24. It's like acting out a confession.

◎“They weren’t acting.”◎

“If you want to talk, I’ll listen.” Jian Liyun gently patted Yan Sui’s back. “But right now I can sense that you don’t actually want to talk.”

"Don't force yourself in front of me."

Yan Sui didn't speak for a while before saying in a muffled voice, "I'm sorry to have disturbed your rest. You should have been very tired today."

Jian Liyun was extremely gentle. "I am a little tired, but I am more worried about you."

Yan Sui pulled away from Jian Liyun's embrace, her eyes blurry with tears as she looked at Jian Liyun, "Liyun."

Yan Sui, with tears in her eyes, possesses a delicate, fragile beauty.

Jian Liyun's voice was barely audible, "I'm here."

Yan Sui's lips curled up, and with this movement, the tears that had been welling up in her eyes fell.

Her smile was forced. "There are things I can't learn either. Li Yun, it's been several years, and I still can't learn them. What should I do?"

Jian Liyun gently wiped away Yan Sui's warm tears with the pad of her index finger.

What is it that you can't learn?

Yan Sui's voice trembled, "I can't learn to accept separation."

"...It was an unexpected farewell. It was all my fault. If I hadn't left, it wouldn't have died."

In the past, Yan Sui would always choose to bear this familiar pain alone.

She can't blame anyone; in the end, she can only turn the sharp blade on herself, stabbing herself until she's covered in wounds.

In the daily torment, she seemed to have grown accustomed to this long, sharp, and dense pain.

But strangely enough, perhaps because of the prolonged pain, Yan Sui was able to strangely feel a sense of inner peace from this pain.

Back in the original world, Yan Sui quickly realized that something was wrong with her condition. She calmly went to see a doctor alone and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Yan Sui did not choose to receive treatment; this was her way of punishing herself.

Fortunately, Yan Sui is very smart. She can play Go well and knows how to hide her abnormality.

She usually endures the pain silently, but if she encounters a situation that is very similar to that accident, she will involuntarily fall into a state of stress, and in severe cases, she may even fall into a coma.

Yan Sui always thought she could bear it. No one understood her pain, and she didn't intend to show others her bloody wounds that would never heal.

But then Jian Liyun appeared.

Yan Sui thought she was the one who was going to save Jian Liyun, but Jian Liyun's gentleness was like a vast and boundless sea, completely enveloping her unease.

So this is the first time in so many years that she has taken the initiative to reveal her true thoughts to someone other than a psychologist.

Jian Liyun sighed and touched Yan Sui's face. "I've noticed that you seem to really like taking all the responsibility on yourself."

Jian Liyun stretched out her right hand, pulled out a tissue, and handed it to Yan Sui, saying, "Your face is all stained from crying."

Yan Sui sobbed, "I'm sorry."

“There’s no need to apologize for this,” Jian Liyun said earnestly, looking at her. “Not many people can say goodbye properly; goodbyes are usually unexpected. As long as you’re good enough to that person in your daily life, that’s enough.”

"It's not..."

Yan Sui fell silent halfway through her rebuttal. She looked at Jian Liyun, her eyes filled with a fear that Jian Liyun couldn't decipher.

It wasn't a person, but a little bird.

But if Jian Liyun knew it was a bird, would she, like those other people, think I was making a mountain out of a molehill, or that I was out of my mind?

This thought stopped Yan Sui from continuing. She paused, her tone somewhat stiff: "I treated it well before... maybe I was alright, but it was definitely not the best. I owe it a lot, but I can never repay it."

Yan Sui's life before the age of eighteen was full of glory, but also full of loneliness.

That little white bird was her only solace in her lonely life.

The bird kept her company and healed her, but she killed the bird.

If it weren't for that feather, if it weren't for that gust of wind, Yan Sui wouldn't have lived to the second day of her eighteenth birthday.

But after that, the little bird did not enter her dream, and the breeze never brushed against her cheek again.

Yan Sui could only live a life of quiet suffering.

“Life is always full of regrets,” Jian Liyun hugged Yan Sui again, gently pressing Yan Sui’s head closer to her with her right hand, “but we can’t stay in the past forever.”

"Sui Sui, do you want to look ahead with me?"

Yan Sui's throat tightened. "I feel like I'll never be able to get over this in my lifetime."

Jian Liyun smiled gently: "Sui Sui, you're only in your twenties. You have a long life ahead of you, and who knows what the future holds."

"Li Yun, I'm sleepy."

Faced with Yan Sui's avoidance, Jian Liyun did not press for answers. Instead, she hugged Yan Sui and pulled her down to sleep, saying, "Go to sleep."

Yan Sui knew she should push Jian Liyun away, but her body seemed to have a mind of its own, and she even snuggled closer to Jian Liyun.

She felt a little guilty and said hesitantly, "You said you'd let me hug you when we get home. You'd be a dog if you lied."

Jian Liyun laughed out loud, "Yes, yes, it was me who insisted on hugging you."

Jian Liyun's embrace seemed to have a special magic; Yan Sui hadn't slept so peacefully in a long time.

The system, having witnessed the entire event: Although the host is pitiful, but...

How did the host end up sleeping in the same bed with the female supporting character so naturally again?!

Sleeping in the same bed is one thing, but the female supporting character even sleeps cuddling with her host?!

Even systems that don't need to breathe feel like they almost couldn't catch their breath.

...Never mind, its poor host has been through so much today, it should get some sleep first.

The next morning.

Stirring the steaming vegetable porridge in her bowl, Yan Sui held a steamed bun in her left hand and a spoon in her right, asking, "Li Yun, what time did you get up today?"

Jian Liyun took a sip of black coffee. "Seven o'clock. Breakfast was bought from a nearby breakfast shop. What would you like to eat for lunch?"

Yan Sui hesitated, then Jian Liyun picked up an egg and started peeling it. "I know, I won't just drink black coffee."

Yan Sui showed a satisfied expression.

The two finished breakfast in a pleasant and relaxed manner. Jian Liyun cleared the table and said casually, "What happened between you and Lu Shutian yesterday? If you don't tell me, I won't ask. But if this person makes you unhappy, then I won't participate in that variety show she suggested."

Before Yan Sui could speak, Jian Liyun, who had already thought of everything, continued, "I'll talk to Director Kong; she'll agree."

Yan Sui pursed her lips. "Miss Lu... is somewhat," she hesitated for a long time before deciding to use that word, "dangerous."

“Don’t meet with her privately in the future,” Yan Sui sighed. “But this variety show is indeed a good opportunity, although you probably don’t need to go.”

After all, given the tense situation between her and Lu Shutian yesterday, it's unlikely that Lu Shutian would help her invite Jin Lan's ex-girlfriend to participate in the variety show.

Jian Liyun said earnestly, "No matter what, don't force yourself. I will..."

It would break my heart.

She paused, then changed her words, "If you're unhappy, I'll be unhappy too."

The clever Yan Sui decided to put her learning to good use. She pretended to be profound and imitated what the other person had said that day: "If this were acting, your lines just now sounded like a confession."

Jian Liyun immediately realized that Yan Sui was imitating her that day, but she did not join in the jokes, but turned her head away.

"This is not acting."

"ah?"

Yan Sui scratched her head.

Why doesn't this person play by the rules?

Well, she knew it. Even in a different world, she still didn't have the talent for humor.

However, Yan Sui quickly lost interest in teasing. She bit her lower lip and glanced cautiously at Jian Liyun.

Jian Liyun didn't look at her; she tapped her index finger rhythmically on the table.

"Speak if you have something to say."

Yan Sui coughed lightly, "Where did you go after we parted ways yesterday?"

Jian Liyun remained silent for a few seconds before finally deciding to tell the truth.

"I met with He Chenyu once."

She lowered her eyes and quickly added, "It was an emergency, I had to go, I won't be going again."

Yan Sui quickly waved her hand, "No, I didn't mean to blame you."

Jian Liyun fell silent.

Yan Sui sighed, "Li Yun, don't be like this, it makes me sound like the villain who's breaking up a loving couple..."

"Who's dating him?!" Jian Liyun's voice suddenly rose.

Startled, Yan Sui raised her hands. Although she didn't know why the other person was angry, she quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I won't say that again."

Jian Liyun felt a lump in her throat, unable to breathe. Finally, she stood up angrily and left the restaurant, almost gritting her teeth, "I'm scared of you."

Yan Sui followed up in a flattering manner, taking the other's arm: "Don't be afraid of me, Li Yun, I'm not scary at all~"

"Aren't people who randomly matchmake people scary?" Jian Liyun's voice was as cold as a frozen lake in winter.

I'm innocent!

Yan Sui groaned inwardly, but outwardly she still had to continue to appease him.

She pretended to extend her right hand, "So, who do you want to be paired with? I'm a top matchmaker now, I'll tie the knot for you two."

If the female supporting character really doesn't like the male lead anymore, it's a good thing. If the person Yan Sui likes knows this, she might actually be able to help.

Jian Liyun turned around, her dark eyes, always full of stories, staring straight at Yan Sui.

Yan Sui felt a chill run down her spine from being stared at for no apparent reason. "You..."

Jian Liyun reached out her hand, hooked her little finger around Yan Sui's right little finger, and led her towards the living room.

“Hey…” Yan Sui was forced to follow the other person’s lead, “Who directly seduces a matchmaker?”

Yan Sui was led to the living room by Jian Liyun. After gesturing for Yan Sui to sit down, Jian Liyun let go of her hand and slowly picked up an apple from the fruit bowl on the coffee table to peel it.

Yan Sui was a little confused: "What are you doing now?"

Jian Liyun said in a lazy and casual tone, "Send fruit to the matchmaker, bribe her."

Yan Sui blinked: "What kind of relationship do we have? I'll do anything for you, I don't need any bribes."

Jian Liyun's hand trembled, and the apple peel she had half-peeled broke.

"real?"

Yan Sui nodded emphatically.

Jian Liyun smiled, peeled the apple, and then cut it into pieces and placed them on a plate.

"I've got it."

Yan Sui took a bite of the apple. It was crisp, sweet and juicy, and she liked it very much.

Yan Sui chewed on her apple. "Li Yun, I will definitely keep my word."

Jian Liyun took out a wet wipe and wiped her hands. Then she leaned her right arm against the back of the sofa, sat sideways, and rested her cheek on her hand while watching Yan Sui eat an apple.

With a beautiful woman beside her, Yan Sui was completely focused, her eyes only on the apple.

After eating several pieces of apple with great satisfaction, Yan Sui realized that the person who peeled the apple hadn't even had a bite yet.

She coughed lightly, "Li Yun, you eat too."

Jian Liyun's red lips parted slightly, but she didn't make any movement.

Yan Sui understood immediately and smiled obsequiously, "I'll feed her right away, I'll feed her right away. It's my honor to feed our future Best Actress an apple."

After taking a bite, Jian Liyun finally couldn't help but laugh, "Smooth talker."

However, she really liked this side of Yan Sui.

Yan Sui shrugged. "How did telling the truth become being glib? Li Yun, I've been thinking about it, and I think it's better to tell you about this."

Jian Liyun leaned completely towards her, "Sui Sui, you speak."

Yan Sui straightened her expression, "Actually, I knew you went to see He Chenyu yesterday. But don't misunderstand, I didn't investigate you. I respect your private rest time. It was Miss Lu..."

Yan Sui recounted what happened yesterday in a concise and unemotional manner.

Nevertheless, she still felt lingering fear.

So she herself didn't realize that her speech was getting faster and faster, and her voice was getting softer and softer. "Anyway, I'm glad you're okay. But I was extremely worried at the time, afraid that she might really do something reckless."

Jian Liyun wrapped her long arm around Yan Sui, and Yan Sui fell into a hug that smelled faintly of jasmine.

"So that's why you were so scared yesterday?" Her voice was full of tenderness.

Yan Sui forced a smile. "I'm sorry, I'm pretty useless. In this situation, I not only failed to help you but also scared you."

"Why would you care about me in that situation?" Jian Liyun said, feeling both distressed and angry. "You just..."

“How could I possibly abandon you?” Yan Sui interrupted without thinking. “I will definitely protect you.”

Thump, thump, thump.

Jian Liyun heard her own heart pounding like a drum at an inopportune moment.

The two were so close together that Jian Liyun thought Yan Sui must have heard it too.

After saying that, Yan Sui felt that she might have gone too far and made the other person uncomfortable, so she added a sentence as if to embellish the situation.

"After all, you're my artist, so I definitely have to ensure your safety."

"Then you'd better not have any new artists," Jian Liyun suddenly said.

Yan Sui thought for a moment, "I think I'll only have you as an artist."

After all, in the original novel, Yan Sui only had Jian Liyun as an artist until the very end.

At that time, Jian Liyun had no idea that her unintentional remark would become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and that one day in the future, she would no longer be Yan Sui's only artist.

Jian Liyun naturally put her arm around Yan Sui and held the other's fingers. "I went to see He Chenyu yesterday because I really had something to do."

Yan Sui exclaimed, "I believe you, it's okay. Besides, you're free to do whatever you want during your break."

Jian Liyun continued to squeeze Yan Sui's fingers with a serious expression. "I will try to reduce my contact with him in the future, but sometimes... I really can't help it."

Yan Sui felt increasingly uneasy as she listened. "You think he has something on you?"

Jian Liyun remained noncommittal.

Yan Sui had a bit of a headache.

"You and He Chenyu..." Yan Sui hesitated, "Would you mind telling me what exactly happened?"

Before Jian Liyun could speak, the doorbell rang.

"Did you order takeout?" they both asked in unison.

Then, both of them shook their heads.

This is bad, this is really bad.

Yan Sui tried to stand up, but Jian Liyun was faster. Jian Liyun almost forcefully pressed Yan Sui back onto the sofa. "Don't move, I'll go open the door."

Yan Sui's unease grew stronger.

"System, why do I suddenly have a feeling... the person standing outside the door might be the female lead?"

[Host, you'll find out when the female supporting character opens the door.]

Jian Liyun glanced through the peephole before opening the door.

She lowered her eyes, then turned her back to Yan Sui and said in the most natural tone, "Sui Sui, could you please get me a gray wool coat? I'm a little cold—"

"The coat is in the wardrobe on the far left of my bedroom."

Yan Sui was about to say, "Don't change the subject," but she fell silent after seeing Jian Liyun rubbing her arms.

Jian Liyun seemed genuinely taken aback by the cold.

We can't let Jian Liyun get sick at a time like this!

Yan Sui thought to herself and jogged into Jian Liyun's bedroom.

After confirming that Yan Sui was not in the living room, Jian Liyun opened the door with a blank expression.

Standing at the door was none other than Lu Shutian, dressed in a light yellow woolen long dress.

This color of fabric would normally make someone look darker, but Lu Shutian's skin was as white as snow, so it made her look even whiter.

Lu Shutian flashed her signature smile, revealing her dimples, and said, "Good morning, Senior Jian."

Not good at all.

Jian Liyun asked expressionlessly, "Miss Lu, is there something you need?"

Lu Shutian smiled and, as if by magic, produced a fruit basket from behind her.

"What a coincidence! I've moved here too. I've come to visit my neighbor. And..."

Lu Shutian stuck out her tongue, seemingly a little embarrassed, "Yesterday was too intense with my sister, and she left her glasses at my old house. I knew they were at your house, so I returned them to her."

Too intense?

Jian Liyun was almost laughing in exasperation. She blocked the doorway, saying, "I appreciate the thought, but I'll pass on the fruit basket. I have other things to do, so I won't..."

"Li Yun, you have two gray coats in your closet. Which one are you referring to?"

Yan Sui's voice came from behind.

[Author's Note]

So many comments! So many nutrient solutions! So many favorites!

Hehehehehe (laughs like a villain)

The author was so happy that he decided to surprise the author with an extra chapter!

(Runs over in a hurry) (Makes food for the readers) (Puts down the food and runs away)

Enjoy this sweet little chapter! [pleading][please][please][heart]

See you again Saturday night at midnight! Remember to come, everyone! [pity][pity][pity]