Chapter 9: Just a Stand-In

Zhang Chenxi frowned slightly and raised his long, well-defined fingers to his temple, as though he had suddenly remembered something of great importance.

His deep, bright eyes were tinged with a hint of annoyance and self-reproach, as if he were blaming himself for his own carelessness.

"Look at me. How could I forget? A little bear needs a hat."

His voice was low and magnetic, every word carrying the lingering weight of that "mistake."

Fu Siqiao, hearing this, tilted her head in confusion.

Her star-bright eyes blinked, her delicate nose wrinkling slightly, her lips parting. "A hat?"

She looked so endearingly bewildered, like a small rabbit lost in thought.

Seeing her like that, Zhang Chenxi's lips curved into a doting smile.

With a quick motion, he took out a finely made little hat he had hidden behind his back long ago.

It was pale pink, the brim slightly turned up, the crown adorned with tiny bows and delicate lace trim, gleaming softly in the sunlight.

He walked over to Fu Siqiao, bent slightly, and slowly lowered the hat onto her head, his movements so gentle it was as if he were handling the most precious treasure in the world.

His gaze was focused and tender, as though he were crowning a princess.

"Little liar, watch carefully."

His voice held a trace of teasing and warmth, his eyes full of laughter.

The sudden gesture left Fu Siqiao somewhat at a loss. Her cheeks flushed at once, rosy as a ripe peach.

She shot Zhang Chenxi a reproachful look, then reached up to take the hat off. "I don't want it. It's so strange."

Her voice carried a hint of spoiled protest, but Zhang Chenxi gently stopped her hand.

"It looks good on you. Don't take it off."

He tightened his grip around her wrist, his palm broad and warm, completely enclosing her small hand.

Feeling the warmth of his hand, Fu Siqiao's heartbeat quickened. She stopped struggling and let the hat remain on her head.

Zhang Chenxi looked at her, now wearing the hat, and nodded with satisfaction.

His eyes were full of love and admiration, as though the Fu Siqiao before him were the most beautiful sight in the world.

"It's really beautiful."

He praised her sincerely, his voice as soft as a spring breeze.

Fu Siqiao grew a little shy at his praise. She lowered her head slightly, avoiding his burning gaze.

Then, suddenly struck by an idea, she lifted her head again, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "Then I'm going to run. Let's see if you can catch me."

With that, she darted toward the depths of the alley like a lively little deer.

Zhang Chenxi froze for a moment, then came to himself, a helpless yet indulgent smile appearing on his face.

"Don't run too far!" he called, striding after her.

In the alley, Fu Siqiao's hair streamed wildly in the wind, her laughter ringing like silver bells through the air.

Her steps were light and nimble; now and then she glanced back at Zhang Chenxi pursuing her, her eyes full of playful defiance and delight.

The skirt she wore swayed softly as she ran, like a flower in bloom.

Zhang Chenxi followed close behind, his gaze locked firmly on her figure.

His stride was strong and steady, each step carrying unwavering resolve.

The wind tousled his hair, but it did nothing to diminish his handsomeness.

His eyes were full of indulgence toward Fu Siqiao, as though so long as she was happy, he would gladly accompany her in anything.

The two of them chased one another through the alley until both were slightly breathless.

Fu Siqiao ran to a corner wall and stopped, bracing her hands on her knees as she panted hard.

Her cheeks were flushed red from running, fine beads of sweat covered her forehead, and a few strands of hair, damp with perspiration, clung to her face.

Zhang Chenxi soon caught up. He came to her side and bent over to catch his breath as well.

Concern flickered in his eyes. "Tired from running?" His voice was a little hoarse, yet still full of warmth.

Fu Siqiao looked up at him, her eyes shining.

She shook her head gently. "Not tired."

A happy smile bloomed on her face, as though the chase had just been the most joyful game in the world.

In that narrow, quiet alley, the two smiled at each other, their gazes full of love and warmth.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still, leaving only the sound of their heartbeats and the gradual easing of their breathing, as though the whole world had been reduced to just the two of them.

Fu Siqiao stepped lightly through the front door, still humming an unfamiliar, cheerful tune, its melody as bright as her mood.

Her cheeks were faintly pink, as though brushed by the evening glow in the sky; a few wisps of hair at her forehead bounced playfully, and her bright eyes shimmered with delight, as if they held stars within them.

The backpack on her shoulders swayed rhythmically with her steps. She moved with lightness, like a bird returning to its nest, full of happiness as she entered the house.

Yet the cheerful atmosphere was shattered the moment she stepped inside.

There, Lin Siqing sat on the sofa like a grim statue, his expression so dark it seemed he could drip ink.

His brows were knitted tightly into a deep furrow, and his eyes, like sharp blades of ice, stabbed straight toward Fu Siqiao.

A faint, mocking curl touched his thin lips, and his entire face looked cold and severe.

"Do you think someone actually likes you? You're nothing but someone else's substitute."

Lin Siqing's voice was low and icy, as though it had come from the deepest reaches of hell. Every word was like a needle, viciously driving into Fu Siqiao's heart.

He lounged with a slouched yet oppressive posture, leaning slightly back, arms resting carelessly on the sofa's armrests, legs crossed, looking every bit like a judge sentencing a criminal.

Fu Siqiao's smile froze on her face. Her eyes widened, filled with disbelief and hurt.

Her lips trembled slightly. She wanted to say something, but the words seemed to catch in her throat, and only a faint whisper escaped.

"What... what are you talking about?"

She stood rooted to the spot, unable to move, her hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Seeing her like this, Lin Siqing felt not the slightest pity; instead, a strange delight rose in him.

He slowly got to his feet, his tall, somewhat lean figure casting a shadow over Fu Siqiao and pressing down on her with overwhelming force.

He walked toward her with slow, heavy steps, each one seeming to fall on the very tip of Fu Siqiao's heart.

"I'm saying you're just a substitute. Stop flattering yourself."

As he spoke, he bent slightly and brought his face close to hers. The nearness allowed Fu Siqiao to clearly feel the chill of his breath.

Fu Siqiao's eyes gradually reddened, tears welling up in them as she shook her head desperately. "What kind of joke is this?"

She truly did not want to argue with Lin Siqing; this was just another day that led nowhere.

She tried to back away, only to find the cold wall behind her leaving her no escape.

Lin Siqing straightened and gave a cold laugh. "You think Zhang Chenxi really likes you? He only sees you as someone's shadow."

His eyes were full of contempt. Folding his arms, he looked down at her from above, as though to say, "Wake up and face reality."

Fu Siqiao's heart seemed to be struck hard, pain tightening around her until she could hardly breathe.

"What kind of joke is this?" Fu Siqiao asked again, as if seeking confirmation.

"Believe it or not. You'd better realize your place sooner."

His tone remained icy. With that, he turned and strode away, leaving Fu Siqiao alone to think it over.

Slowly, Fu Siqiao slid to the floor, curling in on herself. What was this? She had thought she and Zhang Chenxi were friends, but it turned out she had been imagining things all along.