“There are no ‘what ifs’ when it comes to feelings,” Zhong Hua interrupted her, turning his gaze back to the ward. “Besides, you’re Ayu’s sister, and also my… friend.” She paused before managing to utter the word “friend.” In truth, her feelings for Lin Wanqing were far more complex than friendship; there was gratitude, sympathy, and a subtle, almost imperceptible, concern.
The bright moonlight streamed through the window at the end of the corridor, casting long shadows of the two. Lin Wanqing looked at Zhong Hua's tired profile and ultimately swallowed back the words, "I'm planning to move out." She knew now was not the time; Zhong Hua's mother was still ill, and Ah Yu was at a crucial stage in restarting her career. She couldn't add to their burdens.
However, seeing the unspoken understanding between Zhong Hua and Ah Yu, the sense of responsibility she felt as an "older sister" would always sting her unintentionally. Perhaps, leaving was the best choice.
[Part Three: The Studio's Blueprint and Missed Calls]
Ah Yu's studio is located in a cultural and creative park converted from an old factory. The space is open, with exposed pipes hanging from the high ceiling and mottled industrial traces remaining on the walls. He is hunched over a long table revising design drafts. Various tools and reference materials are scattered on the table, and several picture frames are piled in the corner, containing his recent works, mostly dark-toned urban landscapes with a kind of oppressive beauty.
The phone rang on the table, and the name "Brother Chen" appeared on the screen. Ah Yu casually swiped to answer it.
"Ayu, that batch of materials should arrive tomorrow. Is your site okay?" It was the voice of the business partner on the other end of the phone.
"No problem, everything's ready." Ah Yu rubbed her temples. "Brother Chen, thank you so much for your help this time. If it weren't for you..."
"Don't be so polite with me!" Brother Chen laughed heartily. "You're a talented kid. You were just kept down by that bastard Gu Yanting before. Now you're free to fly! By the way, there's an industry party next weekend. I've signed you up. Come and meet some people; it'll be good for your restart."
"Thank you, Brother Chen. I'll think about it."
After hanging up the phone, Ah Yu couldn't concentrate on looking at the design drafts. He walked to the window, watching the people strolling in twos and threes in the park below, his mind a jumble of thoughts. Starting over was easier said than done. The lingering effects of Gu Yanting's industry blacklisting were still present, and many partners were hesitant to work with him, fearing trouble.
My phone vibrated again in my pocket. This time it was a text message from an unknown number: "Mr. Yu, we are reporters from City Finance. We would like to conduct an exclusive interview with you regarding the bankruptcy case of the Gu Group. Do you have time?"
Ah Yu frowned and deleted the text message immediately. Since Gu Yanting went to prison, similar interview requests had never stopped; some were out of sympathy, some out of curiosity, and some out of a desire to uncover more inside information. He refused them all, wanting only to stay away from all the trouble and quietly focus on his design work.
But the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. He knew that as long as Gu Yanting was in prison, and as long as the three of them remained entangled, the shadows of the past would never truly dissipate.
He took out his wallet, inside which was a small group photo—taken not long after he found Lin Wanqing, when the three of them went to the park together, a rare occasion. In the photo, Lin Wanqing smiled somewhat reservedly, while Zhong Hua naturally linked arms with his. The three of them stood under a blooming cherry blossom tree, bathed in perfect sunlight.
How long ago was that? It felt like a memory from a past life. Looking at this photo now, Ah Yu felt a tightness in his chest. His feelings for Zhong Hua were genuine. From her unwavering support during the online bullying to her later risking her life to save him, these feelings had taken root and blossomed through shared hardship. But what about Lin Wanqing? The older sister he had searched for over a decade, the one he once considered his only family, was now suffering because of his feelings.
What should he choose? Should he follow his heart and embrace Zhong Hua, or should he back down to consider Lin Wanqing's feelings? This question was like a thorn stuck in his heart, bringing him subtle pain with every thought.
Part Four: Late-Night Conversations and Unhealed Scars
It was nearly eleven o'clock when Zhong Hua and Lin Wanqing returned from the hospital. Ah Yu heard the door open and came out of the studio.
"How is Mom?" he asked.
"The doctor said we'll do a thorough check-up tomorrow morning, and if everything's fine, I can be discharged in a few days." Zhong Hua put down his bag and rubbed his tired shoulders.
"That's good." Ah Yu breathed a sigh of relief, her gaze falling on Lin Wanqing. "Wanqing, you must be tired too, go and rest."
Lin Wanqing nodded without saying a word and silently went into her room.
Only Ah Yu and Zhong Hua remained in the living room. They exchanged a glance, both seeing a complex and unspoken emotion in each other's eyes.
"You're still awake?" Zhong Hua broke the silence first.
"I'm looking at design drafts." Ah Yu pointed towards the studio. "And you? You must be exhausted."
"It's alright." Zhong Hua walked to the sofa and sat down, picking up the photo album on the table and flipping through it. "Wanqing said a few things to me at the hospital just now."
Ah Yu's heart tightened suddenly, and she sat down beside her: "What did she say?"
“She told me… not to worry about her.” Zhong Hua’s voice was soft, with a hint of helplessness. “Ayu, Wanqing… actually knows everything.”
Ah Yu fell silent. He knew Lin Wanqing's thoughts all too well. That seemingly fragile girl was more sensitive and stubborn than anyone else.
“I know you’re in a difficult position.” Zhong Hua looked up at him. “On one hand, there’s your sister whom you’ve been searching for for over a decade, and on the other hand…” She paused, not finishing her sentence, but her eyes were full of understanding.
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