The next thing to deal with was the crisis two days later.
For some reason, the closer the time came, the greater the unease in Shen Suian’s heart grew.
The excited voice of her good friend Cen Xi came through the phone receiver: “An’an, I’ve got good news for you. This performance was a huge success. The boss was very pleased and said he’d definitely call me for future shows, with double the pay.”
“Haha, I’ll be a rich lady soon. When that happens, I’ll take care of you.”
“Oh, and let me tell you, this island is absolutely beautiful—birds singing, flowers blooming, clear blue waters and skies. It’s like my dream home. When we get the chance, let’s come here together. You’ll definitely love it…”
Cen Xi and Shen Suian had also met at the orphanage, though it was later than when Shen Suian met Xie Yubai.
She was half a year older than Shen Suian, majored in dance in college, and had already graduated, pursuing the career she had loved since childhood.
It could be said that, aside from Xie Yubai, Cen Xi was the person who treated Shen Suian the best and, of course, the person Shen Suian cared about the most.
Shen Suian was momentarily lost in thought, unable to respond.
On the other end, Cen Xi seemed to remember something and let out a meaningful, drawn-out “Oh~.” “Look at my memory. You and Xie Yubai got your marriage certificate, right? Tsk, really. As soon as you reached the legal age, he tricked you into going to the civil affairs bureau, afraid you’d run away. And he didn’t even pick a good time, knowing full well I was out of town and couldn’t come back…”
Since childhood, Xie Yubai’s feelings for Shen Suian had never been hidden in the slightest.
Their pairing was something Cen Xi had been rooting for since they were kids.
It was sickeningly sweet and utterly addictive.
“But don’t worry, I already have gifts ready for you…”
“Xi Xi,” Shen Suian called her name softly.
“What’s wrong?” Cen Xi immediately sensed something was off and frowned. “Did Xie Yubai bully you?”
“No.” Shen Suian turned her head to look out the window, a faint smile curling her lips. “Come back as soon as your work is done. I miss you.”
“Eww~ Why are you being so mushy today?” Though Cen Xi’s words sounded teasing, her face was filled with undisguised joy. “I’ve already booked a flight and am on my way now. You’ll probably see me tomorrow.”
But Shen Suian’s next words left her stunned for a moment.
“Xi Xi, take good care of yourself from now on. Money isn’t as important as your health. Rest when you need to, be happy every day, and come back when you’re tired. Wherever we are, that’s home.”
Cen Xi’s brows furrowed tightly as she listened, a bad feeling rising in her heart. “An’an, did something happen? Tell me. I’ll help you figure it out.”
She put on her earphones and quickly sent a message to Xie Yubai.
There was no reply from him, as if he was busy.
Cen Xi grew increasingly anxious, wishing she could fly back immediately.
Shen Suian’s words inexplicably gave off the feeling of a last testament.
The person on the other end of the phone continued speaking on her own: “Also, if you come back and I’m not here, you must stick with Xiao Bai. Trust him. And if possible, let him… live on.”
As for “letting Xie Yubai live on,” Shen Suian wasn’t too worried.
Because in that dream, Xie Yubai not only survived but also lived a good life.
Still, she said it to give herself a little more peace of mind.
What she didn’t know was that as she finished speaking these words, Cen Xi on the other end was panicking, her hand holding the phone trembling, caught between laughing and not laughing: “An’an, your words are giving me the creeps. Also, regarding Xie Yubai, it’s better if you handle him. You know his temperament—who else can keep him in check besides you?”
She took a deep breath and asked, “Where are you?”
“At home.”
Cen Xi slowly let out a sigh, her voice still trembling slightly: “Stay at home for now. I’ll be there by noon tomorrow.”
“Is Xie Yubai on a mission?”
“No.”
“That’s perfect. I’ve already messaged him to go home and stay with you.” Cen Xi arranged everything clearly, “Don’t overthink things. No matter how big the problem is, Xie Yubai and I will handle it for you.”
She thought Shen Suian had contracted some incurable illness, which was why she spoke this way.
Shen Suian didn’t say anything more, smiling as she agreed: “Alright.”
She hung up the phone, glanced down at the bright red notification badge with the number 2 on WeChat, and after a moment’s thought, clicked on it.
It was from Song Yuanxing.
[Song Yuanxing]: Senior, hello, I’m Song Yuanxing from the College of Physical Education, a junior. Do you remember me?
[Song Yuanxing]: Senior, I’m free anytime. You can message me whenever—it’s no trouble at all.
Her slender fingers tapped on the phone keyboard before sending a reply.
[Lan An]: Sorry, I don’t know any martial arts secrets, but I know someone who does.
[Lan An]: I’ll refer him to you. The rest is up to you.
[Song Yuanxing]: Thank you, Senior. You’re really kind.
He also sent a cute thank-you sticker.
Shen Suian didn’t reply further.
If she wasn’t mistaken, during the first dream, Song Yuanxing was standing beside Xie Yubai.
As for how things would unfold from here, it seemed to have nothing to do with her anymore.
She tilted her head, resting it against the rope of the swing. Her chestnut-colored hair cascaded down, strands of it drifting in the wind, floating in the air.
The light brown knit sweater made her appear especially slender, with thin shoulders and a clear, graceful shoulder line. Her tea-colored eyes reflected the dilapidated scene in the courtyard, as if she could empathize with it.
With willow-leaf eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, skin as smooth as jade, and lips naturally red without any makeup, her face was slightly pale, resembling a delicate and beautiful porcelain doll—fragile and easily broken.
Tomorrow would be November 1st. Shen Suian felt the strength within her gradually fading, growing weaker and weaker.
Though nothing was happening now, she had already guessed her fate.
A predetermined destiny.
Unavoidable…
But she was unwilling.
Was her life merely meant to pave the way for others?
Why?
Her hand gripping the swing rope tightened continuously, veins bulging on the back of her pale hand.
“Suisui.”
A unique voice trembled slightly, as if afraid.