Chapter 81 Zan Ya will not be a supporting character in other people's lives.

I like Chengyi.

I was arranged by Cheng Yi to become friends with Yu Wu.

***

No one knows that I was actually the first person to like Chengyi.

When did it start? Probably a long, long time ago.

I was still young then, and I met Chengyi at my parents' dinner party. Although we were the same age, he was already a head taller than me, exuding an air of nobility, with delicate and cold eyes, a roguish charm that still lingered on his face, and a condescending indifference when he looked at people.

He doesn't seem like a good person.

Later I realized I hadn't misjudged him.

Ao Ziye, holding a car key, excitedly dragged Cheng Yi to the courtyard to secretly drive the car. Cheng Yi lazily followed him, and as he passed me, who was staring blankly, he gave me a casual glance with his dark eyes. Their figures disappeared down the corridor, and I, feeling conflicted and afraid, quietly followed them alone.

I originally wanted to advise them that junior high school students shouldn't drive.

Upon arriving at the outdoor parking lot, Ao Ziye eagerly got into the driver's seat, while Cheng Yi crossed his arms and refused to get in, even reminding him, "You're underage and can't drive."

Ao Ziye called him a lunatic and was whispering a scolding for his cowardice when a thunderous roar exploded behind him.

"Ao Ziye!"

I turned my head and saw Ao Ziye's father looking furious.

Ao Ziye was so frightened that he ran away in all directions. Cheng Yi, on the other hand, had a slight smile on his lips, watching the show with great leisure.

That's really wicked.

As if he had heard my thoughts, he turned his head to look at me, his linear eyes slightly raised, his dark pupils unfathomable, bringing an indescribable sense of oppression that crashed straight into my heart.

His demeanor was like that of a fox. That kind of aloof, wicked fox; just one fleeting glance from him was like a fishhook, stealing my soul.

At that moment, all I could hear was the pounding of my own heart.

Each sound was more muffled and slower than the last.

Before I could think any further, he had already left.

Ao Ziye was still howling, but I started to feel uneasy.

His obscure and indifferent gaze kept replaying in my mind.

Later I realized that I had already failed at that point.

It was just one glance.

......

Later, as I got older, due to changes in the family business, I saw the Cheng family less often. Neither he nor I liked attending parties, so the opportunities to meet became even fewer.

Later, he actually transferred to my high school.

I couldn't sleep all night after hearing the news. I was overjoyed but tried hard to suppress it, and there was also a hint of bitterness in my heart.

However, it was difficult to see him at school.

I tried to be brave, but when I was swept over by his indifferent and aloof gaze, and intimidated by his unapproachable aura, I stopped in my tracks.

His dark, calm pupils, with just one glance, made me feel as if he could see right through me. All my complicated, bitter thoughts seemed to have nowhere to hide in front of him, making me feel ashamed beyond measure.

If I'm lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him at school, I'll be overjoyed for a long time.

......

Later, Chengyi unexpectedly found me.

It was a weekend evening. I don't know how he got my number, but he called me and said he was outside my house and wanted to talk.

I can't describe how I felt at that moment; ecstasy wouldn't be an exaggeration. I let out one sharp cry after another at home, rolling around from the sofa to the bed.

I quickly settled on my clothes, fixed my hair, and even applied a little lipstick. In the mirror, I saw a round face with a touch of baby fat, eyes filled with a shy, moist look, and my teeth chattering uncontrollably.

The late autumn wind carried a desolate chill. I wore a beige cardigan on top and a dark blue knee-length skirt on the bottom.

I forced myself to walk up to him despite the chill.

My ears were burning, my breathing was heavy, and my chest was filled with a throbbing sensation.

The cold streetlights cast a shadow on his brow bone.

His expression was aloof, his thin eyelids drooping, concealing his domineering and sinister aura. He was dressed simply, in a hoodie and jeans. But on him, the clothes exuded an inexplicable air of sophistication.

My mind was racing with all sorts of fantasies, anticipating his first words and savoring every second we spent alone together. I even secretly thought we looked like a couple.

A well-behaved girl paired with a cunning man.

Until he spoke bluntly, I was jolted back into the real world.

He said a girl named Yu Wu had transferred to my class and asked if I could take care of her and become her friend.

At that moment, I was completely stunned, my mind went blank.

He knew this request was a bit difficult for me, so he pursed his lips and said softly, "I'm sorry, I know it's a bit unreasonable."

He was about to leave when he said that.

I panicked immediately.

I said, "Okay."

In a panic, she hurriedly repeated loudly to try and stop him: "I can!"

He paused, whispered a thank you, and then continued walking, leaving me with only a cold and lonely silhouette.

As night fell, his tall figure gradually disappeared into the distance.

The wind rose again, this time swirling locust leaves past my ears, and with a rustling sound, my heartbeat slowly subsided.

Those brief three minutes were time that belonged only to him and me.

Or rather, it was three minutes that belonged only to me.

*

After that, Chengyi even added me in the contact information and gave me a limited edition watch.

I saw Yuwu in class.

Well, at first glance, you'd think she was a ballet dancer.

Her limbs and neck were too slender, and her skin was dazzlingly white.

She was so engrossed in her studies that I couldn't find a reason to approach her.

Later, with my deliberate approach, she finally opened up to me, and we became good friends.

Actually, at first I was very jealous of her, the kind of intense jealousy that wished she would disappear from the world.

It would be better if she disappeared.

But after spending time with her, I found that Yu Wu was really sincere.

I know her family isn't well-off, but when she finds out I like a certain IP's plush toy, she'll save up money to buy it for me.

Seven hundred yuan is nothing to me, but it's almost her monthly living expenses.

Clearly, she likes it very much too.

But she only bought it for me.

What I couldn't tell her was that my family actually had a whole room full of such dolls. As far as I knew, she only had one tattered Abebe teddy bear.

......

Later, Chengyi messaged me, hoping I would convey to Yuwu that she could accept his friend request.

My heart felt heavy and dry. I stood there stunned for a long time before I finally gritted my teeth and typed out the word "good" with great difficulty.

I carefully concealed my bittersweet thoughts and tried my best to convey them to Yuwu objectively and truthfully.

I said, "A guy wants to get to know you and sent you a friend request. He asked me to help him."

Yu Wu shook her head indifferently, saying she didn't want to.

Although I was very upset, I still tried to persuade her and told her that the boy was a very good person.

Yu Wu just shook her head, a faint sadness flashing in her eyes. She forced a smile, patted me, and said, "Let's not talk about this anymore. I'll treat you to ice cream."

The intense emotions within me overwhelmed me, and my heart felt like it was being gripped tightly.

Finally, I said, "Okay."

I must admit, I also had a little bit of selfish motive.

Actually, I should have given Yuwu more advice.

But I selfishly stopped the conversation.

In other words, if I were to persuade her to accept that Cheng Yi's perfect score was 100%, I would have only achieved 20%.

When we arrived at the school supermarket, Yu Wu handed me the ice cream, her eyes clear and innocent. At that moment, my own despicable nature seemed utterly exposed.

The icy-cold ice cream melted in my mouth, a hint of sweetness seeping into my taste buds. I lowered my eyes and silently vowed, Yuko, just this once.

Let me be selfish just this once.

Later, I still broke this vow; I was selfish more than once.

Far more than that.

......

After returning, I conveyed Yu Wu's message to Cheng Yi.

Cheng Yi remained silent for a long time before finally sending a few words.

This is troublesome.

I turned off my phone, took a deep breath, and didn't reply to him.

I feel really bad and want to cry.

My whole heart was being repeatedly fried in a frying pan, oozing a sour and bitter taste.

*

Later, Chengyi sent me another watch, and I had no further contact with him.

It wasn't until he got into a fight with Ke Yanchen that news came from the school that he was going to transfer schools.

During those days, I felt lightheaded. I often walked unsteadily around campus, and I couldn't stop wanting to cry.

The thought that I will never have the chance to even catch a glimpse of him again breaks my heart.

Surprisingly, Chengyi messaged me again.

He said he was going abroad and wanted to see Yu Wu one last time. He said he was waiting for her downstairs at her house and hoped I would pass on his message.

I gripped my phone tightly, my fingertips turning white, biting the soft flesh in my mouth, and looked up, my eyes already brimming with tears.

Do you really like it that much?

Those dark thoughts kept creeping into my mind. I took a deep breath and kept telling myself, "Zan Ya, you can't do that. You have to tell Yu Wu."

We must not allow a cliché scenario of falling out over a male friend to unfold.

I suppressed the evil thoughts in my mind and relayed the message to Yuwu.

I said, "The boy who wanted to get to know you last time is transferring schools and would like to see you."

It took a long time for Yuwu to reply to me.

She said, "I don't want to see it."

......

That night, Nanhai City experienced the heaviest rainstorm I can remember. The sky seemed to have been torn open, and the rain poured down.

As I looked out the window at the thick curtain of dark rain and listened to the rumbling of the rain, I couldn't help but wonder if Cheng Yi was still waiting for her downstairs.

He beat Ke Yanchen so badly he ended up in the hospital, and he himself was also seriously injured. What if he gets caught in the rain, catches a cold, and his wounds become infected?

I couldn't sleep all night, hugging my knees and staring blankly at the rain outside the window.

At five o'clock in the morning, filled with worry, I knocked on my parents' door and begged my father to take me to Yuwu's house.

My father thought I was just being silly, but my mother was so worried that she almost cried. She forced my father to get up and drive me to Yuwu's house.

In the pitch-black rain, raindrops pounded on the ground, splashing everywhere, and all you could hear was the sound of the rain.

Under the cold streetlights, the boy still stood stubbornly downstairs, his whole body soaked. Beside him were his parents, who were trying to hold an umbrella for him, bending slightly, and earnestly advising him.

It's hard to describe how much pain I felt. I felt like my heart was being clenched, being stabbed repeatedly with sharp ice hammers, flesh and blood flying everywhere, leaving only a bone-chilling cold in my heart.

My father never smokes in front of me, but that night he didn't say a word. He just stared at the boy outside the car window and smoked for a long time in silence.

At 7 a.m., Cheng Yi got into the car and left.

My father shifted his gaze to me, his eyes silently questioning me.

I lowered my head and mumbled, "Let's go."

On the way back, the father and daughter remained silent.

When I got home, my father told me to get some sleep first.

A few days later, my mother came to my room, chatted about random things, and finally said with a mix of helplessness and affection, "Ya Ya is all grown up now, and she has someone she likes."

I kept my head down and didn't say a word.

My mother pulled me into her warm embrace, gently stroking my back, and whispered, "Our Xiaoya is a good girl, and she will meet someone who appreciates you."

With tears in my eyes, I looked up at my mother's gentle and graceful face.

My mother knows everything.

*

Yuwu replied to my message early the next morning, saying that she was at her hometown last night, and the rain was so heavy that the cell tower was damaged, so she couldn't send messages or make calls.

I was in a bad mood, so I asked her if she could get to school on Monday. We then chatted casually for a few minutes.

I didn't tell her that Chengyi had waited in the rain all night.

Chengyi never sent me any more messages.

I think I'll never see him again, and we'll never have any contact again.

*

Time flies, my high school years slipped through my fingers, and in the blink of an eye, I arrived at university.

The dormant profile picture lit up again, but the content was still irrelevant to me.

Cheng Yi would occasionally ask me about Yu Wu's recent situation, and each time he finished asking, he would give me a watch.

It's always like this, like a consultation fee, with everything clearly divided.

University life is colorful, and Yuwu and I often fly to visit each other.

I'm very happy when I'm with her, but whenever I'm with her and think of Chengyi, there's always a subtle pang of sadness.

Yuwu's kindness to me often makes me feel ashamed.

When my internship was going poorly, she flew all the way to my apartment building late at night, carrying flowers and my favorite plush toy, and rushed over to give me a warm and enthusiastic hug.

Even though she's been working late lately, she'll come looking for me no matter what because of a casual complaint I made.

*

Yu Wu's parents fell ill, so she flew back from Dongning City to take care of them. Perhaps she was also tired of this life of traveling back and forth, so she quit her job in Dongning City.

She unexpectedly met Ke Yanchen on a blind date and decided to be with him to get revenge.

After much hesitation, I finally told Chengyi the news.

I harbored some sordid motive, so I simply stated that Yu Wu and Ke Yanchen were together, without explaining that Yu Wu wanted to be with Ke Yanchen out of a sense of "revenge".

Cheng Yi would only believe that Yu Wu still "deeply loves" Ke Yanchen.

I thought with despair and sadness, "This should make you give up on her, right?"

Will I see that I'm actually doing just fine next to Yuwu?

It took them several days to reply to me.

He said: "Okay."

There was only one word, but I could imagine how he typed it with all his might, with despair and grief.

I think I can't be that kind of person.

I struggled, but I still told him the truth.

Two weeks later, Cheng Yi returned to China.

*

When I saw Cheng Yi again, those hidden things that I had deliberately buried deep in the abyss came rushing towards me like a cold wind, whistling sharply.

The vines of inner torment and aching emotions grew wildly, waving and leaping upwards, intertwining and tightening, making it almost impossible to breathe.

He had grown taller and more muscular, exuding a raw, untamed energy ready to erupt at any moment. His handsome face, aloof and cold, framed a deep, dark gaze. He emanated a sharp, commanding presence honed by years of navigating high positions; a single glance was enough to convey an overwhelming sense of power and authority.

Whenever Cheng Yi is around, my ears are filled with noise, my heart is pounding, and my breathing is rapid. I always make a point of avoiding looking into his eyes.

His pupils beneath his brows were so deep and sharp that they could see through so much.

In fact, the fog was always there whenever I was present.

All he could see was the gloomy fog.

In his eyes, I was probably a gray background, while the gloom was the only vibrant color.

It's okay, I silently comforted myself.

Just looking at the hem of his clothes makes me happy.

Loving someone doesn't necessarily mean you have to be together.

......

Yu Wu told me that she had decided to be brave and try being with Cheng Yi. At that moment, I was genuinely happy for her, but also felt sad for myself.

The thought that I hope she is doing well outweighs my sorrow.

That night, Shu Yueqiao and I waited early at Yunwu Mountain. I brought all kinds of photography equipment, intending to capture the most beautiful aspects of the misty mountains.

That night, the misty mountain was absolutely stunning. It felt like being in a sea of ​​Ecuadorian roses, with all sorts of handcrafted candles and vintage oil paintings, revealing his unabashed and blatant love for mist.

Despite his reserved and aloof nature, he was actually willing to give Yu Wu a grand confession of love.

Until news came that Yu Wu and Ke Yanchen were together.

Even we outsiders find it unbelievable, let alone Chengyi's feelings at the time.

That evening, I accompanied Yuwu to Cheng's house. When she came out of Cheng's house, she walked unsteadily, like an empty doll without cotton.

When I found her, she was squatting on the ground, silently breaking down and crying.

Her crying broke my heart.

I don't understand why God plays such a cruel trick on people.

She was clearly on the verge of happiness.

......

Later I heard that Cheng Yi was publicly denied, labeled as a mistress, and subjected to all sorts of malicious speculation that "he was impotent" and a spineless coward who couldn't get hard.

During that time, Cheng Yi became addicted to noisy parties, started using alcohol to numb himself, and even lived a life of debauchery.

I even went to see it secretly.

He was drunk, but he didn't lose his composure at all; only his ears were slightly flushed and his pupils were slightly unfocused. Even when I quietly sat three meters away from him, his sharp gaze would instantly frighten me.

Like a sharp knife, gleaming with a cold, sinister light.

I dare not approach him.

In the end, I left in a sorry state.

I thought he would hate Yuwu.

After all, no man could bear such humiliation.

Unexpectedly, he actually swallowed this immense humiliation, admitting in the world of fame and fortune that he was a mistress, sacrificing his dignity by stripping away his skin, and jumping into the sea of ​​public opinion.

Of course I know how arrogant he is; his pride and self-esteem would never allow anyone to touch him.

I wasn't the only one who was taken aback; everyone in the entire northern part of the city was baffled.

Can you really love someone so much that you'd throw away your self-respect and pride?

I meticulously examined every detail of Ke Yanchen's confession, spending countless days and nights lost in thought, yet I still couldn't believe that Cheng Yi would so readily admit to being the other woman.

If it were me, and Chengyi humiliated me like that, I think I would really give up.

*

When Yuwu gave me her tattered teddy bear, Abebe, I really wanted to throw it away and buy her a new one.

Around that time, Shu Yueqiao contacted me through matchmaking by her parents, but I refused to tell them that I needed to mend my friend's doll.

Later, I don't know how Chengyi found out, but he came to my house asking me for this teddy bear.

He was still incredibly handsome, and his khaki trench coat made him look clean and refined, melting away the cold and unapproachable aura he usually exuded.

My heart was pounding, and I didn't know where to put my hands. I lowered my head, avoiding his eyes, and breathed heavily as I said, "This teddy bear is so worn out; it'll be hard to find someone willing to mend it."

He gave a lazy "hmm".

I didn't understand, so I looked up at him.

He said in a deep voice, "I'll do it myself."

I didn't understand.

He forcefully took the teddy bear from my hand, thanked me quietly, and left.

I stood alone at the door for a very long time.

Will Cheng Yi, this predator in the capital market, really pick up a tiny needle and sew up a tattered teddy bear?

*

I always thought I had hidden it well, and that no one should know.

Until Cheng Yi decided to settle abroad, I was hidden in the crowd at the airport that day, but Cheng Yi spotted me at a glance and then called Shu Yueqiao, who was on his way.

I realized then that my acting skills had always been terrible.

The girl's hidden feelings were suddenly exposed, and the string that had been taut for years snapped. My emotions, like a burst dam, overwhelmed me instantly, erupting into the most pathetic and turbulent breakdown and sobbing of my life.

......

So my acting is really that bad? Will Cheng Yi and Yu Wu see through my despicable and filthy behavior?

It turns out that I have always been exposed in Cheng Yi's eyes, but does Yu Wu know everything about my despicable nature?

I don't want to lose Yuwu.

I just feel like I'm a jerk.

Falling in love with my best friend's man is something I find most unbearable, and ironically, I'm the one who started it all!

I just want to breathe and survive in the gaps between friendship and love.

Shu Yueqiao looked at me squatting on the ground, breaking down and crying. His icy eyes showed a mixture of helplessness and confusion.

He squatted down, clumsily took out a handkerchief, and wiped away my tears and snot, ruining my makeup in the process.

The hurried travelers at the airport all turned their heads and stared at me curiously.

I cried without caring about my appearance, crying however I felt to vent my emotions. I think I must have looked awful, like a vengeful ghost.

I have never been so miserable in my life.

Never.

Shu Yueqiao's gentle face showed no sign of disgust, and he finally carried me into the car.

He really didn't know how to comfort the girl, so he held me in his broad chest, patting me gently and softly, trying to soothe me and stop me from crying.

Seeing his clumsy movements, my tears gradually dried up.

In the cramped car interior, the air gradually thinned, and the man's and woman's breaths began to mingle.

My nostrils were filled with his cool fragrance. I was exhausted from crying, and my whole body felt weak. I leaned against his warm embrace and felt a strange sense of peace.

Suddenly, I looked up at him with my wet, swollen eyes and said, "Let's get married."

He paused for a moment, then asked in a hoarse voice if he had made up his mind.

I nodded.

Now that I'm married to Shu Yueqiao, Yu Wu shouldn't doubt that I like Cheng Yi anymore.

Even if Yuwu has doubts, she'll just think I've let go.

I really don't want to lose Yuwu.

Therefore, between love and friendship, I ultimately chose friendship.

The gloom was well worth it.

Of all my friends, I most wish Yuwu happiness. She has walked a long road alone, drifting like duckweed for a long time, and I hope she can find a place to settle down.

I have a friend who possesses the purest and most innocent soul in the world, and I hope she will always be loved.

And I,

I thought to myself, I never want to be a gray background in Cheng Yi's eyes again.

I know I'm selfish yet kind, imperfect, a good person, but also harboring a darker side. I'm brave yet afraid, prone to making mistakes, and possess the baseness inherent in human nature. I'm a terrible friend, but also her unwavering support. Caught in these conflicting situations, I often lose myself.

But one thing is certain.

—I want to be myself.

I deserve it too.

*

It must be admitted that Shu Yueqiao is a very suitable person to get married.

Even though his ideal woman lives in his heart.

It's okay, he has his white moonlight, and I have my cinnabar mole.

It seems like neither of us owes the other anything.

No matter how late it is at the airport when I'm on a business trip, I always see him the moment I land.

As long as he gets off work earlier than me, there will always be delicious food at home, all of which are my favorite flavors.

He will remember all anniversaries, and he will also remember my special days during my period.

In front of our parents, we leaned on each other, just like a real couple.

When I meet with friends, Shu Yueqiao will take good care of me and keep my secret.

I think I'm gradually becoming dependent on him.

*

We didn't have a marital life after getting married; we each lived our own lives.

It wasn't until both sets of parents started urging them, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

I thought that having a child and then getting a divorce would give both sets of parents an explanation.

That night I drank some wine, and when he came back, I shyly revealed my silk nightgown.

Alcohol is a wonderful thing; it was the first time I truly understood the beauty of the phrase "infatuated and confused."

I responded to him awkwardly.

In the end, he actually managed to hold on.

His deep, warm voice seemed to possess a certain magic as it entered my ears.

"You've been drinking, and I don't want you to be confused the first time you drink."

My mind was foggy at the time, so I just fell asleep.

Later, my neighbor's brother came back and had some unpleasant friction with Shu Yueqiao.

Until one night, after he had a few drinks, he came home and insisted on pushing my skirt up to see what kind of tattoo I had.

A night of absurdity.

After it was over, he gently hugged me, comforted me, and asked in a deep voice if I would regret it.

My head was spinning and my body was exhausted. Holding his strong waist, I felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and happiness.

In the last second before falling asleep, I was still thinking about sharing this with Yuwu tomorrow.

So this is what it feels like...

When I woke up in his arms the next morning, I didn't dare look him in the eyes.

Yeah, I'm shy.

I am extremely shy.

Although Shu Yueqiao tried to remain calm, his flushed ears betrayed his true feelings.

He asked me if I wanted to do it again.

Before I could answer, he had already captured my heart with eager passion.

......

I excitedly ran to share it with Yuwu, but just as I was about to speak, I stopped myself.

It seems I can't let Yuwu know that he and I are only sleeping together now.

I sighed, feeling so conflicted and unable to express myself.

The next day, Yuwu invited me to her house for dinner.

At the dinner table, Yu Zi asked Cheng Yi to hand me my favorite orange juice.

I lowered my eyes and took it from Cheng Yi's hand. My fingertips accidentally touched his fingers, and I pulled back as if I had been electrocuted. The orange juice fell and spilled all over the floor.

Yu Zi quickly got up to tidy up, and Cheng Yi took the tools from Yu Zi's hands. Only Shu Yueqiao gave me a cryptic glance.

That one glance held so many emotions.

At the dinner table, Shu Yueqiao acted normally, helping me to protect this secret and my friendship with Yu Zi.

When we got home, we had an argument.

Shu Yueqiao questioned me: "Do you still like Cheng Yi?"

I couldn't stand his questioning, so I retorted, saying that we agreed when we got married that neither of us would interfere with the other's relationship, and if we couldn't stand it, we would get a divorce.

Shu Yueqiao laughed in exasperation, stared at me for a few moments with disappointment, then turned and left.

I was terrified that he would do something stupid, like telling Yuko the secret, so I held onto him tightly and wouldn't let him leave.

Finally, we hugged each other tightly, tears streaming down my face, and his eyes were wet too.

He held me tightly, as if he wanted to meld me into his body.

It was that warm hug that dispelled all my anxiety.

His voice, firm and devout, came from above me as I spoke, my body tense to the point of almost being unable to breathe.

"...Yaya."

"Don't like him."

This moment can erase all human suffering; at this moment, all I want to do is embrace.

After a life of wandering and hardship, my oddly shaped ship has finally sailed into my harbor.

*

I never expected that Yu Wu would eventually find out about my crush on Cheng Yi.

When Shu Yueqiao told me this news over the phone, I felt ice-cold all over and couldn't breathe.

I know I'm going to lose Yuwu.

But to my surprise, when I finished my work and came downstairs to the company, I was met with a thick, red fog.

The cold wind howled, and the drizzle fell. Her nose was red from the cold, but she walked towards me step by step.

I even considered the worst-case scenario, thinking she would slap me.

But she just hugged me and then sobbed.

I don't understand why she's so sad.

When she broke up with Cheng Yi, she silently broke down in tears.

She said in a hoarse voice, "Ya Ya, I'm sorry."

We talked a lot that night, and we both cried a lot.

I told her all the despicable things I had ever done, and she didn't blame me. She said she felt sorry for me.

She said that if she had known she liked Chengyi, she wouldn't have been with him. She also said that now, she can't give up Chengyi. She added that she can't give me up either.

I know she was telling the truth.

Scholar Dai Jinhua once said, "In the mainstream societal perception, women do not have friendships. Women's friendships exist during their girlhood, and then end with the intervention and arrival of men."

Even though we each have partners and are entangled in complicated relationships, our friendship remains steadfast.

In some ways, I have always lived a happy life.

Later, I finally dared to look Chengyi in the eye openly.

That obsession that originated in my high school days and lasted for many years has also been gently let go of.

Regardless of love or friendship, I can finally honestly face the despicable self who once stood in the shadows.

Girls, don't play a supporting role in someone else's life.

-----------------------

Author's Note: Zan Ya's story, "Yet There Is Affection," is now available for pre-order.

Adorable and innocent girl * Gentle and sophisticated rogue

Arranged marriage that blossoms into love, a sweet romance novel

Zan Ya and Shu Yueqiao each have a white moonlight in their hearts.

Then they got married.

The two agreed not to fall in love with each other, and that marriage was merely a facade for their parents and families.

Shu Yueqiao, however, watched coldly as his wife and her neighbor's brother grew closer, his heart burning with jealousy.

So he couldn't help but ask his friend for advice on how to pursue girls.

My friend chuckled and said, "Your wife has a man's initials on her leg, didn't you know?"

The jealousy in his heart was burning Shu Yueqiao to the point of losing his mind. He rushed home and, facing his wife's timid eyes, he touched the hem of her skirt.

His voice was hoarse: "Don't worry, I'm just checking."

*A sweet little story about an arranged marriage that blossoms into love.