Chapter Nineteen: Li Feng's Care

When Zhou Xiaoqi woke up, she saw a note left by Cui Hao on her bedside table: "The porridge is in the rice cooker. Have something light, you'll recover faster." It was just like him—steady and sparing with words. Those few brief lines felt as if a small sun had been placed in Zhou Xiaoqi’s heart, warming her from within.

She went back to the living room and drank the porridge. For the first time, Zhou Xiaoqi realized how wonderful it felt to be cared for by someone.

The next few days passed in tranquility, as if she had returned to the beginning. Zhou Xiaoqi was a homebody; she barely left the house, and such days were a rare pleasure for her.

In the afternoon, Zhou Xiaoqi received her acceptance letter from the Film Academy. The first person she wanted to share the news with was Xue Ran. She hurriedly dialed her number. "Xue Ran, did you get your acceptance letter from the Film Academy?" Zhou Xiaoqi’s voice brimmed with excitement.

But Xue Ran wasn’t as happy as Zhou Xiaoqi had imagined. She replied with a lackluster tone, "Yes, I just got it too."

Xue Ran’s reaction puzzled Zhou Xiaoqi. "What’s wrong? You were so happy during the exams, but now that the letter’s arrived, you seem upset."

"Xiaoqi, my confession failed. Li Feng rejected me." Xue Ran’s voice was tinged with quiet sobs. She couldn’t say she wasn’t resentful toward Zhou Xiaoqi, but she didn’t blame her, either. After all, feelings were the hardest thing in the world to control—just as Xue Ran couldn’t keep herself from liking Li Feng.

When Zhou Xiaoqi heard this, she realized she probably understood the situation.

"Xue Ran, I’m sorry."

Xue Ran guessed that Zhou Xiaoqi had figured it out, but Xiaoqi was still the friend she had chosen. Xue Ran’s thoughts always jumped quickly. "Xiaoqi, so I’ve decided—I’m going to work hard. One day, I’ll make Li Feng see that I’m his best choice."

Zhou Xiaoqi couldn’t help laughing at Xue Ran’s bold declaration. "I know, I know, our Xue Ran is the best in the world."

Years later, when you look back on such innocence, you’ll wish you never had to grow up.

After chatting for a while, Zhou Xiaoqi and Xue Ran arranged to meet at the bar again for a little gathering.

Tonight, Zhou Xiaoqi just wanted to let go and drink.

"Xue Ran, do you know you’re my only friend?" Xue Ran watched as Zhou Xiaoqi spoke and kept reaching for her glass. At this point, she had no idea she was already tipsy and starting to ramble.

"Xue Ran, Qi has signed with a company. When I signed, I mentioned you. They said you’d need to go for an interview, and if it works out, you can sign too." Zhou Xiaoqi slumped weakly against Xue Ran.

Hearing this, Xue Ran became worried, afraid Zhou Xiaoqi might have been deceived. She decided not to let her drink any more, hauled Zhou Xiaoqi out of the bar, and managed to get her home. No sooner had she laid her on the bed than Zhou Xiaoqi started vomiting. Seeing the mess on the floor, Xue Ran felt the urge to smack her, but before she could act, Zhou Xiaoqi’s phone rang. Seeing the caller, Xue Ran felt a pang in her heart.

"Hello?" On the other end, Li Feng’s voice came through.

Steadying herself, Xue Ran spoke, "Hello..."