Si Yuan slipped a gray coat over her white dress, pulling the sleeves down to her wrists to ensure the scars were completely concealed.
The doorbell rang abruptly, and Si Yuan hurried to answer it.
Song Yan stood outside dressed in white, sunlight streaming from behind him yet failing to penetrate past him into the room.
He was like an impenetrable wall, blocking all light.
When Jiang Wang had come to see her earlier, Si Yuan had felt that the sky over Hai City was surprisingly blue.
Now it had turned gray again.
Song Yan’s voice was gentle, but his gaze swept past her, scanning the room behind. “Are you all packed?”
Si Yuan unconsciously took a step back and nodded.
Song Yan frowned, his eyes trailing over her heavily covered outfit. “It’s very hot today. You’ll overheat dressed like that.”
“I’m used to it,” Si Yuan replied softly, her voice barely audible.
“Alright, let’s go.” Song Yan stepped aside to make way.
Si Yuan carefully skirted around him, wary of any physical contact.
Song Yan caught a whiff of cool mint on her.
It wasn’t her usual scent.
It smelled more like men’s cologne.
Remembering the man’s voice on the phone earlier, Song Yan’s fingers tightened imperceptibly around the door handle.
Si Yuan had already gotten into the car. Song Yan closed the door for her.
But with a louder-than-expected “thud,” Si Yuan flinched violently.
Her fingers clenched her skirt, a flicker of unease crossing her face for a few seconds.
Seeing her reaction, Song Yan awkwardly released the door handle.
He got in from the other side, fastened his seatbelt, and turned to look at her.
“Xiao Yuan, tell your brother—did something happen to you abroad?”
Si Yuan shook her head, her long hair falling to cover half her face. “No, everything was fine.”
Her voice seemed to come from somewhere far away, light and weightless.
After that brief exchange, silence fell in the car.
Song Yan didn’t press further and started the engine.
He had noticed—Si Yuan was avoiding him.
Not just physically, but emotionally.
Before the incident in high school, Si Yuan used to talk a lot.
Even though she might have already been suffering Lin Shuangyu’s bullying back then, she would still smile whenever she saw Song Yan, chattering endlessly about everything.
Song Yan would always listen expressionlessly, occasionally responding with an “mm” of acknowledgment.
But at some point, this one-sided conversation had become a默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契默契
Song Yan circled around the front of the car intending to open the door for her, but Si Yuan had already opened it and stepped out.
Song Yan hesitated briefly where he stood, saying nothing.
In the past, Si Yuan had been independent with everyone else, yet she had always relied particularly on him—even waiting for him to open the car door before getting out.
Si Yuan walked toward the villa. The garden remained unchanged, and the cherry blossom tree under which she used to often hide and read had grown taller.
“Your room has been kept exactly as it was. Would you like to see it?”
Si Yuan shook her head. “No need.”
She silently added in her heart: After all, I won’t be coming back to live here anyway.
Song Yan paused but ultimately said nothing.
Si Yuan walked further away.
The butler came out of the villa and respectfully said to Song Yan, “Young Master, the gift prepared for the young lady has been placed in her room.”
Song Yan nodded and replied, “Good.”
“Why… didn’t she go see it?”
Song Yan paused, lowered his eyes, and said somewhat disappointedly, “Her temper has grown increasingly peculiar lately. I don’t know what she’s picked up.”
…
Si Yuan wandered around the yard. She had once considered this place her true home—her only home.
But… over the past five years, she had grown accustomed to having a home of her own.
She also knew that she was always meant to have a home alone.
“Xiao Yuan.”
Si Yuan abruptly stopped and turned to see Song’s Mother standing not far away, her eyes red.
Song’s Father stood beside her, smiling at her.
“Dad, Mom.”
Si Yuan tentatively spoke.
She didn’t know if her parents would still care for her, especially since they had discovered those shameful secrets.
She stood still, unsure whether to step forward.
Unexpectedly, Song’s Mother quickly approached and pulled her into an embrace.
Song’s Mother’s voice trembled, “My child, you’ve suffered all these years.”
Hearing this, Si Yuan could no longer hold back, and tears streamed from her eyes.
“I’m sorry…”
“Silly child, what are you apologizing for?” Song’s Mother wiped the tears from her face. “Ah, it’s good to be home.”
Song’s Father patted her head and said, “Yes, Xiao Yuan has grown thinner.”
Si Yuan leaned into their embrace, tears welling up again.
It won’t happen again, she thought. I’ll never again love someone I shouldn’t.
From now on, Song Yan… would be her biological brother.
She had learned her lesson; she wouldn’t entertain improper thoughts anymore.
Song Yan walked over and patted his mother’s hand, saying, “You’ll scare Xiao Yuan like this.”
Song’s Mother looked at Si Yuan and suddenly frowned. “If A-Yan hadn’t mentioned seeing you at a class reunion, your father and I wouldn’t have known you were back. Were you planning to keep hiding from us?”
“I—”
Someone suddenly arrived at the entrance, interrupting Si Yuan.
Everyone turned to look.
Lin Shuangyu stood at the door, holding an exquisite gift box. Dressed in a deep red cheongsam, she looked elegant, dignified, and radiant.
“Hello, Uncle and Aunt,” Lin Shuangyu greeted warmly, then turned to Song Yan. “A-Yan, I brought Auntie’s favorite bird’s nest.”
Song’s Mother instantly beamed and cheerfully introduced her to Si Yuan, “Xiao Yuan, this is your brother’s fiancée. They got engaged last year and are getting married at the end of this year. Come and say hello.”
Song Yan’s fingers tightened slightly, and he instinctively glanced at Si Yuan.
“No need,” Si Yuan heard herself say, her voice surprisingly calm. “We’ve met before.”
“You’ve met?”
Lin Shuangyu’s crimson lips stiffened slightly. She feared Si Yuan would bring up past grievances and expose her shortcomings in front of her future in-laws.
Unexpectedly, Si Yuan merely said, “High school classmates.”
Song’s Mother looked surprised. “You were classmates? Then don’t just stand there—come inside quickly. It’s perfect timing to join us for dinner.”
Only then did Lin Shuangyu breathe a sigh of relief.
At the dining table, Si Yuan sat opposite Song Yan.
She mechanically chewed her food, though it felt like chewing wax, with no flavor registering on her palate.
Song’s Mother continuously served her dishes and inquired about her life abroad.
Si Yuan answered each question softly, but her gaze consistently avoided Song Yan’s direction.
“Xiao Yuan, what are your plans now that you’re back?” Song’s Father asked.
Si Yuan set down her chopsticks. “I just received an offer from TY Design headquarters.”
Lin Shuangyu raised an eyebrow and smiled meaningfully. “TY is a renowned art installation company in the industry. Did little Yuan get hired right after graduation?”
Si Yuan tilted her head. “Yes. Are you so curious because you want to join too, sister-in-law?”
“Not at all. I didn’t study that major.”
“You showed such concern about my job—I thought maybe studying together wasn’t enough for you, and you wanted to work together too.”
Lin Shuangyu’s expression froze. She hadn’t expected Si Yuan to counter so directly. Forcing an awkward smile, she secretly gritted her teeth.
Song’s Mother, oblivious to the veiled conflict between them, merely expressed surprise. “But Xiao Yuan, I heard that’s quite far from home, isn’t it?”
Si Yuan replied, “It’s quite close to the villa you bought me. I’ll be living there.”
Song Yan suddenly frowned. “The house here is spacious enough. Why would you live outside?”
Both Lin Shuangyu and Song’s Mother were taken aback, simultaneously turning to look at Song Yan.
They likely hadn’t anticipated Song Yan would react so strongly.
Chapter 6: I Won’t Be Living at Home Anymore
Si Yuan put on a gray cardigan over her long white dress, pulling the cuffs down to her wrists to ensure the scars were completely covered.
The doorbell suddenly rang, and Si Yuan hurried to open it.
Song Yan stood outside, dressed all in white. The sunlight shone in from behind him, yet not a single ray could pass him to illuminate the room.
He was like an impenetrable wall, blocking out all the light.
Just a moment ago, when Jiang Wang had come looking for her, Si Yuan had felt that the sky in Hai City was surprisingly blue.
Now, it was gray again.
Song Yan’s voice was gentle, but his gaze swept around the room behind her as he asked, “Are you all packed?”
Si Yuan subconsciously took a step back and nodded.
Song Yan frowned, his eyes scanning her heavily layered outfit. “It’s very warm today. You’ll be hot dressed like that.”
“I’m used to it,” Si Yuan replied softly, her voice barely audible.
“Alright, let’s go.” Song Yan stepped aside to let her pass.
Si Yuan carefully skirted around him, afraid of any physical contact.
Song Yan caught a whiff of a cool mint scent on her.
It wasn’t her scent.
It was more like a man’s cologne.
Remembering the man’s voice on the phone just now, Song Yan’s fingers, which were holding the doorknob, unconsciously tightened.
Si Yuan was already in the car. Song Yan helped her close the door.
But with a “bang,” the sound of the door closing was a little too loud, and Si Yuan’s shoulders jolted violently.
Her fingers clutched the hem of her dress, and for a few seconds, she was filled with unease.
Seeing her reaction, Song Yan released the door handle, feeling a little helpless.
He got in from the other side, fastened his seatbelt, and turned to look at her.
“Xiao Yuan, tell me, did something happen to you abroad?”
Si Yuan shook her head, her long hair falling to cover half her face. “No, everything was fine.”
Her voice sounded as if it were coming from a great distance, light and weightless.
After this brief exchange, silence fell upon the car.
Song Yan didn’t press further and started the engine.
In truth, Song Yan had noticed that Si Yuan was avoiding him.
Not just physically, but psychologically as well.
Before that incident in high school, Si Yuan had been very talkative.
Even though she might have already been suffering from Lin Shuangyu’s bullying back then, she would still smile the moment she saw Song Yan and chatter on endlessly about many things.
Song Yan would always listen with a blank expression, occasionally humming in acknowledgment.
But at some point, this one-sided conversation had become a tacit understanding between them, even a habit.
Now, only silence remained in the car.
Song Yan suddenly spoke. “You’ve changed a lot.”
Si Yuan’s fingers unconsciously rubbed the scars on her wrist. Even through the fabric, she could feel their uneven texture. “People change, Brother.”
“You used to talk a lot.”
A sharp pain shot through Si Yuan’s heart.
Yes, in the past, no matter how much pain she was in, she would still force a smile whenever she saw Song Yan.
She had always thought she had hidden her feelings well, that Song Yan’s indulgence toward her was something special.
Song Yan seemed to want to say more, but in the end, he just remained silent.
As the car turned into the driveway of the Song Family villa, Si Yuan’s breathing unconsciously quickened.
Five years. She hadn’t been back here in five years.
Back then, Song’s Father and Song’s Mother had sent her abroad to study. They called it studying abroad, but it felt more like exile.
“Dad and Mom are still at the company. They’ll be back soon. We’ll wait for them together.”
Song Yan was about to walk around the front of the car to open the door for her, but Si Yuan had already opened it and gotten out herself.
Song Yan hesitated for a moment where he stood, but said nothing.
The old Si Yuan had been independent with everyone else, but exceptionally dependent on him alone. She would even wait for him to open the car door for her before getting out.
Si Yuan walked toward the villa. The garden was still the same. The Cherry Blossom Tree she used to hide under to read had grown even taller.
“Your room has been kept just as it was. Want to go see it?”
Si Yuan shook her head. “No, that’s okay.”
She silently added in her heart: I won’t be living here anymore anyway.
Song Yan paused, but ultimately said nothing.
Si Yuan walked away.
The housekeeper came out of the villa and said respectfully to Song Yan, “Young Master, the gift for the Young Miss has been placed in her room.”
Song Yan nodded and replied, “Okay.”
“Why… why didn’t she go see it?”
Song Yan paused, his gaze dropping in disappointment. “Her temper is getting more and more eccentric. I don’t know what she’s been learning.”
…
Si Yuan wandered around the courtyard. She had once considered this place a real home, her only home.
But… in five years, she had gotten used to a home of her own.
She also knew that she was always meant to have a home of her own, alone.
“Xiao Yuan.”
Si Yuan stopped abruptly and turned to see Song’s Mother standing not far away, her eyes red.
Song’s Father stood beside her, smiling at Si Yuan.
“Dad, Mom.”
Si Yuan spoke tentatively.
She didn’t know if her parents would still like her. After all, they had discovered her unbearable secret.
She stood rooted to the spot, unsure if she should go forward.
To her surprise, Song’s Mother strode forward and pulled her into an embrace.
Song’s Mother’s voice trembled. “My child, you’ve suffered all these years.”
Hearing these words, Si Yuan could no longer hold back, and tears streamed from her eyes.
“I’m sorry…”
“Silly child, what are you sorry for?” Song’s Mother wiped the tears from her face. “Sigh, it’s good that you’re home.”
Song’s Father patted her head and said, “Yes, Xiao Yuan has gotten so thin.”
Si Yuan buried her face in their embrace, fresh tears welling up.
It won’t happen again. I will never again love someone I’m not supposed to love.
From now on, Song Yan… is just my biological brother.
She had learned her lesson. She would no longer harbor thoughts she shouldn’t have.
Song Yan walked over, patted his mother’s hand, and said, “You’ll scare Xiao Yuan like this.”
Song’s Mother looked at Si Yuan, then suddenly furrowed her brow. “If A Yan hadn’t said he saw you at the class reunion, your father and I wouldn’t have even known you were back. What, were you planning to hide from us forever?”
“I…”
Someone suddenly appeared at the entrance, interrupting Si Yuan.
The group turned to look.
Lin Shuangyu stood at the gate, holding an exquisite gift box. She wore a crimson cheongsam, looking elegant, dignified, and radiant.
“Hello, Uncle and Auntie.” Lin Shuangyu greeted them warmly, then turned to Song Yan. “A Yan, I brought Auntie’s favorite bird’s nest soup.”
A smile instantly appeared on Song’s Mother’s face. She smiled and introduced her to Si Yuan. “Xiao Yuan, this is your brother’s fiancée. They got engaged last year and are getting married at the end of this year. Come and meet her.”
Song Yan’s fingers tightened slightly as he subconsciously glanced at Si Yuan.
“No need,” Si Yuan heard herself say, her voice surprisingly calm. “We’ve met.”
“You’ve met?”
Lin Shuangyu’s red lips froze slightly. She was afraid Si Yuan would bring up the past and expose her in front of her future parents-in-law.
But to her surprise, Si Yuan only said, “We were high school classmates.”
Song’s Mother was a little surprised. “You were classmates? Then don’t just stand there, come inside. We can all have dinner together.”
Only then did Lin Shuangyu breathe a sigh of relief.
At the dinner table, Si Yuan sat opposite Song Yan.
She chewed her food mechanically. It was like chewing wax; she couldn’t taste a thing.
Song’s Mother kept putting food on her plate, asking about her life abroad.
Si Yuan answered each question, her voice soft, but her gaze consistently avoided Song Yan’s direction.
“Xiao Yuan, what are your plans now that you’re back?” Song’s Father asked.
Si Yuan put down her chopsticks. “I just received an offer from TY’s design headquarters.”
Lin Shuangyu raised an eyebrow and smiled with a hidden meaning. “TY is a famous art installation company in the industry. Little sister Xiao Yuan managed to get a job there right after graduating?”
Si Yuan tilted her head. “Yes. Is sister-in-law so curious because you want to get in too?”
“No, that’s not my major.”
“Sister-in-law is so concerned about my job, I thought you missed going to school with me and wanted to work with me too.”
Lin Shuangyu’s expression stiffened. She hadn’t expected Si Yuan to counterattack so directly. She gave a strained laugh and secretly gritted her teeth.
Song’s Mother didn’t notice the veiled barbs between them and was just a little surprised. “But Xiao Yuan, I heard that’s quite far from home, isn’t it?”
Si Yuan replied, “It’s quite close to the villa you bought for me. I’ll live there.”
Song Yan suddenly frowned. “The house here is so big. Why would you live outside?”
Lin Shuangyu and Song’s Mother were both taken aback, and they looked at Song Yan in unison.
They probably hadn’t expected Song Yan to have such a strong reaction.