Yao Mingyue, since recovering some of her memories, always felt that An Nuannuan was not that simple.
In her past life, their interactions were limited, with their only formal encounter at the hospital.
Back then, Nuannuan did not appear naive at all, and in some aspects, she was even more decisive and efficient than Yao Mingyue herself.
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So sometimes, Yao Mingyue suspected that An Nuannuan’s current naive and simplistic demeanor might be a facade to get closer to Xu Musen.
After all, if Xu Musen were to remember those memories, he would surely detest the feeling of being controlled.
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Conversely, Nuannuan’s naive and easily swayed nature might lead Xu Musen to let his guard down…
If that was true, then this An Nuannuan seemed even more formidable.
Yao Mingyue raised her eyebrows, "Why do you ask that?"
An Nuannuan didn’t respond but instead posed another question, "Do you still like Xu Musen?"
"Of course, always have,"
Yao Mingyue’s answer was crisp and clear, not changing her tone regardless of whose presence or house she was in.
"What a coincidence, me too."
An Nuannuan looked at her, her eyes as resolute as anyone else’s.
"So, are you trying to show off that you won his affection first?"
Yao Mingyue no longer felt much anger, having been upset many times over these days.
An Nuannuan shook her head, "I just want to ask you, if Xu Musen will always be with me, what will you do then?"
Admirable as stubborn affection might be, if it’s just one’s wishful thinking, it may only lead to self-inflicted misery in the end.
Yao Mingyue had not considered that.
She looked at An Nuannuan, who did not seem to be mocking or sarcastic, but rather seemed to want a calm conversation.
"I haven’t thought about it, and it’s not important to me…"
Yao Mingyue spoke, but the question still involuntarily surfaced in her mind.
If Xu Musen would always be with An Nuannuan, and in the future, they got married, had children, and a family of their own…
Would he truly still have room for her in his world?
After all, they were merely childhood sweethearts, just neighbors, nothing significant, nothing irreplaceable.
But Yao Mingyue couldn’t let go!
In her heart, there was never another choice besides Xu Musen.
Especially the look in his eyes when he collapsed in her arms…
Yao Mingyue knew she deserved all that was happening, and though she couldn’t control her future, she thought, at least... she should repay what she owed him from the past.
"I know you won’t regret it and don’t care about the outcome,"
An Nuannuan seemed to read Yao Mingyue’s thoughts as if she understood.
After all, she had felt the same as Yao Mingyue before. Even knowing there might be no future with him, she would still choose to stay by his side, even if it was just to catch a distant glimpse of him.
But at this moment, it was as if their roles had been reversed.
Yao Mingyue’s lips curved into a complicated smile, "Funny, we seem quite alike."
"Yes, very much so. Did you know? The first time I met Xu Musen was six years ago, in the same hospital,"
Yao Mingyue’s eyes flickered, "You?"
"Yes, at that time, I was about to undergo a critical surgery on my leg, which, if failed, might have left me bedridden for life. My family was busy, and I didn’t want to worry them. Alone, I lay quietly in the hospital bed, waiting for fate to strike, and yet, I was so afraid... afraid that I might never be able to stand again. In the empty ward, engulfed by fear and helplessness..."
An Nuannuan spoke slowly, her clear eyes twinkling tearfully.
"That’s why I couldn’t help crying, and it was then that he appeared, holding a piece of cake and a little rabbit figurine. It was the sweetest cake I’d ever tasted in my life..."
Yao Mingyue’s mouth slightly opened as she remembered—it was her birthday, and she had personally cut that birthday cake.
At that time, they both naively thought that giving away the cake could bring more blessings.
Yao Mingyue stared blankly at An Nuannuan.
Both of them found their thoughts returning to that stormy night six years ago.
So it was that night.
Yao Mingyue let out a bitter laugh, looking at An Nuannuan, "So, if I hadn’t let him give you that cake back then, none of this would’ve happened?"
An Nuannuan looked back at her and finally smiled, shaking her head, "No, you wouldn’t have. Because you’re just like him, a kind person as well."
Yao Mingyue froze momentarily before revealing a complex smile, "Kind… It’s been a while since anyone has described me that way."
Yao Mingyue knew her own personality and temper. Calling her aloof, scheming, even stubborn or obsessive—she would admit to all.
But kindness… that word had been absent for a long time.
"That’s because you have not been yourself for a very, very long time,"
With a reminiscent look in her eyes, An Nuannuan said, "I always remember, when he brought the cake, the indulgence and pride in his eyes each time he mentioned you. It was truly envy-inducing. I suppose, at that time, he must have really liked his ’Sister Mingyue’ a lot."
Yao Mingyue’s body trembled slightly, and she bit her lip gently... Yes, they were childhood sweethearts, but there were so many with that label.