Chapter 164: Chapter 164 Everlasting Friends_1
Lin Ying’s remains were cremated and buried in a cemetery on the outskirts of the city. It was shaded by tall cypress trees that emanated a cold chill. The cemetery was filled with semi-circular mounds arranged in a seemingly endless pattern, silently narrating the passage of time and the impermanence of life. The funeral was nearing its end, and Lin Shan gradually calmed down.
Her elder sister had said to live life well, so Shan Shan decided to follow through for the sake of her sister. After all, it would upset her sister otherwise.
The two sisters didn’t have many relatives or friends in S City, so only a few guests attended the funeral. Once the funeral ended, everyone dispersed.
Looking at the grieving Shan Shan, Qin Sisi said with concern, "Shan Shan, let’s go grab a bite to eat."
Sisi had thought Shan Shan would decline and was prepared to persuade her otherwise.
To her surprise, Shan Shan readily replied, "Sure."
Sisi let out a sigh of relief, it seemed as if Lin Ying had managed to comfort Shan Shan quite well before her departure. So, along with Ye You, Qin Sisi tugged on Shan Shan’s arm, and they went out to the bustling city streets.
Knowing Shan Shan’s fondness for Western food, Qin Sisi specially took her to an exquisite Western restaurant.
As Shan Shan sat down, she looked around anxiously and said, "Sisi, it seems quite expensive here."
Qin Sisi laughed and said, "Don’t worry, it’s on me. Anyway, you were after me for a meal before, weren’t you?"
Shan Shan felt a warmth inside, she wanted to smile at Qin Sisi, but the gloomy mood made it impossible to smile.
Qin Sisi deliberately avoided the gloomy topic and ordered many of Shan Shan’s favourite dishes from the waiter.
As the uniquely shaped pastries and aromatic coffee were served, Qin Sisi urged Shan Shan to start eating.
Had it been any other day, Shan Shan would’ve gorged on the food, but that day, she only nibbled at her food before pausing and simply sipped her coffee in silence.
Feeling helpless, Qin Sisi quietly asked, "Shan Shan, what are your plans moving forward?"
Shan Shan paused for a moment before responding, "I’ll hand in my resignation at the office tomorrow."
Seeing Shan Shan’s straightforward manner and the determination in her eyes, Qin Sisi knew that Shan Shan was genuinely planning to sever ties with Wei Ruhai.
That was just as well. Qin Sisi said in a clear voice, "For a wonderful girl like you, Shan Shan, surely a Prince Charming will swoop in on a cloud to marry you."
Shan Shan’s cheeks flushed as she replied coyly, "Stop teasing me. I mean it, I no longer believe in love."
In the end, there was still desolation and melancholy.
The onlooker sees clearer than the player.
As an outsider, Qin Sisi couldn’t fully empathise with Shan Shan’s pain and confusion. However, she felt Shan Shan’s decision to beat a hasty retreat was a good ending.
Qin Sisi thought for a moment before saying, "Shan Shan, a renowned director once said, the life experiences and money an older man can provide, you can eventually earn for yourself. But the high purity of dopamine can only be given by a boy of your age."
After several flickers of her eyes, Shan Shan fell silent for a few minutes before saying, "Sisi, you’re a year younger than me. I used to think you were a clueless girl, but now I see that I’m the one who knows nothing."
Qin Sisi didn’t know how to respond and stayed silent.
Shan Shan’s gaze landed on the black cat in Qin Sisi’s arms. Her expression turned serious as she said in a hushed voice, "Sisi, your strange behaviour has something to do with this cat, right?"
Qin Sisi’s heart seized as she looked at Shan Shan nervously.
Shan Shan sighed and said, "Don’t worry. As you once said, it doesn’t matter who you are. What’s important is, we are friends."
After a moment of contemplation, Qin Sisi said loudly, "Shan Shan, some things happen unexpectedly. Once they happen, they have happened. We can only face it bravely. Yes, I am now a weirdo and I hope you can keep it a secret for me. Also, I hope you won’t see me as some kind of monster."
As the conversation ended, a hint of bitterness crept into Qin Sisi’s voice. Wings of Rainbow, Divine Dog’s Fury, magic, ghosts... all the experiences she was going through were beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. She was gradually becoming alienated from human society.
Shan Shan stood, walked over to Qin Sisi, and hugged her tightly, saying earnestly, "Sisi, thank you for doing so much for me. I’ll keep your secret, we’ll always be friends, but, I might be leaving here, I may not return."
Caught off guard, Qin Sisi asked, "Where are you going?"
Shan Shan shook her head and responded, "I’m not sure, but I will definitely leave. I want to start a new life somewhere else."
Qin Sisi remained silent. She knew Shan Shan had her reasons for leaving. If a place brings more pain than happiness, and if there’s no one or anything worth staying for, then leaving is perhaps the better option.
"Sisi, I should go. No matter what you become, I wish you luck."
With those words, Shan Shan got up and left the restaurant, quickly disappearing into the bustling crowds.
Qin Sisi’s eyes glistened as she stared at the beautifully crafted pastries on the table, lost in thought.
Ye You put a hand on Qin Sisi’s shoulder, whispering in her ear, "Can these desserts be packed to go home for me to eat?"
Having yet to recover from her somberness, Qin Sisi responded irritably, "All you think about is food."
Ye You blinked, "Well, I do need to eat, you know. If I don’t get the dessert, I could eat you instead."
He then gently kissed Qin Sisi’s eye, stealing a lingering tear from its corner.
"You..." Qin Sisi pulled back, feeling a little wronged. She was upset, yet Ye You took advantage of the situation.
However, upon meeting Ye You’s eyes, she saw his concern and worry and couldn’t voice her complaint.
Ye You sighed, "Shall we go home?"
Qin Sisi silently nodded, calling over the waiter to pack all the pastries that were left untouched.
With one hand carrying the box of pastries and the other holding Ye You, Qin Sisi arrived home. She let out a sigh of relief and sat down on the sofa, exhausted.
Ye You came over to her, gazing at her with deep, tender eyes.
Looking back at him, Qin Sisi said, "I’m alright. You’re hungry, right? Go eat the pastries."
Ye You replied softly, "You hardly ate anything either. Let’s eat together."
Qin Sisi shook her head, "I’m not hungry. I don’t want to eat."
Ye You plopped down on Qin Sisi’s lap, "If you won’t eat, then neither will I."
"..."
Qin Sisi sat speechless, looking at Ye You. Yet, before his shimmering purple eyes, she finally yielded.
The pastries, though deformed from the travel, still tasted sweet and delicious.
Both human and cat sat at the dining table, munching on the crumbling pastries.
With her stomach filled, Qin Sisi’s mood also seemed to lighten gradually.
