Xu Jia demanded.
Chang Xuyu collected herself and silently opened a recording on her phone, playing it.
From their conversation that day, she had been prepared—she slipped her phone into her pocket and turned on the recording device. Jian Jiayue had no suspicions, thinking Chang Xuyu was still the naive little flower he could manipulate.
She only recorded the part where Jian Jiayue threatened her. As for her marriage, she thought about it and decided not to record.
The man's voice echoed around them. Xu Jia knew it was Jian Jiayue.
Her expression grew increasingly ugly. The tips of her ears turned red, and she furrowed her brow.
When the full recording ended, Xu Jia sat frozen like a statue, unable to utter a word.
She had thought Chang Xuyu had intentionally hurt her.
She never expected Jian Jiayue had improper intentions toward Chang Xuyu and had forcibly tied her to himself, pointing all the blame at her...
He was right—in this industry, without connections or background, you're at the mercy of others, unable to move or even breathe.
And now her post had become the sharpest knife to hurt Chang Xuyu.
Xu Jia felt fear; her eyelashes trembled involuntarily.
Then she looked across at Chang Xuyu.
Chang Xuyu quietly showed her the recording time, put her phone away, and pressed her lips together.
"This was Jian Jiayue's real intention. I don't know what I did that crossed the line and made everyone misunderstand that Jian Jiayue and I were involved. But as for what I didn't do, I have a clear conscience." Her tone was calm, like a small stream slowly merging into a river.
"I don't know if you'll still believe me, but I genuinely considered you my good friend, Teacher Xu."
She looked up, her eyes clear as a windless lake.
Chang Xuyu gave off the impression of wind and clouds, sometimes more like water—unbreakable, resilient, seemingly soft yet strong, always sincere and brilliant.
Xu Jia could no longer hold back. She looked into her eyes and burst into tears, covering her face.
Chang Xuyu walked over and hugged her, burying Xu Jia's head in her lower abdomen, gently stroking her long hair.
Yi Zhuo liked to do that. She hoped her imitation today would bring some comfort to Xu Jia.
"It's okay. Since it can't be undone, don't make it worse." She said calmly.
"Xuyu, I'm sorry... I was so stupid." Xu Jia sobbed uncontrollably. Fortunately, the café was nearly empty at this hour.
"Don't blame yourself like that. It's because the bad people are too bad."
After a while, Chang Xuyu calmed Xu Jia down. She didn't dare delay any longer, grabbed the medicine bag, and prepared to leave. "Teacher Xu, let's keep in touch by message. I have something to take care of now, I need to go."
"Xuyu, are you sick?" Xu Jia saw her holding a bag of medicine, wiped her tears, and asked.
"No, someone at home is sick."
"You live here?! In this complex next door? I never would have guessed, Xuyu. Your family must be pretty well-off. This isn't a cheap neighborhood."
Xu Jia was a bit surprised. Chang Xuyu usually kept a low profile, but apparently she was from a wealthy family.
Then again, art students usually didn't come from poor backgrounds.
Chang Xuyu felt a bit guilty. This wasn't her house, and soon it wouldn't be her residence at all.
She forced an awkward laugh and quickly said goodbye to Xu Jia.
Standing outside the door, Chang Xuyu caught the aroma of cooking, instantly awakening her ravenous stomach. She realized she hadn't eaten anything since last night.
Pushing the door open, she saw the man busy in the kitchen.
Chang Xuyu paused. She had eaten Yi Zhuo's cooking before—it was delicious.
Back then, she used to marvel that such a mature, career-oriented man could be so domesticated, cooking meals that looked and tasted better than hers.
From the smell, she guessed he'd made her favorite—sweet and sour spare ribs. But he wouldn't just make that one dish. Looking closer, sure enough, there was steamed sea bass with scallion shreds and bell pepper slices, appealing in both appearance and flavor, making her take an extra sniff.
Yi Zhuo wiped his hands and saw her peeking in. A hint of a smile appeared in his eyes. He told her to wash up and eat.
The rice in the rice cooker was done too. Chang Xuyu curved her lips and eagerly served two bowls.
The kitchen's oily smoke had mostly dissipated, leaving only the fragrance of the food. Yi Zhuo's face was still very red; his fever obviously hadn't gone down.
The two sat together. Chang Xuyu picked up a piece of fish, chewed slowly, and asked him when he'd bought the groceries. Considering how sick he was, it was impressive that he could still manage to shop for meat and vegetables.
"Bought it yesterday. It's been in the fridge. I thought the flavor might fade, so I cooked it just now." Yi Zhuo said flatly.
"Oh..."
"I bought you medicine. Remember to take it after we eat, then get some more sleep. You should get better," Chang Xuyu planned. "Dr. Song said if the medicine doesn't work, he'll come by tonight. Actually, I think we shouldn't trouble him to run back and forth. Even though he's a friend, it's still an imposition... What do you think?"
She tilted her head, her almond-shaped eyes looking at him, speaking softly.
From this angle, with her wearing a white undershirt, she looked like a sly little fox.
The corners of his mouth curled up silently.
"Let's eat first."
Yi Zhuo shoveled some rice into his mouth, then picked up a piece of fish and put it in her bowl. "I don't have much appetite. You eat more. These are all your favorites."
Chang Xuyu pressed her lips together and ate seriously.