Plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, and bamboo in the cool autumn and cold winter (February 5th)

(II)

I'm not a real man, but I always try my best to keep my promises to women. After that day, I forgave Qiuju, but I never said I wanted to date her. I don't know when she took my hand.

I dated Qiuju, or perhaps we were dating.

I tried my best not to mention Xialan's affair, and after marriage, she and Qiuju didn't seem to have much contact. The past relationship was like a lock between the two of us, something to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. But Qiuju seemed quite interested in it, often subtly asking me about my past with Xialan.

"Did you and my sister... sleep together?"

"Hey, why are you asking such a question?"

"Answer me, yes, no?"

"Yes..."

"I knew it..."

"Are you angry?"

"No!"

"That's good... Hey, where are you taking me?"

"To a hotel! To make love!"

Qiuju and I went to bed. Unlike Xialan's time, it wasn't a holiday, there were no anniversaries, it was just an ordinary day that I forgot even the date.

"I'm not a virgin, would you mind?"

"Of course not, I'm not a virgin

either." "I know, your partner is my older sister!"

"Can't we not bring up the past at a time like this?"

"I'm going to bring it up anyway! Tell me! How did you two do it the first time? How many positions did you try? How long did it last?"
"There's no way I could tell you that, right? I've forgotten! I've forgotten everything that happened so long ago!"

"No! I need to know, you have to tell me everything, without missing a single detail!"

When things got really out of hand, Qiuju actually asked this kind of question.

"Did you film it?"

"Film it?"

"Yeah, did you film those times when you were in bed?"

"In bed? Of course not!"

"Is it strange? Lots of couples film it, it's a life memento!"

"Why are you so nosy? And won't you get jealous seeing that kind of stuff?"

"I won't! I just want to know everything about you two, I don't want my sister to know some secrets better than I do!"

"Okay, I'll tell you, really, not a single minute!"

"Hehe, is that so? Then I win." Qiu Ju smiled slyly, waving the phone in her hand.
"What does this mean?" I didn't understand, but when I saw the recording option was flashing red, I was immediately incredulous: "You secretly recorded me? What we were doing just now..."

Qiu Ju stuck out her tongue, her face full of teasing: "It's just recording. Today is such an ordinary day, I'll forget about it soon. I want to keep a record so I know when Lu Qiu Ju entrusted her life to Cheng Ren, so I can look back on it on our 80th wedding anniversary."

Seeing Qiu Ju's sweet smile, I wasn't too angry. I just told her to keep it safe, as it's a personal privacy, and it wouldn't be good if others heard it.

"Just recording doesn't seem very meaningful. How about we film it next time?"

"Film it? What if others see it?"

"It's okay, just be careful. If they really see it, so be it. Anyway, she has a good figure, it doesn't matter if they appreciate it."

"So you're this bold?"

"I want to have some memories with you that you and my sister don't have."

Qiu Ju's insistence on the relationship made me feel that she valued my past relationship with Xia Lan very much. Women are always jealous creatures who like to compare. I didn't want to compare her to Xia Lan. Qiu Ju wasn't a substitute for my first love, and she never would be.

After Qiu Ju finished asking her questions, I casually brought up my ex-lover's current situation.

"Is your sister happy?"

"Yes, my sister-in-law is doing well."

"That's good..."

"Do you still miss her?"

"No, there's just something I don't understand."

"She doesn't tell you, there must be a reason."

"That's true, she's a good woman..."

"..."

"What's wrong? Are you jealous?"

"No!"

Growing up in the same family, Xia Lan and Qiu Ju's personalities were completely opposite. Xia Lan was the kind of woman who was meticulous and considered the consequences; while Qiu Ju was impulsive, the type who would do anything when she got angry.
Once I asked her, "If I had chosen to have sex with you at the hotel that day and didn't forgive you, wouldn't you have let me have my way with you for nothing?" Qiu Ju's reaction at the time was: "So what if I had had my way with you for nothing? Who's afraid of who?" Facing a girl like that, if you don't teach her a lesson in bed, she won't know that she needs to reflect on her actions.

"Who's afraid of who? Do you know you're wrong?!"

"I-I know, be gentle, it'll break! Ah! Ah!"

After each encounter, Qiuju would always bring up Xialan, always comparing her to her.

"Has my sister ever called you 'husband'?"

"Only... once..."

"Even once is enough! Husband! You are my husband, Chengren is Lu Qiuju's husband!"

Having crossed that final step, Qiuju and I became increasingly intimate, and she would intentionally or unintentionally bring it up, hoping I would visit her parents. This is a very common behavior for a girl; when she sees someone as a potential partner, she has the idea of letting her family know and establishing the relationship.

Although I had one romantic experience, this still felt unfamiliar. Back then, I was just a minor student, and Xialan couldn't report to her parents that she was dating such a young child, so I had never met her parents.

I didn't intend to refuse Qiuju's request. In fact, I thought it was time. By then, I was a college graduate, and Qiuju and I had a proper status. We could date openly, unlike the illegitimate relationship I had with Xialan back then.

But what still troubled me was Xia Lan. I didn't hate her, but the thorn in my heart remained. I didn't know how to face her again, especially as her sister's boyfriend. Once, I asked Qiu Ju if she had told her about my relationship with her sister. She shook her head, saying she didn't know how to ask. I understood Qiu Ju's feelings; falling for her sister's ex-boyfriend must have been a rather perplexing thing.

"I didn't intend to keep it from my sister forever. I'll find an opportunity to tell her clearly," Qiu Ju sighed. She indicated that she would find a suitable time to reveal the truth when no one would feel awkward. No one in the Lu family knew about my past relationship with Xia Lan; the only hurdle was Xia Lan herself.

How would Xia Lan react when she found out that Qiu Ju's boyfriend was me? And how would I, as a loser, face the woman who abandoned me? I dared not think about it; I could only take it one step at a time.

But what's coming will eventually come. Soon it will be Qiuju's grandfather Lu Wugong's birthday, and as her boyfriend, I should be there to celebrate with my future father-in-law. Qiuju thought this was a good opportunity to smooth things over; with the family gathered and her husband present, Xia Lan wouldn't say anything even if she was surprised, and everyone could just pretend not to know each other and get through it smoothly.

I won't deny that this was a less deliberate method, but the resistance to facing Xia Lan again was greater than I had imagined. I was very distressed during that time, unsure how to maintain my expression on that day. I felt incredibly embarrassed, even more so than when I found out I had been abandoned.

Qiuju is a clever girl, and of course, she noticed my troubles. My girlfriend seems strong on the surface, but after spending time with her, you realize she's actually very considerate. I thought she would understand my situation, so I suggested I leave, but she flatly refused.

"No! I already promised Grandpa I'd introduce him to my boyfriend, I can't just suddenly say I'm not going." "
But you should know..."

"Of course I know, so what? It's all in the past. My sister's married, and you have a new girlfriend. Why bring up the past?"

"I didn't say I wanted to, but it'll always be awkward for everyone, because we..."

"You? You slept together? Shouldn't it be my sister who's embarrassed, not you? Women are the ones who suffer in these kinds of situations." "

What are you talking about? I never intended to take anything from Xia Lan that would make her suffer."
"That's even better. We have nothing to lose, and we can be friends even if we're not lovers." Qiu Ju pointed at me and said, "That's my sister. You can't never see her again, and I can't deny she's my sister. Things have to be faced."

"I understand..."

"Good. It's decided then, stop being so hesitant."

"Hmm..."

After using the hard approach, Qiuju would also speak softly for Xialan: "You don't need to avoid my sister. When you two were dating, she often mentioned you to me, saying you were a good guy, otherwise I wouldn't have taken the initiative to approach you."

"A good guy, but he ran away without a word." I smiled bitterly, and Qiuju comforted me: "Well, it's hard for girls to say 'break up,' letting it fade away slowly is also a way."

"Fade away slowly, will it?"

"What do you mean? You haven't let it fade away? Do you still like my sister now?"

"No, she's already someone else's wife. "

"You know that's good, my sister is already someone else's wife! Don't you dare have any thoughts about her!"
I didn't intend to argue with Qiuju. A man like me can never win an argument with a woman.

But the closer the day got, the more uncomfortable I felt. After graduating from university, I found an office job, which wasn't a high-paying job. If I didn't have a distinguished family background, I would have to face my ex-girlfriend who was now the wife of the vice chairman of a listed company. That sense of inferiority made me feel very painful. I deceived myself, and I deceived Qiuju. I thought I could look back on our past love with a smile, but I couldn't.

Finally, on the day before my birthday, I asked my girlfriend again to let me go. I really didn't want to face it. I thought if Qiuju truly loved me, she would understand my feelings and wouldn't push the man she loved into such an embarrassing situation.

"Okay, since it's really making things difficult for you, then forget it."

"It's not that it's making things difficult, it's just..."

"I've already made my decision, so don't provoke me anymore."

"I just want you to know..."

"I know everything! No matter how hard I try, I can't make you forget your sister!"

"Qiuju... Qiuju!"

My girlfriend stormed out. I chased after her for a couple of steps and then stopped. There was no point in saying anything more at this point; calming down was the best solution.

That night, Qiuju didn't contact me, and she didn't contact me for the rest of the day. I avoided facing the crisis with Xialan, and I also avoided the cowardice of facing defeat.

Two weeks later, Qiuju sent me a message. The message was simple: chicken cutlet rice or pork cutlet rice? I replied, "Hamburger." That night, we had coffee at McDonald's.

We made up. Maybe we didn't even argue, just had some disagreements, at least that's what I thought. So when Qiuju said she wanted to break up with me a month later, I was stunned. Just because of that one thing? Just because I wanted to retain a little bit of my dignity as a man, you wanted to leave me?

"That's not the reason, it's that we're incompatible!"

"Incompatible? Then just bring it up and we can change it slowly, right?"

"There's no way to change it, breaking up is better!"

"Can you be reasonable, Qiuju..."

"I'm just unreasonable, I've been unreasonable from day one!"

I couldn't convince Qiuju. She was right, she was an unreasonable woman. I felt bad for breaking my promise to Qiuju, so this month I was very obedient and tried my best to be good to her, hoping to make amends, but I didn't expect this outcome.

"Okay, since you're determined to break up, I won't force you anymore, I'll respect your wishes."

During the breakup period, my mindset was very distorted, trying to reflect on whether I really did something wrong. If I bravely showed up that day, would it appease my girlfriend? If I simply smiled and said "Nice to meet you, sister" to Xia Lan, would my relationship with Qiu Ju be perfect?

In a relationship, problems must be faced together. Qiu Ju's unilateral decision infuriated me. In my folly, I even felt she was exactly like her sister—a woman who could be summoned and dismissed at will.
But thinking back, my relationship with Xia Lan was an obstacle for me, and wasn't it the same for Qiu Ju? Falling for the man her sister had been with—wouldn't Qiu Ju feel pressured? Judging from our occasional, unintentional comparisons, perhaps Qiu Ju felt I didn't love her as much as Xia Lan. I always emphasized that she wasn't a substitute, but perhaps unconsciously I was using her to heal past emotional wounds.

I've never given anything to Qiu Ju; she was the one who initiated contact. Everything was hers. If I have no hatred for Xia Lan, then I shouldn't resent Qiu Ju either.

Should I wait until she calms down before coming back to me? Or perhaps, like Xia Lan, I'll disappear silently from my life.
Maybe even if I tried my best back then, I couldn't win back Xia Lan's heart, but the reality is, I didn't make any effort at all.

If this is a thorn stuck in my heart for years, should I pull it out myself, even if it means bleeding profusely?

"Phew..." I sighed, dialing my ex-girlfriend's number. As with every previous cold war, she didn't answer. It seems that without apologizing, it's impossible to win this girl back.

"I drank a lot to have the courage to call you, don't make me suffer for nothing!"

I know, I also mustered a lot of courage to go to you, don't make me leave disappointed.

When I was dating Xia Lan, I fulfilled my duties as a boyfriend, escorting her home several times, but each time I only saw her to the door, never stepping into the Lu family home. As for Qiu Ju, although we talked about meeting her parents many times, it never happened. Perhaps today is the day I can no longer hide myself.

I went to the Lu family's house, arriving alone at the door I had visited many times before. It was Qiuju's house, and it had also been Xialan's house.
I had never formally visited Qiuju's parents before, so my sudden visit was rather presumptuous, but I had no choice. I reluctantly rang the doorbell, and their mother, Chunmei, answered.

"Auntie, hello. I'm sorry to bother you at this hour. My name is Cheng Ren, and I'm Qiuju's… friend. Is she home?"

Qiuju's mother looked a little surprised, but still invited me in. I think she had already guessed that I was the boyfriend her daughter had mentioned introducing them to. There, I didn't see Qiuju, but I saw Xia Lan.

It was my ex-girlfriend from several years ago, whose status was completely different.

Xia Lan's expression showed slight surprise when she saw me, but only for a moment before she quickly regained her composure with a friendly smile. She nodded to me as if I were a complete stranger.

My heart ached. It turned out that a woman I had forgotten could cause me such heartache. I gritted my teeth, trying my best not to reveal my feelings. I drank the hot tea that Auntie poured for me. She said that unfortunately, Qiuju had gone out and hadn't said what time she would be home, asking if I wanted to call her. I said it wasn't necessary, because in that instant, my mind was already in turmoil with Xia Lan's presence, and I didn't know what to say to Qiu Ju.

Right, it's common for married women to return home for dinner with their parents on Sunday evenings. The Xia Lan I knew was a filial daughter, and that hadn't changed even after all these years.

I only stayed at their house for a short time, during which I didn't speak to Xia Lan at all; she was knitting, her expression serene. I felt like I was sitting on pins and needles. After chatting for a while, I said goodbye to Qiu Ju's family.

"Auntie, thank you for your hospitality, then..."

"It's getting late, Mom, I'll be going back too." Just as I was about to leave, Xia Lan suddenly stood up from the sofa. I was surprised by her action and didn't know how to react. Xia Lan went to the door, put on her high heels, said a few words to her mother, and then left with me. My heart started pounding. I didn't know Xia Lan's intentions, or if she had anything she wanted to say to me.

But she didn't. She didn't say a word during the entire wait and elevator ride; the air was deathly still. Only after everyone stepped out of the building did she turn back and smile at me, saying, "Take good care of my sister. Goodbye."
No calling her name, no explanation of the past, no mention of current events—it was a farewell that left no trace of the past.

I took a deep breath. How stupid of me. Was I expecting something? This was how it should have been.

I wandered the streets for a while, my mind involuntarily recalling the happy days I spent with Xia Lan. She was still as beautiful as she had been then, perhaps even more beautiful.

"Phew..." My plan to comfort Qiu Ju that evening was completely ruined by Xia Lan's expression. No wonder Qiu Ju was angry; no wonder she said I couldn't forget her sister.

This wasn't a suitable evening to ask my girlfriend to get back together. I didn't try calling Qiu Ju again, but unexpectedly, she was sitting in front of my house.

"Where did you go?" Qiu Ju asked in a very unpleasant tone, as if she had been waiting for quite a while. I scratched my head and said, "I went to your house..."

"Hmph, what are you doing at my house after breaking up?"

"So you came to...my house after breaking up..."

"Fine, if you don't welcome me, then leave!"

"Welcome...of course you're welcome..."

I hurriedly took out my key from my pocket and welcomed my girlfriend...my ex-girlfriend, into the house. She pouted, seemingly still angry. We'd been together for almost a year, and Qiu Ju and I had argued countless times. I was quite confident I could make her laugh back. If you don't let me see you, there's nothing you can do, but if you do let me see you, I can always make you smile through your tears.

Unexpectedly, I was wrong this time.

I opened the refrigerator and poured Qiu Ju some juice to help her calm down, and casually reported what should be considered good news: "I just ran into...your sister at your house."

Qiu Ju's eyes widened a little, but she instantly understood that this was the day Xia Lan usually went home to visit her parents, and her face darkened. I took a sip of hot tea and said with a smile, "Isn't this great? The thing that's been bothering us is solved just like that. She didn't say anything and even told me to take good care of you. Isn't this the best outcome?"

Qiu Ju lowered her eyes and said softly, "We've already broken up, what does this matter?"

"Hey, you're not serious about breaking up, are you? I admit that my absence that time was wrong, and I apologized to your mother just now. Even if I'm guilty, it's not a capital offense. Give me a chance, please let me off the hook." My attitude was playful and cheeky. I knew Qiu Ju's personality well; after grumbling for a while, she would inevitably pretend to be unwilling to forgive me, turning a big problem into a small one, and a small one into nothing.
But today, everything was so surprising, as if heaven wanted to give me all the amazing challenges of a lifetime at once.

"Do you really want to be with me? Do you know who I am?" Qiu Ju's tone was melancholy. I still didn't realize the seriousness of the situation and said flippantly, "Aren't you Lu Qiu Ju, the second daughter of the Lu family? You just turned twenty-three last month, an Aquarius, and... a great beauty!"

Before I could finish my rambling, Qiu Ju said, "I'm Vice Commander Gao's first love."
"Haha, I knew it... What... Vice Commander Gao's... first love?" I froze on the spot, a cold sweat running down my face. I didn't expect my girlfriend to bombshell me like this.

Qiu Ju nodded and continued calmly, "Yes, it's Vice Commander Gao who stole your girlfriend, and he's also my sister Lu Xia Lan's husband. Do you know? Everything I've been hiding."

(III)

"Yes, it's Vice Commander Gao who stole your girlfriend, and he's also my sister Lu Xia Lan's husband. Do you know? Everything I've been hiding."

I was so shocked that I didn't know how to react, and could only blankly answer "Yes. " Qiu Ju took a breath and slowly recounted her relationship with Gao Fushuai.

"Fushuai is my senior. We knew each other in middle school, and even became a couple before graduation."
Qiu Ju explained that Gao Fushuai was four years older than her. Because of his tall, handsome appearance and wealthy family, he was the prince charming admired by many female students at school, including Qiu Ju. Fortunately, at the school's anniversary celebration, she met this golden school heartthrob whom everyone longed to be favored.

"At the time, things were going very smoothly. After dating for a month, I had given him my whole heart, and he treated me very well, which made me very confident in our relationship. But because we were both students, and his father was from a more traditional generation who didn't want his son to have a girlfriend at school, we kept our relationship very low-key. Fushuai promised me that he would introduce me to his family when I turned eighteen. I trusted him completely, believing he wouldn't lie to me."

I took a breath. My secret relationship with Xia Lan—it turned out Gao Fushuai and Qiu Ju had also experienced something similar.

"Later, my older sister graduated from university. She was worried about finding a job when the vice-commander mentioned that his father's company was hiring. I introduced my sister to the interview, and that's how they got together." Qiuju said with tears in her eyes, "I know my sister is prettier and smarter than me, so it's normal for the vice-commander to be interested in her. But I never thought they would fall in love so quickly, after only knowing each other for half a year. I also never thought he would be so heartless, asking me to let him and my sister be together."

"Qiuju..."

"I was heartbroken and thought about telling everyone everything. Actually, my sister knew about my relationship with the vice-commander before. We had a good relationship and had no secrets from each other. She told me that she was dating a high school student, and I also told her that I was with the vice-commander. But in the end, she betrayed me. Knowing that the man was my sister's boyfriend, she still stole him away."

"Xia Lan stole your boyfriend..." I didn't believe Xia Lan would do such a thing, but Qiu Ju had no reason to wrong her sister.

"I argued with the deputy commander many times. He always reassured me that he actually loved me the most, and that he was dating my sister because his father liked her very much and he didn't want to go against his father's wishes. Of course, I didn't believe such a thing, but I really loved him. Even knowing it was fake, I endured it and even continued to secretly be with the deputy commander. It wasn't until they were about to get married that I realized it was all too late."

"Qiu Ju..."

"At that time, I knew it was useless to say anything. The deputy commander told me that it's normal for a man to have several women, especially rich men like them. If I didn't mind, I could continue to be her mistress. I've had enough. I'm the rightful choice. If anyone should be the mistress, it should be that woman!"

Qiu Ju's eyes were filled with resentment as she directly called Xia Lan "that woman."

"On their wedding day, seeing my sister wearing the wedding dress that should have been mine, I was determined to take revenge. I wanted that happy couple to suffer the most vicious curse. Back when my sister and I were on good terms, I knew you were her boyfriend. I approached you with the aim of exposing my sister's secret to everyone, like a bomb exploding."

Qiuju stared at me and said, "I know my sister still has feelings for you. I've seen her secretly looking at your photos at home, and on her wedding day, she even cried looking at your picture."

"Xia Lan cried looking at my… picture?"

"Yes, but all of that pales in comparison to the allure of being the wife of the future chairman of a listed group. My sister ultimately chose the vice-commander. Since she stole my man, let me play with her man too. I'll pretend to be dating you, and every time I go to your house, I'll look for intimate photos and videos of you and my sister from the past. I'll also use various methods to ask you about your sex life with my sister and record the conversations. I plan to show the vice-commander how his beloved wife was played with by other men in the past!"

I gasped. Qiu Ju's questions and demands for me to keep as souvenirs with her were all intended to humiliate Xia Lan.

"I don't think this will make them divorce, but it'll be enough to damage their relationship. The vice-commander is a grown man; he won't tolerate the insult of his wife being called a 'used shoe.' I love him very much, and I also hate him for betraying me."

Qiuju recounted the events of that day at her grandfather's birthday celebration: "I insisted you go to Grandpa's birthday banquet because I thought it was the best time to make everything public. I imagined the surprised expression on my older sister's face when she saw her first love; I

imagined the resentment on the vice-commander's face when he saw what kind of person the man who made him wear his old shoes really was." "

But you didn't go. I was furious. My plan, which I had been arranging for a while, failed, and I couldn't find any evidence on you to humiliate my older sister. I didn't want to waste any more time on you and planned to take this opportunity to break up with you. But fate played a trick on me; in the following days, I discovered I was pregnant."

"You... pregnant..."

"Of course I knew it was the vice-commander's child, and I knew he would never give birth to it for me, but I really wanted it, I wanted to have his bloodline. I had an idea, maybe I could let you be the father of this child. So I went back to you, pretending to get back together with you." Qiu Ju smiled bitterly, "I know I'm very selfish and even malicious, but I really love the vice-commander, and I'm willing to do anything for him."

"But you were so good to me that month, which made me feel so guilty. I was deceiving a man who was truly good to me, while the person I loved never treated me like a human being, just a toy to satisfy his desires. Then, what broke my heart the most was when my mother told me the good news recently—that my older sister is pregnant."

At this point, Qiuju shed tears. "This is the biggest joke God has ever played on me. We're both pregnant. That's his son. What is the one in my belly? He won't even be born with his surname, and he'll never be acknowledged. I'm so stupid, so incredibly stupid, using all my strength to pursue a love that was impossible to have."

Qiuju sobbed uncontrollably, while my heart was in turmoil, my head buzzing. This was too much of a blow. Qiuju had never loved me; I was just a tool she used to get revenge for being abandoned. Everything was just a scheme she set up.

'I drank a lot to have the courage to come to you. Don't make me suffer for nothing!' '

I love you!'

'I just want to know everything about you two. I don't want my sister to know more secrets than I do!' "
It's all fake, everything, every single word, all fake. Her laughter, her tears, her love—it was all fake.

This hurt me more than Xia Lan's departure. When you find out that a girl who once said she loved you had ulterior motives, the feeling of being betrayed again is something no third party can understand. My heart aches; it's a piercing pain. She's so unfamiliar, this girl is truly a stranger.

'Now that you know the truth, do you want to beat me up? Go ahead, I came here today just to let you beat me up.'
Qiu Ju raised her head, her eyes filled with sorrow. Her hands fell limply, offering no resistance.

I looked at this girl who had completely surrendered, and felt sorry for her, so weak, tormented by love to the point of being inhuman, recklessly throwing herself into one-sided love, even at the cost of her own life.

Are you the one who's wrong? If loving someone is wrong, then you are undoubtedly wrong.

Is this considered despicable? Compared to that, am I noble for not interfering with my lover's pursuit of a future, or just a hundred times weaker act?"

I sighed and said, "You mean, you've never loved me?"

Qiuju didn't answer, she just nodded.

I let out a long sigh and said, "I understand now. All the mysteries are finally solved. I was just wondering what kind of luck I had, that a beautiful girl would suddenly throw herself into my arms. Now I'm finally at peace."

"Ah Ren..."

I said self-deprecatingly, "Don't comfort me. I know myself. I'm not the kind of man that girls like. I know that very well."

"It's not like that. You're a very nice person. It's just that I..."

Before Qiu Ju could finish speaking, I continued, "I'm fine. My advantage is that I'm self-aware. I won't be hurt by this kind of thing. I've already been dumped once, so one more time won't make a difference. But saying that you've never loved me at all seems a bit hard to believe, doesn't it?"

"Really, really not. The only person I love is..."

I interrupted her again, "Then why did you tell me everything?"

"This..."

"Was it a change of heart? Did you not want to lie to this poor thing anymore? But this is also a kind of love! You wouldn't care about the life or death of someone you have no feelings for, right? Besides, we've already broken up. We can just not see each other again. You didn't need to be honest with me. This already proves that you have me in your heart and that you love me very much."

"You're so vain! I just told you because I was annoyed by your call again and didn't want to bother you anymore,"
Qiuju pouted. I said narcissistically, "Is it bothering? But I think you enjoy sex with me, at least you always have an orgasm!"

"N-no way! It was all an act, it wasn't comfortable at all!" Qiuju blushed and shouted. I said disappointedly, "So it was all an act too? Okay, then I'll work harder from now on to make you orgasm."
"Who would want to have sex with you? We've already broken up!"

"It's not a breakup. As you said, the past was all fake. We never really dated, which is fine. What you get without effort is meaningless. Let me, Cheng Ren, start pursuing Lu Qiuju properly from tomorrow!"
"Are you stupid? How can you say such things? Can't you handle a shock?" Qiu Ju was frightened by my unusual words. I patted my chest: "No, I'm not. A beautiful lady is sought after by a gentleman. Now that I know Lu Qiu Ju is such a deeply affectionate woman, I naturally can't miss her. I must pursue her properly. You have the right not to love me, but you don't have the right to stop me from loving you. I will try my best, and one day I will be able to move you."

"I don't know what nonsense you're talking about. I won't go crazy with you. I'm leaving. I've said what I needed to say. Don't bother me again." Qiu Ju made an impatient expression and stood up from the chair. I asked with a smile: "Do you want me to take you home?"

"No need!"

"That's right. I haven't won her over yet. There's no reason to take my girlfriend home. Tomorrow, I'll start my offensive tomorrow!"

"You're so annoying!"

Qiu Ju ignored me and left half-angrily. After she left, I sat back down on the wooden chair. Whew, this anti-climax was too explosive. I need time to sort out my chaotic thoughts.

I don't deny that my words just now were meant to comfort Qiuju, letting her know that she too is a woman worthy of love, and that she doesn't need to dwell on a relationship that's already set in stone. That night, I thought a lot. Lying in bed, my mind kept replaying the moments I shared with Qiuju, as if I were trapped in a labyrinth of love with no way out.

But as I closed my eyes to ponder, I suddenly realized there was another person standing beside my bed—it was Qiuju!

"Qiuju? What happened?" I was surprised. She scolded me, "You're really careless. You didn't even notice when I left the door open. What if a thief broke in?"

"What's there to steal in my house? It just so happens that a female thief came in." I said with a forced smile. Qiuju remained calm, sat on the edge of the bed, and silently looked at me. "What you just said... was it true?"

"Of course it's true. Would I, Cheng Ren, joke about something like this?"

"Why could you do this? Why did you know I'm this kind of woman and still say you wanted to pursue me?"
"Why? Because I was moved by you, and I've been very happy with the days we've spent together. I don't want to lose such a good girl because of something so trivial." "

Trivial? Is this considered trivial?"

"Of course it's trivial. You were only in middle school when you met Vice Commander Gao. It was practically a budding romance. If this isn't trivial, then what is?"

"But what I did..."

"Yes, you may have lied to me, but I haven't lost anything, and I've had over a year of happy times, so I won't hold it against you. What I need to do now is to continue this happiness for the rest of my life."

"Didn't you hear me just now? I'm pregnant, carrying another man's child. Can you even accept that?"

"Don't be so sure it's Vice Commander Gao's. I've slept with you, maybe it's mine. Even if it isn't, isn't it enough that it's the child of the woman I love most? Is it necessary to be so concerned?"

"Fool...you fool..." Qiu Ju's eyes were full of tears, glistening and ready to fall at any moment. I wiped her eyes and said softly, "Don't think too much about it. Get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day."

"Okay, can I sleep here tonight?"

"Sharing a beautiful woman's bed is my pleasure, of course!"

Qiu Ju silently slipped into the covers, and I happily embraced her, her body warm, soft, and delicate, so beautiful and touching.
"Thank you, A-Ren..."

These were Qiu Ju's last words to me.

The next morning, I woke up to find Qiuju gone. Still half-asleep, I brushed my teeth and found a delicate breakfast on the table.

"Huh, she makes breakfast? Looks like this girl's sincerity has moved me!" This was the first time Qiuju had cooked breakfast at my house. Without hesitation, I picked up my chopsticks and tasted it. It was a little salty, the flavor needed improvement, but it had potential. A couple more times and I was sure it would be perfect.

"Where did she go? To work so early?" I muttered to myself as I ate. Qiuju had slept at my house overnight and needed to change clothes for work; perhaps she didn't want to wake me and went home alone. Thinking this, I didn't think much of it. After finishing my meal and changing, it was time for work.

But just as I was about to leave, I saw a neatly bound letter on my pillow. Picking it up, I saw it was Qiuju's handwriting.

"A love letter? Haha, is this girl really going to start from the very beginning?"

I smiled as I opened the letter and read it carefully. The contents were terrifyingly heartbreaking.

"Ah Ren, are you up? Have you had breakfast? This is the first time a man has cooked for me, you absolutely have to finish it all, or I won't let you off the hook.

What I said to you yesterday was unexpected, wasn't it? I was surprised too, you actually said those things to me. I was so happy and touched. I want to thank you again, thank you for being willing to forgive even a woman like me.
But unfortunately, I can't forgive myself. Hearing your words made me feel even more guilty. I'm not a woman worthy of your love, never will be.

Actually, there's something else I haven't told you. I aborted the baby I was carrying the day after we broke up. It wasn't a child I should have given birth to, since I wanted him to never be able to lift his head..." To be born a human being and never be able to acknowledge one's father is worse than letting him suffer.

The feeling of killing one's own child is terrifying. I've been crying constantly these past few days, having nightmares every night, constantly thinking about that tiny life that was taken out—my child's life.

Another thing that makes me feel ashamed is that in the early stages of my pregnancy, my older sister noticed it very early. She congratulated me and told me many things I needed to be careful about. At that time, I realized that the woman I hated was my sister who cared about me. No matter how much I blamed her, how much I hated her, she was still my sister.

But for a moment, I thought about wanting her dead.

I can't forgive myself, even if everyone else forgives me. I can't forgive myself. I'm sorry, I can't agree to your pursuit of me. I can't reciprocate your love. I'm going to a very, very far place to be with my child. I know this is running away, but right now, running away is the only option I have.

Don't look for me, don't be sad for me, and don't worry about me. If possible, I hope you won't tell my sister and the deputy commander what we talked about yesterday. They are still two people I love, and I hope they can be happy.
I've chosen to leave this way. Maybe my family will misunderstand you. I left another letter; please give it to them if needed. They'll know it has nothing to do with you. I'm sorry. "I'll trouble you until the very last moment.

The USB drive on my desk contains recordings of our past. You can burn it; it shouldn't remain in

this world. Ah Ren, I don't even know if I ever loved you, but you're the last person I want to confide in. I hope you forget me soon, and on behalf of my sister, I apologize to you. We both hurt you; we were both selfish. I'm sorry.

Goodbye then. Thank you, Ah Ren, thank you.

May you rest in peace.

— Lu Qiuju's final words. "

I was terrified when I saw this letter. I abruptly opened another one; it was Qiuju saying goodbye to her family and instructing Xia Lan to take care of her parents and siblings.

Suicide! Qiuju is going to commit suicide!

'Qiuju!!!!'"

I rushed into the street like a madman, running through every nearby alley. In my frantic panic, I dialed a number I hadn't contacted in years. I didn't have her number saved in my phone, but I would never forget those digits.

The other end answered, and I was as anxious as an ant on a hot plate: "Is that Xiaolan? Something terrible has happened! Qiuju is trying to commit suicide!"
"What?"

Upon hearing this news, the entire Lu family was in a state of panic, including the Gao family, who searched everywhere for places Qiuju might be. We also called the police, but no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't find her at all. Everyone spent the day in anxious panic, dialing Qiuju's number countless times, sending countless messages and pleading messages, praying for a miracle, hoping the girl would change her mind.

"It'll be alright, it'll definitely be alright." I knew Qiuju was joking with me; she had always been a girl who liked to tease others. She would scare everyone half to death, then appear with a smile, making a face and asking if it was fun.
However, all hope turned to despair the next day when the body was recovered from the sea.

"Qiuju..."

In those years, I was twenty-three years old. The girl I thought would be my life partner left me, as if she had taken away all my future happiness with her.

The cool late autumn ended with the separation of love.

(IV)

"Cold Winter"

"Murderer!"

I saw Dongzhu again a year later, a week before the Qingming Festival.

At Qiuju's funeral, the Lu family forbade me to participate in any capacity. I did not deliver the letter to them according to Qiuju's last wishes. I did not want to affect Xialan's current life, nor did I want anyone to associate Qiuju with a romantic relationship with Vice Marshal Gao before her death based on the slightest clue.

The entire Lu family believed that Qiuju's death was due to problems in our relationship, and that she committed suicide because she spent her last night at my house. I was the culprit who killed Qiuju. I would not blame anyone for this. In fact, I also felt that it was my responsibility. If I had comforted Qiuju in a better way that day, perhaps I could have changed her mind. My words, intended to comfort her, only added to her guilt.

I bear undeniable responsibility for Qiuju's death.

I have no face to see anyone in the Lu family again. They are grieving the loss of their beloved daughter; all accusations and blame are understandable. If I were in their shoes, I would never forgive the murderer who killed my loved one. That

's why I chose a week ago to pay my respects to Qiuju, but unexpectedly, I still ran into her sister. It turns out that since her second sister's passing, Dongzhu had cleaned Qiuju's grave every week, placing her favorite white chrysanthemums there.

To say I saw her again is a bit of a stretch; I only saw Dongzhu's face once. On the night I visited the Lu family, Dongzhu, wearing her pajamas, had curiously come out to see who it was, but only glanced at me before immediately returning to her room. Therefore, I have no recollection of her face.

But she clearly remembers me—the man who killed her second sister.

I had no face to say anything. I knelt down, bowed three times to Qiuju, placed the flowers, and left. Dongzhu rolled her eyes coldly beside me, only uttering a curt "murderer" as I left.

I didn't turn back, silently enduring the girl's curses; I completely understood Dongzhu's feelings. Qiuju's grave was well-maintained, without a single weed, and the tombstone was spotless, showing how much this younger sister loved her second sister. If Qiuju saw this, I think she would regret it. There were still many people in this world who loved her; leaving was the end, leaving behind only to suffer endless pain.

I didn't intend to have any further contact with the Lu family, but perhaps fate had its own way of dealing with me; I still had an inextricable connection with them. Of course, just like Qiuju back then, I later learned that it wasn't a coincidence; Dongzhu had actively reached out to me.

During the time Qiuju was gone, I couldn't escape the grief, and every spare moment would be filled with memories of her. To numb myself, I chose to fill every minute with work, not allowing myself too much room for overthinking.

I majored in languages in college and excelled academically. After graduation, I continued my studies in teacher training in my spare time, and qualified to teach a year later. I started working part-time at an evening tutoring school mainly for high school students, and combined with my daytime job, I was incredibly busy.

"Classmates, I'm the teacher for this class, my surname is Cheng, and I will be responsible for teaching you from now on," I introduced myself to the newly opened class. As always, the name Cheng Ren caused a burst of laughter, and one student even asked me, "Teacher, is your English name Lover?"

I smiled and replied, "This student is very clever, that's right."

The class laughed again, and then a female student raised her voice and said, "Isn't it Murderer?"
Everyone fell silent, and the girl continued coldly, "The murderer, shouldn't it be Murderer?"

I looked at the girl; it was Dongzhu.

I was stunned, surprised to run into her here. The classmates were whispering about the girl. Dongzhu stood up from her seat and questioned me, "Did I say something wrong? Teacher, have you ever killed anyone?"

"Wow, you killed someone!" Everyone jeered at the word. I remained calm and smiled, "This student, I haven't killed anyone."

"Really? Playing with a woman and causing her to commit suicide, what's the difference between that and murder?" Dongzhu wouldn't let go of my question. I didn't know how to respond to her, and the atmosphere became extremely awkward. Dongzhu had achieved her goal of humiliating me and didn't pursue the matter further, but she always made things difficult for me in class.

"Teacher, how do you write 'deceive a woman's feelings' in English?"

"Teacher, what should we call an irresponsible man?"

"Teacher, I wrote an article about manipulating women and causing someone to commit suicide. Please give me your comments!"
The rumors were rampant, and even other teachers asked me, "Ah Ren, I heard you messed with a girl's older sister in our class and caused her to commit suicide. Is that true?"

I didn't deny it, which undoubtedly added a lot of trouble for me, but since Dongzhu wanted to use this method to vent her anger for her second sister, I could only endure it. Determined to forever protect Qiuju's secret, I wouldn't refute it. Compared to Dongzhu's pain over losing her sister, what were these rumors I was suffering?

But perhaps this negative attitude prevented Dongzhu from getting the effect she expected. Her attacks on me intensified. When I returned to the classroom that day, I saw a photo of me and Qiuju on the blackboard, a photo torn in half.
I was furious and, ignoring the situation, rushed over, grabbed the girl by the collar, and yelled, "You can insult me all you want, but don't insult your sister!"

Dongzhu stared at me without the slightest fear: "Who insulted her more than you?"

I had no words, suppressed my emotions, released her collar, and sighed, "I'll resign immediately, okay?"
"No, you can't repay what you've done in this lifetime. Unless you die, I will never let you go!" Dongzhu said through gritted teeth.

"Fine, whatever." I gave up and returned to the blackboard, picked up the stylus, and wrote the lesson for that evening on the electronic blackboard.

I could completely understand Dongzhu's hatred for me. Qiuju was only fifteen when she committed suicide. I don't think she told her sister about her relationship with Vice Commander Gao. What about Xialan? Qiuju once said that Xialan knew about her relationship with her husband. Could Xialan have guessed that her second sister's suicide was due to her relationship with Vice Commander Gao?

Oh well, so what if I guessed? The dead are gone, what can the living endure? I think Xia Lan wouldn't want to cause any more trouble either. Blaming anyone at a time like this won't help; it will only add to everyone's suffering.

That day after class, I mentioned my resignation to the tutoring school principal. He was an open-minded person and said that if I hadn't done anything wrong, I shouldn't mind Dong Zhu's words. Rumors among students are common; the innocent will clear themselves, and that's the right attitude towards rumors.

I accepted the principal's offer to stay. Strangely, from that day on, Dong Zhu stopped insulting me. Perhaps she also realized that posting Qiu Ju's photo was disrespectful to her sister and reflected on her own behavior.

But her revenge wasn't over. That day after class, the girl followed me everywhere. At first, I pretended not to notice, but when we were almost there, I couldn't help but turn around and ask her, "Where are you going?"

Dongzhu said without hesitation, "To your house!"

"My house? What for?"

"I'm taking back my second sister's things. You don't deserve to have her belongings." Dongzhu's words were resolute. I sighed and said, "Is that so? Fine, take them, but I can tell you, there's really nothing there."
"I want everything, I won't leave a single thing behind!"

"Whatever."

When Qiuju and I were dating, we were like a normal couple, with some small trinkets and photos together. I put most of them in a box after Qiuju passed away, occasionally taking them out to remember her. They were quite valuable, but if Dongzhu wanted them back, I had no choice but to comply.

"Is that all?" Dongzhu checked it over, somewhat disbelieving me. My emotional anchor was about to be taken away, and I wasn't in a good mood. I shrugged and said, "After a year of dating, that's about it, right?"

"Heartless man! My second sister risked her life for you, and this is all you care about?" Dongzhu scoffed. I didn't intend to argue, letting her do as she pleased. Dongzhu continued to rummage through the other drawers, looking for anything I had hidden. I was thankful that since my mother sometimes came to tidy up for me, to avoid her discovering it, Qiuju's suicide note was hidden in the innermost compartment of the bookcase. No matter how hard Dongzhu searched, she wouldn't find it.
After rummaging through everything in the mess and finding nothing else, I thought I was finally done. But then Dongzhu held out her hand: "Give me your phone, and delete all the photos too!"

"So cruel..." I reluctantly handed it over. Dongzhu took it and commanded rudely, "Password?"
"98769876..."

Dongzhu immediately entered it, opened the photo album, and deleted all the pictures of me and Qiuju. I was heartbroken. After everything was finished, the girl picked up the box containing my second sister's belongings and left. Before leaving, I made a final plea: "Just leave one photo, please?"

"No!" Dongzhu refused without hesitation. I sighed. Even the last thing I had to remember Qiuju was gone. How could I live like this?

However, Dongzhu's purpose was not that simple. The next evening, she didn't go to the tutoring school. When I returned home, I found her ransacking my house again: "It was you? How did you get in?"

Dongzhu didn't answer, casually raising the key in her hand. A clever girl; she had secretly taken the spare key while searching the clutter yesterday. I said irritably, "You searched everything yesterday, what are you looking for today?"

Dongzhu turned to look at me, her eyes sharp: "What are you hiding from me?"

"Hiding from you? What am I hiding? I've even taken responsibility for Qiuju's death, what else is there to hide?"

"Really? Then what's this?" Dongzhu pointed to the computer screen on my desk. I was surprised that the password had been cracked. She said smugly, "People like you aren't good at password management. Once you know one, you know almost everything else."

Dongzhu was right; this was indeed a weakness of city dwellers seeking convenience. To avoid confusing and forgetting passwords, most commonly used appliances used the same password. If she knew the phone, she naturally knew the computer.

Dongzhu pointed to a locked file labeled "Qiuju." I was shocked and hurriedly said, "These are Qiuju's photos. This is just a last bit of remembrance. Please, have some compassion and leave me a final memento."
"Photos? It's clearly an MP4 file, and it's locked. The password is different from the others. It's suspicious. Let me see it. If there's nothing wrong, I'll keep it for you."

I saved the file Qiuju left on her USB drive to my computer. It was a recording of my first time making love with Qiuju, mentioning Xia Lan and how Dongzhu couldn't hear it. I insisted, "You're Qiuju's sister, but this is your sister's privacy. Even you can't see it!"

"Hey, so nervous. There's definitely something fishy going on. I'll definitely see it then!" Dongzhu seemed to have found a sore spot, her tone resolute. I didn't back down. Dongzhu forcibly picked up the computer tower: "Fine, if you won't let me see it, I'll find a way myself. I'll even hire a hacker to help me find the password!"

"Stop messing around!" I couldn't take it anymore and slapped Dongzhu across the face.

"Slap!"

Dongzhu was surprised by our outburst, her eyes wide with astonishment. A nearly bloody handprint remained on her delicate face. I knelt on the ground, pleading, "If you love Qiuju, please leave her some dignity as an older sister, okay?"
Dongzhu asked silently, "Is it...the video of those things?"

I nodded slightly. Dongzhu's attitude softened. She put down the computer and left alone without saying anything more.
"Phew..." I took a breath. I considered deleting this dangerous file, but I really couldn't bear to. It was the only thing that remained of Qiuju's voice.

"Husband! You are my husband, Cheng Ren is Lu Qiuju's husband!"

I pressed play, and Qiuju's voice came through the speakers. This voice was my pillar of life. I listened to it every night for the past year, as if Qiuju was still by my side.

"Qiuju...you never loved me, but I really loved you..."

At that time, I still naively believed that Dongzhu's actions stemmed from hatred towards me. Therefore, when she knelt in my house the following night, sobbing and begging me, I was at a loss.

"I beg you, please tell me the truth, okay? I don't care why, I just want to know why my second sister died. I don't want to be her sister and not understand until the very end."

Sure enough, Dongzhu knew something.

For a moment, I couldn't answer coherently. It was all so sudden; I was probably even more confused than Dongzhu. Of course, I couldn't reveal the truth, and it wouldn't be easy to immediately fabricate a plausible story. Most importantly, I needed to know what Dongzhu knew.

I sat on the bed, trying my best to remain calm as I asked, "Why do you ask that? Isn't everything clear to everyone? What's there to doubt? Do you think I killed Qiuju and then orchestrated her suicide?"

Dongzhu shook her head, not answering my question. She was an exceptionally shrewd girl; she knew I was looking for clues to continue concealing the truth. With both of us holding firm to our positions, a period of dead silence ensued. Finally, she, who was even more eager to know than I was, gave in.

"That day, after you left, my brother-in-law came."

The brother-in-law Dongzhu spoke of was undoubtedly Vice Commander Gao.

My shock was evident on my face, but I quickly composed myself, only for a second before Dongzhu noticed.

"Sure enough, it's related to my brother-in-law," Dongzhu said, her tone suggesting she had found a clue. Dongzhu

told me that after I left that day, she cleaned the cemetery one last time before leaving, but unexpectedly, she ran into Deputy Commander Gao while emptying the trash.

"I was standing on the hilltop when he didn't see me. I was puzzled as to why my brother-in-law would come to pay his respects a week before Qingming Festival, and alone at that." Dongzhu recalled the scene that day: "He knelt down in front of my second sister's grave and wept bitterly for a long time."

"Deputy Commander Gao wept bitterly at Qiuju's grave?" I gasped, unable to hide my surprise any longer.
"My second sister is my brother-in-law's aunt, so it's normal for him to be sad for her, but I don't think he needed to come alone on such a day and cry so bitterly. A week later, on Qingming Festival, our family went to pay our respects. My brother-in-law also went with my eldest sister that day, but their attitudes were completely different. It was the standard etiquette a husband gives to his wife's family, and his attitude was very cold."

Dongzhu asked, as if she couldn't find a reason, "Why did my brother-in-law do this? He clearly didn't want others to know that his grief for my second sister was greater than what everyone saw. Why did he hide it? What was his relationship with my second sister?"

So that's how it was. One visit to the grave aroused Dongzhu's suspicion. I was certain Dongzhu didn't know much, and before the truth was revealed, I tried to backtrack one last time: "It's nothing. Qiuju mentioned it to me before; your brother-in-law, Mr. Gao, was her senior at school, and Miss Xialan got her job at the Gao Group through her introduction. They're good friends, so it's normal, right?"

"Really? Was it necessary to go a week ago, at a time when no one knew? And was it necessary to deliberately act cold in front of everyone? I feel like he's hiding something." "

Maybe he doesn't want your parents to misunderstand. These kinds of things need to be kept quiet; rumors aren't good for anyone."
Dongzhu wasn't satisfied with my answer. In fact, my explanation wasn't really an explanation; it was just an attempt to downplay her doubts. She raised her eyebrows and said, "I know you won't tell me easily. As my second sister's younger sister, do you think I'm not qualified to know the truth?"

"Of course you are, more qualified than anyone else, but this is the truth, the whole truth."

"Really?" Dongzhu took out a photograph from her pocket, making my lips turn pale in an instant.

It was a photo of me and Xialan when I was seventeen.

I don't know how the girl got such photos, and I secretly blame Xia Lan for being so careless. Qiu Ju hid it very well; to preserve her elder sister's happiness, she left no clues whatsoever, while Xia Lan, on the contrary, leaked the evidence.
"I found this by chance at home. After my eldest sister got married, she gave me her room, and everything was cleaned up. But I found this hidden photo on the inside cover of an old photo album." Dongzhu questioned me, "You know your eldest sister?"

My mind was in turmoil, and I tried my best to tell the past that I wouldn't reveal the truth: "Yes, Miss Xia Lan used to be my tutor. Qiuju also knows this. It was because I was once your eldest sister's tutor that she noticed me back then."

"You mean, your eldest sister was your tutor, and there was no other relationship?"

"Of course not. I was just a kid back then. Your eldest sister was a few years older than me, so why would she be interested in me?"
I shrugged, speaking casually, "These kinds of things happen often, right? Boyfriends and girlfriends meet because of family."

Dongzhu didn't ask anything more. Fortunately, the photo in her hand was a very ordinary group photo, without any intimate actions, and it was convincing to explain it as a teacher-student photo.

"Okay, I believe you. I hope you haven't lied to me." Dongzhu stood up from the chair, her attitude becoming calm. Before leaving, I called out to her, "Dongzhu!"

The girl turned around, and I said to her, "I hope you understand that some things are in the past and that's the past. Dwelling on them won't do anyone any good. Qiuju loves your family and you love her too. She wouldn't want you to live in her shadow.

For your second sister's sake, be yourself. You have your own life too."

"Thank you." Dongzhu said this and closed the door. I didn't know if saying this to her would arouse her greater suspicion, but I really hoped that things would end here. She was a smart girl. If things continued, the truth wouldn't be hidden.

I must not let Dongzhu know the truth. She was an extreme girl and would think that Qiuju's suicide was because Xialan stole her love. The Lu family had already suffered a great tragedy, and we couldn't let this girl cause further turmoil.
"Qiuju, it's your wish for Xialan to be happy forever, isn't it? I hope your sister is willing to listen to me."
(V)

In the following days, everything returned to calm. Dongzhu didn't go to the tutoring school anymore, and I also hoped that I wouldn't run into her again. I didn't dislike this girl; I just hoped she could let go of her doubts and live the most beautiful stage of her life.

However, my wish didn't come true. Two months later, one day after school, I came home to find the lights on and a clattering sound coming from the kitchen.

"Who's in the kitchen…?" I peeked in. I'm an ordinary person, and my place is quite ordinary; there shouldn't be any thieves looking for me. I saw the stove lit, and the soup pot, which my mother only used when she visited, was smoking.

"Mom, are you here?" I looked around curiously. Dongzhu came out of my room.

"It's you?" My expression clearly worsened. She wasn't a repulsive person; my reaction was because of what she had done.

"What's wrong? Are you unhappy to see a thief? What do you think is worth stealing from your house?" Dongzhu smiled and asked me. This was the first time I could remember seeing this girl smile. She had a pretty face, but it didn't inspire any admiration.

"Who wouldn't be happy to come home to a stranger, right?" I said rudely. Dongzhu's smile remained unchanged, tinged with sarcasm: "A stranger? The sister of a woman you once deeply loved is a stranger."
I was speechless, unable to answer Dongzhu. She seemed to be in a good mood, not taking it too seriously, saying, "Don't take it seriously. I came today to thank you."

"Thank me?"

"Thank you for letting me know the truth." Dongzhu nodded, revealing the truth herself: "He confessed." The "
he" Dongzhu referred to was Deputy Commander Gao.

"He told me everything."

I was stunned for a moment. I simply couldn't believe that Deputy Commander Gao would tell Dongzhu everything. Didn't he intend to protect his wife? Didn't he know that this would ruin the sisterly relationship between Xia Lan and Dongzhu? Didn't he even think of leaving a shred of dignity for the girl who died for him?

I wasn't looking in a mirror, but I could roughly guess my expression right now.

"You must be wondering why he told me everything, right?" From my expression, the clever Dongzhu guessed my question: "Keeping a secret that makes you feel guilty isn't easy. The deeper the guilt, the more you want to confide in others to lessen the demons tormenting your heart."

At this moment, I completely believed Dongzhu's words. The fact that Vice Marshal Gao wept at Qiuju's grave meant he still deeply loved her. Under Dongzhu's pressure, it was understandable that he couldn't resist confessing the truth.

A sense of utter despair washed over me. I asked in a low voice, "Then why did you come to me if you already know?"
"To thank you. Without your help, I would never have found the answer." Dongzhu calmly put on her heat-resistant gloves and opened the pot to let the steam escape.

I was bewildered. My help? What had I helped with? Had Dongzhu discovered something during our conversation? The girl's words made me panic. I wondered what I had said wrong that day.

A recording? Dongzhu listened to that recording! She could come and go as she pleased in my house, copy the audio while I was away, and then use software to crack the password.

That must be it! There's no other possibility! I was too careless! Knowing it was dangerous, I didn't handle it in time!

I rushed into the bedroom anxiously. Although I had changed the file name and moved its location, with Dongzhu's intelligence, finding it wouldn't be difficult.

The computer was off, not like anyone had touched it, but just as I was about to turn it on to check, Dongzhu, who was standing outside the door, revealed a sly smile: "Hey, that video, it really is related to my brother-in-law."

I turned to look at the girl, and she shrugged: "I was lying to you, I didn't ask him anything, and he didn't confess to anything."

I've been tricked...

I'm so stupid, I actually fell into Dongzhu's trap. She didn't ask Vice Commander Gao anything, but used this as an excuse to test me.

Such a smart girl, and such a foolish me.

Being schemed against by a girl eight years younger than myself, I felt an indescribable humiliation. Dongzhu gave a mocking laugh, then calmly left the bedroom. I stood there like a defeated rooster, speechless, filled with an unprecedented anger.

Why? Why did I let you fool me? I was only trying to protect your other sister, and you, this little brat, know absolutely nothing about the situation!

Leave! Leave here! Leave my home!

I rushed outside, determined to get rid of Dongzhu by any means necessary. I couldn't let her control me. How could a grown man be controlled by such a young girl?

But when I reached the living room, I saw her taking a hot pot from the kitchen and placing it on the dining table.

"What's this?" I asked, bewildered. Dongzhu ladled the soup into a bowl and answered matter-of-factly, "Radish and pork shank soup with chicken feet. As a Chinese person, don't you even know this common soup?"

"Of course I know radish and pork shank soup with chicken feet. I'm asking why you're making soup in my house?"

"Didn't I say I came to thank you? So it's only natural that I'd cook you dinner." Dongzhu looked at the pile of empty instant noodle cups in my trash can, her tone teasing. "Anyway, no one else will cook for you, right?"
My face flushed. This little sister was indeed quite arrogant. Dongzhu ignored me, filled a bowl, and handed it to me. "Try it and see how it tastes."

I took it with a belly full of doubt. The hot soup reflected my face. I didn't understand why I had to drink the soup that should be called a stranger's. Dongzhu teased, "Don't drink it. It's poisoned. I'm here to avenge my second sister and poison you, you heartless man."

I grunted and poured the soup into my mouth, then spat it out. "Hot! So hot!"

Dongzhu said irritably, "I saw it just come out and you still poured it in. You deserve to be burned to death. To kill someone like you, we don't even need poison."

"Xue... Xue..." I slurred, not having time to argue with her anymore.

I'm not exactly good at dealing with women, let alone how to get rid of an uninvited guest. After all, it's hard for a man to report to the police that a sixteen-year-old girl has barged into my house and cooked dinner.

"What's wrong? Aren't you going to eat? As a semi-teacher, don't you know that wasting food is a shameful act?"
Dongzhu filled the table with dishes, eating her own portion without a care in the world, her face still showing that indifferent expression.

"I just finished dinner and came back." I refused outright, but Dongzhu, knowing all about it, said, "It's 9:36 now. Tutoring ends at 9:00. It's a 20-minute drive back from there, plus walking time. Unless you're ignoring the rule against eating on the train, you probably ate on the train."

"You even know this so clearly? Anyway, you're shameless, so I don't need to be polite. I'll eat! Do you really think you've poisoned me?" I mumbled, feeling a little embarrassed and unable to refuse. I picked up my chopsticks, took a bite, and the taste was surprisingly good.

I hadn't eaten a home-cooked meal in years. I shoveled mouthfuls of white rice into my mouth, and this little girl's behavior was disgusting, though she was a surprisingly good cook.

"How is it? Is it worse than Second Sister's?" Dongzhu asked smugly, waving her chopsticks. I didn't want to talk to her, but still ate casually, replying, "Do you think Qiuju will cook dinner for me?"

"True, I don't think I've ever seen Second Sister cook. What about Eldest Sister?"

"Xiaolan doesn't either…wait, oh?" The words slipped out, and I realized I'd said the wrong thing. Dongzhu looked at me with a sly look, a slight smirk on her lips: "Oh, it's Xiaolan…"

A chill ran through me, afraid she'd pursue the matter further. The girl waved her hand, saying, "Don't worry, I'm here to repay you today. I won't make things difficult for you. Anyway, you probably already guessed what I need to know without me saying it."

Ugh, this is such an annoying girl.

The food wasn't bad, but it was tasteless. I just wanted to get rid of her as soon as possible. Dongzhu casually glanced around the house a few times and asked in a relaxed tone, "Do you have a girlfriend now?"

I didn't answer, knowing what she was going to say to put me down again. Dongzhu nodded, answering her own question, "It's pointless for me to ask. There's not a trace of womanly atmosphere here. How could there be? It seems that apart from my sister, no woman would be interested in you."

Hearing the deliberately emphasized "sister," I didn't know if she was referring to Qiuju or Xialan.
"How much is the rent here?" the girl suddenly asked. I didn't want to talk to her, but I still reluctantly answered, "Ten thousand."
"Ha, you do a cheap job and also work part-time as a teacher. Paying this kind of rent must be very difficult. No wonder you don't have a girlfriend."

I felt like I was wasting my time even replying to her.

"How about this, I'll let you rent out half the room, that'll ease your financial burden a bit?"

Dongzhu's sudden suggestion almost made me vomit up the rice I'd just swallowed. "You'll rent out half?"
Dongzhu nodded, her smile fading. "Yes, my second sister passed away a year ago, and my mother still can't accept it. Seeing her room every day reminds her of her, and her mental state is getting worse. My eldest sister suggested they move in with her and her husband, and they agreed."

"What does that have to do with renting out half the room?"

Dongzhu said seriously, "I don't like living in other people's homes."

"Hey, isn't this someone else's home? And didn't you say I'm a murderer? Why are you sending me to the lion's den?"

Dongzhu shook her head and said, "After observing for a while, I think the chances of my second sister committing suicide because of you are very low. You're a useless man, not worth dying for. I don't think my second sister's death was because of you."

I was both amused and exasperated by her reasoning: "Then should I thank you for clearing my name?"

Dongzhu stared at me fiercely and said, "Don't laugh! I'm not joking with you, that was my second sister's life!"
I had no idea how to talk to this girl, so I calmly said, "Okay, then I'll be serious with you. Since your parents are still unable to get over the pain of losing their daughter, shouldn't you, as their daughter, stay by their side instead of moving away and leaving?"

"This is my family matter, you don't have to worry about it. Anyway, I'll move in tomorrow, you can prepare a room for me."
I was annoyed by her self-righteousness and said, "Don't mess around! What do you think you're saying is how..."
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