One day later, the Chu family's parents returned home after being busy outside. During dinner, Chu Shi formally told his parents the whole story of the forum incident.
Chu Qiuqiu cast pitiful glances at Chu Shi, but he didn't seem to notice, detailing the role she had played in it.
Chu Qiuqiu was anxious and angry, while Chu Yin remained expressionless from start to finish. Even though the transcript was exposed and ridiculed, and her sister had attacked her, she stayed calm.
Hearing that Chu Qiuqiu had "ridiculed Chu Yin in the forum," Mr. Chu frowned. "Qiuqiu, how could you do such a thing? That's your sister."
Chu Qiuqiu's heart skipped a beat. But she just smiled faintly. She hadn't posted the post herself—would her parents really scold her?
Father Chu continued, "You are a daughter of the Chu family. You represent the family's image. Now outsiders see your sisters at odds—what does that look like?!"
Chu Yin quietly pressed her lips together—she knew their concern was for appearances, not for people.
In her previous life, when she was trapped by Lu Zhen, the Chu family believed being with him wasn't torture enough. After their bankruptcy, they even hoped to use her to gain financial support from Lu Zhen. So-called blood relatives, indeed. From start to finish, only her brother truly cared.
Mrs. Chu echoed her husband: "Qiuqiu, low-level social forums are not the place for you. Later, I'll take your sisters to more banquets to meet people at our level."
Chu Shi frowned. His parents seemed to miss the point entirely.
Chu Qiuqiu relaxed, smiling inwardly—sure enough, mom and dad wouldn't truly blame her! She was superior in everything, the most prized daughter of the Chu family. How could they scold her for one little mistake?
"I see, Dad, Mom. I won't do this again," Chu Qiuqiu said, lowering her head deliberately. "I was just too shocked to see my sister's report card, so…"
Only then did Mrs. Chu think about grades. Chu Shi had just won international awards. Chu Qiuqiu was also a top ten student. Chu Yin's grades… too disgraceful for the Chu family.
She thought, "Xiao Yin, if you don't know how to do your work, ask Qiuqiu more. Or we can find a cram school for you, otherwise your grades…"
"—Enough."
Chu Shi interrupted. He had been thinking about how much of his dream on the plane would come true. But now, seeing the partial behavior of his parents and the self-righteous caution of his sister, he realized everything would unfold as it should.
He raised his eyes at Chu Qiuqiu, rare solemnity in his brows. "After all that, have you forgotten what you still need to do? Apologize."
Chu Qiuqiu looked at him in disbelief. Mom and Dad no longer blamed her—why did her elder brother still betray her? All for Chu Yin, a hillbilly?
Under Chu Shi's stern gaze, she whispered aggrievedly, "I'm sorry."
Father Chu looked slightly relieved. "Now the two sisters should get along! Love and support each other in the future."
Chu Shi found this absurd. Letting Chu Qiuqiu whitewash herself and claim reconciliation—did anyone care about the hurt?
Meanwhile, Chu Yin silently finished her meal. She wiped her mouth and stood. "You continue."
She neither responded to Chu Qiuqiu's apology nor her parents' words. After she left, Chu Qiuqiu immediately complained to her parents: "Look at her! I apologized and she didn't even say a word…"
Chu Shi raised his eyes coldly. "Because your apology is not worthy of her response."
Chu Qiuqiu's face paled. Chu Shi didn't look at it further, got up, and left.
After returning to her room, Chu Yin didn't immediately study. She lifted her head slightly, her thoughts empty.
"Host, are you still affected?" Xueji asked quietly.
Yes.
She had died disgracefully in her past life, starting a new life without anyone knowing. Goldfinger let her stop fearing her own fate, but she couldn't change other people.
When she was five, she was lost and adopted by a rural family. She became a child bride to a mentally disabled older boy. She was treated with leftovers and routine training.
Returning to the Chu family in her previous life, she had fantasies about her biological parents—but reality disappointed her.
Without the proper guidance, she had to make herself strong in this life. Leaving the Chu family before bankruptcy and escaping Lu Zhen's control was her goal.
"Tuk Tuk."
A knock at the door.
Chu Shi stood outside. "Are you angry?"
Chu Yin smiled. "No—Brother, thank you. Truly."
Chu Shi (touching her head) said, "I know Qiuqiu obtained the transcript. I didn't pay attention before, which caused you to be wronged."
At first, Chu Yin was puzzled why he defended her without asking, but she understood now. "You don't need to apologize."
Chu Shi looked at her delicate, rosy face, recalling her pale, gloomy appearance after being trapped by Lu Zhen in her dream, and felt uneasy.
"This forum incident is also connected to Lu Zhen, yet he still spoke for you?" Chu Shi asked tentatively.
Chu Yin's heart skipped. "Lu Zhen?"
"Yes," Chu Shi observed her expression. "Did he say something to you?"
"Some nonsense," Chu Yin paused, then added tentatively, "…I feel he's a little sick."
Chu Shi smiled. "Exactly, Lu Zhen is quite sick."
Living two lifetimes, she finally found someone to share criticism of Lu Zhen—and she felt relieved.
"There are so many girls in school who like him. Most are blind."
"Yes, your senior Qiuzawa is far more handsome. And his personality… strange, not a good thing. Stay away from that fool."
"I will, Brother."
They insulted Lu Zhen together and found spiritual satisfaction, wishing each other goodnight.
To avoid attention, Fu Mingxuan took a week off before returning to class.
Midterms were in two weeks. She had to compete with Chu Qiuqiu for rankings despite her embarrassment.
After returning, no one mentioned the prior incident. Seeing Chu Yin focused on her studies again, Fu Mingxuan felt uneasy.
Chu Yin's mentality was strong. Even with known poor grades, she studied diligently.
An upcoming activity, Shakespeare English Week, required students to read aloud original English excerpts. The international class, trained under elite education, dominated this event.
When Fu Mingxuan approached Song Zhaolin's table with the reading list, she saw Chu Yin studying.
"Student Chu, will you participate? Your English is strong," Fu Mingxuan said.
Chu Yin had just finished a real English exam for college entrance. Her predicted score: 145. The system approved her.
She looked at Fu Mingxuan casually: "Are you a fool?"
Fu Mingxuan flushed.
Song Zhaolin laughed, "Hahahaha, sorry…"
The class snickered quietly.
Chu Yin finished typing, then went to endorse the word list. Classmates stared, dazed by her efficiency and focus.
No one was on the rooftop. Chu Yin recited a page of Level 6 words alone. She remembered Shakespeare English Week.
Snatched by Lu Zhen last life, she had learned to excel under elite guidance. The black box had chosen her for the toughest excerpt, and Lu Zhen quietly completed it alongside her. That day, everyone remembered her name and face. Some called her the school bachelor, and trouble soon followed—all because of that dog man.
"Host, your intent is high again."
Chu Yin sneered. "I have a knife."
"There is no knife, but the head has been sent—"
A cool voice behind her: "…How are you?"
Chu Yin turned. A boy in a white shirt, black hair pressed over his brows, tears in his eyes, stood before her.
She raised her arms on the stage edge, sliding her mask up. Lu Zhen caught a glimpse of her delicate features. His heart tightened.
Chu Yin quickly buttoned her mask.
Lu Zhen regained composure. "Last time… I should apologize."
Chu Yin thought, Why does this dog man always appear?
She urged Xueji to load the script:
[Location: school rooftop. Characters: Lu Zhen, Chu Yin.]
The autumn wind blew gently. Chu Yin didn't respond. Lu Zhen frowned. "Why wear a mask?"
She lowered her head, silent.
Lu Zhen wanted to leave but didn't. "…Why wear a mask?" he repeated.
Chu Yin seized the moment. She moved the light pen and crossed out Lu Zhen's words "You—" and changed it to "Go away—."
Lu Zhen watched the change, unsure. Do you hate me?
Then Chu Yin, shocked herself, backed away. "I'm sorry! I'm leaving now!" She turned and ran.
The wind blew strong. Lu Zhen remained silent.
I'm not angry. I really am not.