui silent for a long time.

She absent-mindedly stirred the juice in front of her with her finger.

“Me…”

“My appearance.”

Shi Sui lowered her head, her voice dispersing lightly in the air, “For him, it might be more like a mistake.”

As she spoke, Shi Sui’s memory returned to her first meeting with Yan Tingli.

Not at the Yan house.

But earlier.

First year of high school, Shi Sui followed her parents to Beijing for school.

To get her into a top high school and enjoy Beijing’s educational resources, Shi Yue had put in tremendous effort.

Not only had he used up all their family savings to buy a house in Beijing and transfer her household registration, but he had also sought help from university classmates in the education system, giving gifts and treating them to meals. Only then was Shi Sui able to step through the doors of the Affiliated High School.

The students ‘grades were just a basic indicator of excellence.

They also had to participate in various competitions and training camps. Some competition names were things Shi Sui had never even heard of, showing the level of intense competition.

Shi Sui was grateful more than once that she was an art student. Otherwise, with her grades, no matter how much money her father Shi Yue threw around or gifts he gave, she probably wouldn’t even touch the threshold of the Affiliated High School.

Carrying her drawing board, on her first day at the Affiliated High School, the teacher who registered her told her to report to the intensive training class first.

The Affiliated High School excelled in the sciences. Several buildings were filled with science classes from different grades, while other liberal arts, fine arts, and physical education classes were distributed in various corners.

Shi Sui wandered around for a long time but couldn’t find where the art-intensive training class was.

The summer heat hadn’t yet faded.

After walking outside for so long, Shi Sui was thirsty, so she went through a small door into the building behind her.

She bought a bottle of ice water from the vending machine, gulped down several mouthfuls, and finally let out a long breath, feeling like she had come back to life.

This place was cool and refreshing. Shi Sui didn’t want to move for a while, so she lingered a bit longer.

Looking around, she discovered this seemed to be the school’s main auditorium.

Since school had just started and everyone was busy with registration and getting textbooks, this place seemed quite deserted.

Shi Sui leisurely drank a few more sips of water.

Suddenly, she heard a few crisp piano notes, not forming a melody, as if someone had casually tapped them with their fingers.

Someone was playing piano?

Somewhat curious, she unconsciously walked inside.

Through the window that hadn’t been cleaned in a long time and wasn’t very clear.

Shi Sui bent down, peering inside with one eye.

She saw on the stage, on a not-so-new piano, a calico cat standing proudly with its tail held high.

The little cat’s paws were bouncing and jumping, stepping on the piano.

Creating several random notes.

And beside the piano.

A young man wearing the Affiliated High School’s standard summer uniform, his face lit by the light, his left hand on the piano keys. His wrist bone was pale and cold, his knuckles unusually long and elegant.

When the little cat randomly stepped on a note on the right.

He would press keys on the left to harmonize.

Back and forth, they created strange yet adorable melodies.

Very content with themselves.

Until the little cat seemed to notice Shi Sui standing outside the window.

Its tail twitched alertly as it jumped and slipped through a window gap on the other side, running away in a flash.

The young man’s movements paused, his brow furrowing.

As if sensing something, he turned his eyes sideways, looking in her direction.

Shi Sui also got a clear look at his face.

Her breathing caught, accompanied by an instantly off-beat heartbeat.

“You scared away my cat.” His gaze swept over coolly, his tone not very happy.

He should only be able to see a shadow by the window.

Knowing he couldn’t see her, but inexplicable shyness made Shi Sui panic like never before.

She thought about her sweaty forehead—were her bangs also greasy and stuck to her head?

Shi Sui gripped the ice water in her hand tightly.

Without time to think, she fled in panic.

Later, at the opening ceremony’s freshman speech.

Shi Sui learned his name.

Yan Tingli.

Such a beautiful name.

She thought.

In this place where top students gathered and everyone showed their talents.

His name still thundered in everyone’s ears.

But for someone like this, aside from looking up to him, Shi Sui had no other thoughts.

She was a very laid-back person who hated being tired.

Having a crush on someone so far beyond her reach would be too emotionally draining.

Better to be a quiet green plant absorbing sunlight, protecting her energy.

So throughout high school, Shi Sui mixed in among the masses of students, occasionally hearing about what award he had won or what score he had achieved, sighing along with everyone else.

In her eyes, Yan Tingli was never someone from the same world.

No exaggerated adjective would be too much when applied to him.

Until that day when Shi Sui walked into the magnificent palace-like Yan family villa.

The memory came to an abrupt stop.

Zhou Xuyan stared in shock at the crystal tear that unconsciously slid down from Shi Sui’s eye.

“Suisui?” She quickly went over, putting her arm around her shoulders, “What’s wrong? Why are you suddenly crying?”

Shi Sui shook her head: “I’m fine.” But her emotions were too low, her voice hoarse beyond recognition.

Zhou Xuyan felt heartbroken watching her, cursing Yan Tingli: “That damn pervert, what exactly did he do?”

Shi Sui wiped with her hand, only then realizing she was crying again.

“…It’s not that.” She said softly, “I’m just.”

Shi Sui paused and said, “Very tired.”

She had known this all along.

Being with someone so distant would be exhausting.

She was so timid.

Why had she been so bewitched as to enter this game that was bound to have no outcome?

“How did he and I get to this point today?”

Wiping her tears, she said doubtfully: “Did I turn him into this?”

In her memory, Yan Tingli, who played piano with the little cat, suddenly became blurry.

“It’s not you.” Zhou Xuyan gently patted her back. Though she couldn’t understand Shi Sui’s sudden breakdown, she was still infected by the sorrowful emotions emanating from her, “His personality is just like that. What does it have to do with you?”

Shi Sui buried her head in Zhou Xuyan’s chest.

The suppression and bitterness accumulated over two full years finally found an outlet the moment she decided to truly leave.

Her voice was trembling.

She said to Zhou Xuyan’s ear: “Yanyan, I like him.”

Zhou Xuyan was shocked. “You still like him now?”

Shi Sui closed her eyes.

Saying softly, “I do like him.”

She simply couldn’t lie to herself anymore.

A timid person.

Could like someone so much.

Knowing it would be exhausting.

Yet she continued to like him until her energy was completely drained, only then willing to leave.

The second Friday of April.

That afternoon, Shi Sui asked for leave from her “History of Western Art” teacher and went with Su Han to participate in the National University Student Animation Design Finals.

The competition venue was at the city’s convention center.

Contestants needed to present and give three to five-minute explanations.

At noon, Shi Sui received a message from Yan Tingli.

He wanted to skip class again, saying he wanted to come watch her win an award.

Shi Sui only replied that Su Han was also there.

After a long while, Yan Tingli sent: [I want to see you]

Followed by: [Haven’t seen you in so long]

After she left the apartment on Qingming Day.

They hadn’t met again.

Yan Tingli hadn’t sent messages asking her to come over, and Shi Sui certainly wouldn’t take the initiative.

Or rather.

Unless Yan Tingli could kidnap her.

She would never be willing to go again.

His tone wasn’t as domineering as usual.

Shi Sui looked at the screen, thinking of when he occasionally showed weakness, lowering his eyelashes, speaking softly by her ear.

As if knowing she couldn’t resist.

But once she trusted and fell into his gentle trap, it would be round after round of high pressure and coercion.

Shi Sui hardened her heart: [Don’t come, Su Han is here]

Some things had to be known by Su Han, too.

Because of them, she had suffered so many inexplicable grievances.

“Suisui, I looked at your work this time.” While she was lost in thought, Su Han hooked her arm, smiling broadly, “I like your art style.”

Shi Sui was somewhat flattered. In terms of professional ability, Su Han was stronger than her.

She smiled gently: “Thank you, I like your work too.”

Su Han proudly shook her head: “Thank you. Winning awards will depend on our skills.”

The two looked at each other and smiled.

The competition atmosphere wasn’t relaxed. The three to five-minute presentations had a fast pace, and going overtime would result in point deductions.

Shi Sui was somewhat nervous. Before going on stage, she took light breaths to relieve the tension.

Fortunately, she had rehearsed a lot. Her performance was good, and she was quite satisfied as she completed her presentation smoothly.

Coming off stage, she saw a message from Yan Tingli: [Very good]

Shi Sui immediately looked around, but with so many people, she really couldn’t find him.

She replied stiffly: [You came anyway?]

The other end was quiet for a long time.

Then replied: [I’m leaving now]

Shi Sui stared at the screen.

Everything was his deliberate show of weakness—don’t fall into the trap.

She forced herself to be ruthless, typing: [Then leave now, don’t let Su Han see you]

When the competition ended, it was already 5:30 PM.

Su Han chattered as she hooked Shi Sui’s arm, commenting on the works from other schools they had seen that afternoon.

“Looking at everything, ours are still the best.” She said with sparkling eyes.

Shi Sui looked at her smile, pressing her lips together.

But thinking about what she needed to confess next, her smile faded as she gently tugged Su Han’s sleeve: “Hanhan.”

Su Han’s heart softened at her call: “What’s wrong?”

Shi Sui: “I have something to tell you.”

The restaurant’s lights were bright, making the dishes on the table look colorful and appetizing.

But the table was completely quiet.

Under Su Han’s gaze, Shi Sui’s head lowered further and further.

“I’m sorry.” She said softly.

“No.” Su Han raised her hand, stopping her, “I don’t want to hear any apologies.”

When Su Han wasn’t smiling, her expression and temperament were very aloof, completely unapproachable.

The two faced each other in silence for a while.

Su Han: “Why are you only telling me now? Was it funny watching me foolishly chase after Yan Tingli this whole time?”

“I didn’t. I never laughed at you.” Shi Sui reached for her hand, but Su Han dodged. She continued trying to hold it.

Su Han paused, but still didn’t shake her hand off.

“What are you envious of? Envious that I can’t catch a man? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Shi Sui carefully chose her words, trying hard to explain to her.

“Enough,” Su Han’s eyes reddened as she suddenly stood up, “After all this talk, you just never considered me a friend.”

She pouted, turning her face away: “I’m not playing with you anymore. We’re no longer friends!”

After saying this, Su Han turned to leave.

Shi Sui quickly chased after her, pulling Su Han’s hand to coax her.

“Stop pulling and tugging.” Su Han said with a heavy nasal tone, “I said I’m not playing with you anymore.”

Shi Sui gripped her hand tightly: “I’m sorry. I never didn’t consider you a friend.”

“Then tell me, how do you consider me a friend?”

“I think you’re very brave.” Shi Sui licked her lips, saying with difficulty, “…Actually, I’ve always envied you.”

Su Han’s expression paused.

She blinked lightly, slowly looking at her.

“I’m not very good at expressing myself,” Shi Sui said. “Could you spare some time to listen to me explain slowly?”

That night.

Su Han heard a very long story. In her impression, Shi Sui had always been very quiet, and she rarely heard her speak so much.

Her voice was very clean, like a gentle breeze brushing across the face, without any aggression, but full of strength.

Su Han had never imagined a relationship could be as difficult as Shi Sui’s.

She asked Shi Sui why she didn’t break up, didn’t leave.

Shi Sui slowly shook her head, carefully choosing her words: “Yan Tingli has a rather obsessive personality.”

If even Shi Sui evaluated him as “obsessive,” Su Han didn’t dare think how perverted this had become.

Recalling their few meetings, especially the last time at the Yan residence, Yan Tingli’s undisguised terrible personality.

Su Han’s anger completely dissipated.

She slammed the table: “Did he force you?”

Shi Sui didn’t make a sound.

Su Han grabbed her slender arm and pulled her out: “Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“To the police.”

Shi Sui pulled her back, hesitating: “…You’re not angry anymore?”

“What am I still angry about?” Su Han was almost out of temper, pinching her face, “I should thank you. Besides you, who else could stand being with him?”

“Quick,” Su Han said, “come with me to report this.”

Shi Sui was amused by her.

“What are you laughing at?” Su Han was still puzzled.

The next second, her hand was tightly held by Shi Sui, who said softly: “I have another way. I want to go abroad.”

“I don’t want him to find me anymore.”

Shi Sui: “Hanhan, I want you to help me.”

She thought for a moment, slowly organizing her words: “I’ll always repay you.”

Su Han was shocked in place.

After reacting for a while, she slowly sat back down.

She licked her lips, feeling somewhat excited, lowering her voice and leaning her head over: “How do you want me to help you?”

…

This plan was something Shi Sui had used all her brain cells to discuss with Zhou Xuyan.

Exchange of information was open and transparent throughout the school. Although you could request anonymity from the school, Yan Tingli was unscrupulous and could hack into the system to see information at any time.

Unless the information filled out from the beginning was wrong and misleading.

What Shi Sui wanted was to go to the California Institute of the Arts.

She planned to fill in the Royal College of Art in Britain on the application form that the school needed to publish, claiming to go to that school, if she could get Su Ye’s consent, with his influence, helping her contact people and keep it secret would be effortless.

Besides this, the phone card and bank cards she used domestically couldn’t be used anymore. She would need to open new cards in America.

“Once you’re abroad, at least for the first year, I won’t be able to contact you openly,” Zhou Xuyan said sadly, “Otherwise, that little pervert Yan Tingli can always trace you through IP addresses.”

Hearing this, Shi Sui felt cold all over, finally slowly realizing that this escape wasn’t just about not letting Yan Tingli find her.

It would also be a separation from all her current friends and family in the country.

“What about my mom and dad?” Shi Sui said with a nasal tone, “I can’t not contact them. They’ll worry.”

Zhou Xuyan was also stumped: “You’ll have to ask Su Han. Her dad has great connections. Maybe he can find some high-tech firewall to help you.”

“So scary,” she sighed, “getting involved with a smart and dangerous pervert like Yan Tingli.”

Coming out of the restaurant with Su Han, it was already past nine o’clock. The moon was bright, and the stars were sparse.

Seeming to find it very exciting, Su Han was very enthusiastic about this “escape” plan. She patted Shi Sui’s shoulder: “I’ll ask my dad as soon as I get home. Just thinking about Yan Tingli not being able to find anyone and seeing him frustrated makes me so excited.”

Shi Sui responded with a weak smile.

Even now, she didn’t dare have particularly high hopes.

Su Han was going home and got in a taxi.

Shi Sui stood in the night wind, looking at the flowing traffic on the street, her eyes full of confusion.

Yan Tingli’s call.

Came through at that moment.

She didn’t know when it started, but receiving his calls always made Shi Sui feel a chill down her spine.

After a long while.

She took a light breath and answered the phone.

The other end was very quiet.

The first thing he said was: “Did you enjoy chatting with Su Han?”

In that instant, the color almost completely drained from Shi Sui’s face.

Until someone gently embraced her from behind.

His body was cold, as if he had been standing in the night wind for a long time.

Shi Sui bit her lip, summoning all her energy: “How are you here?”

“I’ve been here all along.”

Her face grew paler: “You eavesdropped on my conversation with Su Han?”

“I didn’t follow you in.” His voice was low, scattered by the wind.

Fearing it was a test, Shi Sui still didn’t dare believe.

She held her breath and waited for a moment, not detecting any abnormality from Yan Tingli.

His mood seemed low, just burying his head without continuing to speak.

Just holding her.

Shi Sui’s tense nerves gradually relaxed, belatedly realizing—she seemed to have become too much like a frightened bird.

Calming her emotions, Shi Sui turned around in his arms, her voice becoming gentler: “Haven’t you eaten yet?”

Yan Tingli: “Don’t want to eat.”

“Are you feeling unwell somewhere?” Shi Sui reached out to feel his forehead, then tried her own, “You don’t have a fever.”

Yan Tingli just stared at her.

His dark pupils reflected her image, with a kind of silent stubbornness.

“I wanted to see you.”

Shi Sui looked away uncomfortably: “Well, you’ve seen me now.”

“I also want to kiss you.”

Shi Sui turned around: “I’m going back.”

Footsteps sounded behind her.

Yan Tingli followed.

“I’m not going back to the apartment.” Shi Sui’s eyes, distinct in black and white, looked at him.

Yan Tingli pulled her back: “Then we won’t go there.”

“I don’t want to go to your other residences either.” Shi Sui emphasized.

After speaking, she lowered her eyes, not holding much hope.

Feeling the gaze on her face, she turned cold.

She quietly waited for him to get angry.

But only felt her hand being gripped tighter as Yan Tingli said gently: “Let’s go to a hotel, okay?”

Shi Sui shook off his hand: “I don’t want to sleep with you.”

The phrase “not destroying means not building” always made sense.

She had been too easy to bully before.

“If you don’t want to,” he paused, saying, “then we won’t.”

Shi Sui’s eyelashes moved slowly as she finally looked up at him.

Yan Tingli said very softly, “I want to watch cartoons with you.”

“…”

Sometimes, Shi Sui also hated how easily she softened.

Even more, she hated that she was naturally soft-hearted toward Yan Tingli.

In the end, Shi Sui chose to go to the hotel with him.

Yan Tingli found a nearby five-star hotel with complete service facilities.

They had already watched the cartoons many times.

They just played as background music.

Under the cheerful music.

Neither of them spoke first.

Until she felt her waist being embraced from behind, Shi Sui stiffened slightly, feeling Yan Tingli’s breath approaching, strands falling on her neck.

“Suisui.” He called her, “What you’re afraid of is me.”

After a long pause: “Isn’t it?”

His tone was very light.

Shi Sui pressed her lips together, remembering that day when he asked if she was afraid of Song Jie.

She had said no.

After another long while.

“I can change.” She heard him say in the smallest voice.

“Don’t be afraid of me.”

“And don’t hate me.”

Shi Sui kept her eyes closed.

Didn’t turn around.

But several crystal tears had already dampened the pillow.

Why now.

When she had already decided to leave.