“I don’t think it’s either.”
“It probably isn’t because of you. Professor Lu might have his own considerations and priorities.”
“I asked Mingyuan to check with his brother-in-law. He said that when the professor chooses students, he doesn’t just look at their abilities. Sometimes, he also considers other factors—like the student’s family background, what their parents do for a living.”
“I think you can understand that.”
Ye Jiawen frowned, instinctively defending Lu Changcun: “Professor Lu isn’t that kind of vain, status-obsessed person.”
“Jiawen, to be honest, I’ve been meaning to tell you this—you only read one article by Professor Lu. Sure, a person’s writing can reflect some of their thoughts, but it doesn’t define their character.”
“Some people live together for years and still don’t truly understand each other. You’ve only met Professor Lu twice, and both times were brief.”
“Isn’t it possible that a large part of your admiration for him comes from your own imagination?”
“Maybe you’ve projected your idealized image of a mentor onto him. The Professor Lu in your mind could be completely different from the real one.”
Shen Zhiqiu’s words hit Ye Jiawen like a hammer to the head. Her mind buzzed, and something inside her seemed to crack, then crumble and collapse.
Seeing that her words had sunk in, Shen Zhiqiu handed her a file. “Jiawen, Mingyuan’s brother-in-law asked a friend to compile some information on your field and related professors. Take a look when you get home and choose a different advisor.”
Ye Jiawen was deeply grateful. “Zhiqiu, thank you—both you and Mingyuan, and his brother-in-law. Once things settle down, I’ll treat you all to dinner.”
“Sure.”
“Oh, did you know Shen Liya is also in the hospital?”
Ye Jiawen mentioned running into Shen Liya on the third floor: “She was on crutches, one foot completely off the ground—looked like a bad sprain.”
Shen Zhiqiu shook her head. “I had no idea.”
“Probably karma for all the awful things she’s done.”
“Who knows if she was born rotten or if her mother made her that way. Either way, she’s been full of malice since we were kids.”
Ye Jiawen warned her: “Zhiqiu, before my parents left, they told me to remind you—be careful with those two. Neither of them is any good.”
“If they ever mess with you, you have to tell me.”
“Before, we were too far apart to help, but now I’m staying in Guojing. It’ll be easy.”
“Don’t worry, Jiawen.”
No sooner had Ye Jiawen left than Shen Liya hobbled in.
“Shen Zhiqiu, why are you still here? Planning to spend your whole maternity leave in the hospital? How dramatic—it’s just a premature birth, not a big deal.”
Shen Liya was fuming. Why did Shen Zhiqiu get to stay in this luxury suite while she was stuck in a standard room? She’d complained to Chen Can, but he’d ignored her.
It must be because Shen Zhiqiu is hogging the space!
“Shen Liya, why don’t you ever perform? Planning to rot in the background forever? How pathetic.”
“Shen Liya, why can’t you walk properly? It’s just a sprain—not a big deal.”
“Oh no, what now? Guess you’ll never get on stage again!”
Shen Zhiqiu wasn’t about to take her nonsense anymore. If Shen Liya wanted to throw insults, she’d hit back twice as hard—right where it hurt.
“Shen Zhiqiu!”
Eyes blazing, Shen Liya raised her crutch, ready to swing at her.
Chen Can grabbed her arm. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Chen Can, did you hear what she just said to me?” Shen Liya clutched his sleeve, eyes welling up with fake tears. “I came all this way to bring her the baby clothes my mom made, and instead of thanking me, she mocked me!”
“Enough.” Chen Can patted her back half-heartedly.
From the moment he’d walked in, his eyes hadn’t left Shen Zhiqiu. Last time he saw her, he’d noticed she’d grown even prettier—and sharper.
The old Shen Zhiqiu would never have clapped back like this.
“This is my room, not your love nest. If you want to flirt, whine, or tattle, take it outside. You’re ruining my appetite and my mood.”
Shen Zhiqiu outright dismissed them. She’d have to tell the nurses—no more visits from these two.
“Shen Zhiqiu, I know you’re jealous. You can’t stand seeing Chen Can treat me well.”
Shen Liya clung to Chen Can, triumphant.
“Sure, whatever you say. I can’t stand it—it’s disgusting.” Shen Zhiqiu waved a hand, as if shooing away something filthy.
Her words made both Shen Liya and Chen Can stiffen—especially Chen Can.
She can’t really mean that. She’s just pretending not to care. She must be heartbroken.
Hah. Let’s see how long she can keep up the act.
Chen Can scooped Shen Liya up and set her on the couch, lifting her injured foot onto his lap. “Let me see how bad it is. You shouldn’t have rushed over like this—what if it gets worse? I’d be devastated.”
“Chen Can~” Shen Liya gazed at him adoringly.
He hadn’t been this sweet to her in so long. He still loves me.
Shen Zhiqiu rolled her eyes. “You’re both insane.”
The only thing worse than one delusional person was two.
Honestly, Chen Can and Shen Liya were perfect for each other—both utterly unhinged.
“Chen Can, don’t blame me. I didn’t want Mom to worry. Yesterday, she called and asked if I’d brought the baby clothes to Zhiqiu.”
“You know how it is—she’s always treated Zhiqiu better than her own daughter.”
“But now, at least, I have you.”
Shen Liya leaned into Chen Can, smirking at Shen Zhiqiu—only to find her completely ignoring them, playing with Yaya instead.
[Ugh, just leave already! The air in here is turning foul—]
[That witch would never be this nice. There’s gotta be something wrong with those baby clothes—why else would she be in such a hurry to send them?]
[That scumbag! Why’s he staring over here? He’s seriously messed up!]
[Ugh—when will Mom and Dad make any progress? This is agony!]
[Oh no, oh no—he’s coming over!]
Shen Zhiqiu suddenly turned, startling Chen Can mid-step. He held up the tiny outfit.
“Zhiqiu, this is your mother’s way of showing she cares. You should put it on your daughter—make her happy.”
“Even when she’s unwell, she’s thinking of you. Don’t you want to give her that peace of mind?”
“She’s not my mother!”
