Feng Suyin groaned as she rolled on her side, trying to find a more comfortable position on the bed. She hadn't slept well in days, preoccupied with work and wedding preparations. But now that she knew the true colors of the man she was about to marry, she didn't want to waste time mourning the shattered illusion of love.
She sighed deeply and decided to sleep a bit longer. Her shift would start late in the afternoon.
Then her nose picked up an unfamiliar scent.
Feng Suyin jolted up, her senses instantly on high alert. It was certainly not the scent of her bed or room. It smelled like fresh green tea leaves and bamboo—surely not the scent she used at home. She sat up and looked around. The room. She remembered. She had gone to see Ji Yuzhe last night.
She furrowed her brow, trying to piece together the previous night's events. Her memory was hazy, clouded by the emotional turmoil she had been experiencing. But as the fragments slowly came together, she remembered the confrontation with Ji Yuzhe.
Her face turned bright red.
The marriage proposal.
She wanted to be swallowed up by the ground. She had never been one to wear her heart on her sleeve, let alone propose marriage in such a reckless manner. Thankfully, Ji Yuzhe hadn't taken her words seriously. He assumed she said it under the influence of alcohol.
Yet, despite his casual dismissal, Feng Suyin couldn't explain her slight disappointment.
She shook her head, determined to push aside her feelings of embarrassment and confusion. She took a deep breath, swung her legs over the side of the bed, and went to the adjoining washroom to freshen up.
As she splashed cold water on her face, she stared at her reflection in the mirror.
After dying at the hands of the family and the man she loved in her previous life, she saw the world with newfound clarity. She was no longer the naive girl deceived by sweet words and false promises. She was now a woman who understood the depths of betrayal and the importance of guarding her heart.
The entire Feng family was ruthless toward her. She would never allow anyone to manipulate or control her emotions again. Once tender and easily swayed, her heart had now hardened into a fortress. Impenetrable.
After a moment to sort her thoughts, Feng Suyin stepped out of the room.
Ji Yuzhe sat at the dining table with Uncle Jia behind him. Her face turned red again as she looked at him. She was slightly relieved that he couldn't see her expression at that moment. But she could tell Uncle Jia was aware of what had transpired last night, given how broad his smile was.
Ji Yuzhe lifted his head and turned toward her direction as soon as he heard her light footsteps.
"Good morning."
Feng Suyin forced a small smile, trying to maintain her composure despite the awkwardness hanging in the air. She nodded in response, her stomach twisting with embarrassment and uncertainty. Despite her embarrassment, she couldn't ignore the flutter in her chest at seeing him.
She couldn't understand why she suddenly felt like this toward him.
"Good morning," she replied, her voice soft yet steady. She avoided looking at him, focusing on the table between them.
Uncle Jia cleared his throat, breaking the tension.
"I made some breakfast for you both. Please, sit down and eat." He gestured warmly to the dishes laid out on the table.
Feng Suyin offered him a grateful smile before sitting opposite Ji Yuzhe.
They ate in silence. She couldn't help but steal glances at him occasionally. His features were unreadable. His expression guarded. She had thought he would be more at ease in her presence after their talk last night.
She focused on her food, determined not to let her thoughts wander to the confusing feelings swirling within her. But now and then, she would catch him with a thoughtful expression. She couldn't help but wonder what was on his mind.
After a few moments, Ji Yuzhe spoke.
"About last night..." His voice trailed off, as if unsure how to broach the subject.
Feng Suyin's heart rate quickened. Her pulse thrummed in her ears. She held her breath.
Ji Yuzhe hesitated before meeting her eyes directly.
"I understand that your current emotions can be... complicated," he said carefully, choosing his words with caution. "But I want to make it clear—what you said last night about marriage... I don't want you to feel pressured or obligated in any way. You don't need to feel responsible for me."
Feng Suyin felt a rush of relief flood through her.
She had braced herself for rejection or awkwardness. But his understanding caught her off guard.
"Thank you," she murmured, barely a whisper.
Ji Yuzhe offered her a small smile and dropped the topic, knowing dwelling on it too long would make her feel awkward.
"Have you considered what to do next?" he asked, reminding her of the problem ahead.
Feng Suyin grimaced.
She knew she needed to face the family that adopted her. Break things off with Ji Hanjun. But she knew it wouldn't be easy. Still, it was inevitable. Her love for them had been replaced with hatred—hatred she didn't think she was capable of feeling.
"I decided not to continue with the research."
That was the reason she died in her previous life. The reason the Feng family still needed her. If it hadn't been for that research, she would not have been betrayed by those she trusted the most.
"Are you sure? I heard from Professor Xu that you are close to finishing it."
Feng Suyin shook her head. Professor Xu's words were valid. But she couldn't bring herself down that path again. Not when she already knew what awaited her after finishing the research. The memories of her previous life haunted her. The pain and betrayal she endured.
"I've thought about it. The research should have been yours to begin with. If it weren't for me, you would have been able to finish it on time and achieve the success you rightfully deserve."
Professor Xu's first choice for a research partner had been Ji Yuzhe. But because of the Feng family and Ji Hanjun's intervention, the position ended up in her hands.
"You don't need to worry about it. I declined Professor Xu's offer for a reason. I didn't expect you to accept it because I thought you would rather gain more experience as a surgeon than as a researcher."
Feng Suyin smiled weakly.
Although she and Ji Yuzhe weren't close, she thought he knew her well. Despite the complexities of their relationship and the misunderstandings that seemed to hover between them constantly, she found solace in his understanding and support.
Across the table, Uncle Jia quietly refilled their tea. He said nothing. But the knowing smile never left his face.