Hoa Song Sinh

Although they didn't show their faces, the video laid the groundwork and everyone basically believed it. As the saying goes, people only believe what they want to believe. The online sentiment reversed, and my dad didn't need to defend me anymore. He came home early. He sent my mom away and called me for a private talk.

'Dad, what's wrong?' I asked nervously. This shouldn't be my fault, right?

He frowned slightly, 'Why didn't you tell us about all these things happening at school?'

I answered guiltily, 'I thought I could handle it myself and didn't want to worry you.' I never expected Shen Qingqing to be so ruthless this time, using her life to scheme against me.

My dad sighed, 'We always hoped you'd be more mature and steady. It's good that you can handle things yourself, but you should also tell Mom and Dad if you're being bullied.'

'Okay,' I nodded, my eyes stinging.

'Shushu, we tell you things openly because we want to respect your thoughts. But don't create distance between us. We're family. Even if you really mess up, it's okay. You can always hide behind us. Dad just wants you to be happy.'

I hugged him, 'Dad, I'm already very happy now.'

At this moment, I seemed to understand why Shen Qingqing was jealous of me. Although I can't forgive her for the harm she caused me and my family, I admit I somewhat understand her now.

10

When I returned to school, the incident had passed. Classmates who previously mocked me apologized one after another. Except for the class belle.

I didn't pursue it further. After all, I hadn't taken those things to heart originally. Teacher Li maintained discipline, comforting everyone to focus on exams and not dwell on distractions.

Then he called me to the office - a familiar place. True to form, Teacher Li started feeding me inspirational quotes:

'People can't choose their origins, but they can choose their path forward.'

'Don't torment yourself over meaningless matters. Hold onto the happiness you have now.'

'The grace of birth can't compare to the grace of upbringing. Some things aren't worth obsessing over.'

I couldn't help picking at my ear, 'I understand. Thanks for your concern, Teacher. Anything else?'

Teacher Li cheerfully pulled out the report card, 'Lin Shu, while you're still last in our class rankings for this midterm, you've improved significantly again! I'm awarding you a certificate this time. Don't let external factors affect you. Keep it up!'

'Thanks, Lao Li- I mean, Teacher.'

Although my grades are much better than before, further improvement will be difficult. Lin Yang was right - I'm not cut out for academic pursuits. I've worked hard to reduce mistakes on basic questions, but even after tutors explained difficult problems till they were hoarse, I still couldn't grasp them.

During big break, I took the class belle to the supermarket.

I grabbed a bottle of water, 'I'll buy you a drink. What do you want?'

Without ceremony, she took a cola and waited for me to pay.

'You posted that audio on the confession wall, right?' I asked.

'No.'

'I know it was you. Stop pretending.'

She looked incredulous, 'I was anonymous! How did you know?'

I smiled, 'Bribed the confession wall admin. Sent a red envelope and he told me. So stop posting nonsense online - it's unreliable and leaks personal information.'

'Hey! I wasn't helping you! I just happened to learn the truth and posted it factually.'

'Fine. How did you find out?' I asked curiously.

She grimaced, 'Though I hate to admit it, that tattooed guy with the big gold chain is my cousin. My uncle's own son. So embarrassing! He never learns despite getting beaten so many times.'

I nodded, 'Alright, still thanks. But why did you hate me so much before? Because of Shen Qingqing?'

'Not exactly.' She hesitated, 'Mainly because... I really love carbonated drinks.'

What?

Whatever. Since aside from being snarky, she hadn't done anything too bad, I'll tentatively build a small friendship boat with her.

11

Xue Jia said Shen Qingqing hadn't been to school for a long time. She received disciplinary action from the school. After taking a few days of sick leave for injuries, she never returned even after her medical leave expired.

I feel this isn't over yet, because the major incident Shen Qingqing caused in our past life hasn't happened. In the previous life, Shen Qingqing maintained her pure white flower persona, keeping surface harmony with me to maintain a good image before my family.

Now that her persona has collapsed, she might do something extreme.

Regarding Shen Qingqing, I have mixed feelings. Reborn, I more clearly understand how much my parents love me, while also witnessing the Shen parents' cruelty and indifference.

If I'd stayed with the Shen family under such parents' abuse, I can't guarantee I wouldn't have done worse things. The toxic birth family and selfish parents are the original sin. As for me... I was just fortunate to meet my current parents.

I'm not sympathizing with her, but rather with another version of myself - the unlucky one.

I asked Xue Jia to check around the Shen neighborhood, since I shouldn't be seen there and want to avoid encountering them.

On Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, I went out before noon to buy my favorite mini-cakes before shops closed. Right after leaving, I received a call.

'Come to my house.' It was Shen Qingqing.

'No.' I refused outright. I'm not stupid.

'I have something for you.'

'Don't want it.'

'You'll be interested. Come see.'

'Then tell me what it is first.' I pressed.

She snorted, 'Lin Shu, really refusing? Lin Yang is here with me.'

'I don't believe you.'

'Lin Shu, unblock my WeChat. I'll show proof.'

Though doubtful, fearing real danger, I unblocked her. Shen Qingqing immediately video-called. When I answered, Lin Yang's figure appeared - locked in a room, camera shot through a small window from next door.