At the age of sixteen, Song Yin transformed from Cinderella to a true young lady of wealth. Everyone ridiculed her arrival, except for Shi Huai'an who had a soft spot for her.

Yet, the young girl's grand crush came to a halt on a night when Shi Huai'an unexpectedly got drunk.

Since then, he pulled back his favoritism for her and poured it all onto her elder sister.

For six years, it was nothing but a joke that Song Yin made up and performed on her own.

She had accumulated enough disappointments and disappeared on the eve of his engagement banquet with her elder sister.

"Do you really want to teach away from home for two years, Song Yin?"

"With your musical talent, your future is promising. I'll give you two weeks to think it over. If you still want to go, I won't stop you anymore."

To Song Yin, Mentor Chen was both a teacher and a mother figure. She knew Mentor Chen was considering for her future, but this decision had taken root in her heart, growing into a towering tree.

The final answer after two weeks would only be "Yes".

Leaving the school, Song Yin boarded the bus, preparing to visit that ridiculously absurd apartment.

It was Friday, the day she was obligated to carry out her duties.

After getting off the bus, it was still a distance to the apartment. Unluckily, the sudden downpour completely soaked Song Yin.

Running to the apartment and opening the fingerprint lock, she was greeted by a gust of cold air as if she had fallen into an ice cave.

Her soaked dress clung to her body and carried the mocking gaze of the person before her.

In front of him, she was always so embarrassed, whether in the past or the present, always like a fleeing thief.

"Come home earlier when you're free next time, I don't have much time."

Shi Huaian spoke up, as always, he was so silent, a man of few words.

Song Yin nodded her head, put down her bag and went to the bathroom.

The sound of water hitting the floor masked her panic. It's been three years, and she can't forget the pain of that night. It wasn't even her fault.

"Are you done yet?"

After stifling a sob, Song Yin answered, "Almost there."

She couldn't hide any longer; forty minutes had already passed. If she kept him waiting, he would become annoyed.

In the living room, Shi Huaian poured himself a glass of red wine, holding the glass delicately in his fingertips, still in his impeccably tailored suit.

She tentatively knelt on the couch, reaching her arms around his neck.

This was all trained by Shi Huaian. He was very pleased with Song Yin like this.

Song Yin cautiously leaned in to kiss him, but was startled by the vibrating mobile phone casually discarded on the couch.

"Huaian, I sprained my foot. Could you please come and check on me? It really hurts..."

Song Yin knew, on the other line was her sister, Song Wu.

Song Yin's original surname is not Song, but Chen.

She is the lost daughter of the Song family. Remembering her lost child day and night, Song's mother adopted Song Wu.

For fifteen years, all her affection was poured into her adopted daughter. When Song Yin was found, there was no love left for her.

Song Yin, at sixteen, grew up in the water town of Jiangnan, depending on her grandmother for life. If it were not for the money needed for her grandmother's illness, she could have left.

Forced by reality, she still had to stay in the vast city of Kyoto, being the "parasite" in their mouths.

Since her arrival, Song Muo had made several attempts to commit suicide or run away. Her mother held her on the bed and said more than once:

"If only there was no Song Yin, little Muo, don't worry, mom only acknowledges you as her daughter."

But Song Yin, just next door, heard everything clearly. She wiped away her tears secretly and never dared to yearn for her mother's embrace.

For the safety of Song Muo, her brother, Song Qing, entrusted her to his good friend Shi Huaian for a while, but this period lasted for six years.

"Leave first, I have some things to deal with."

She obediently left, his command had become her subconscious rule, she never dared to disobey.

"Is it because of Song Muo?"

Song Yin bravely voiced her thoughts, she greatly regretted this slip of the tongue. Well, she was about to leave anyway.

"Don't ask too much."

Shi Huaian frowned, hurriedly got up and left her alone.

In their eyes, Song Muo was always the most important. She was merely a dispensable person.

She picked up the wine recently brewed by Shi Huaian, poured it into her mouth, the spiciness and sweetness filled her completely.

The blood in her entire body was pulsing, no wonder people sought solace in alcohol, to be drunk was indeed an enjoyable experience.

Chapter two, and Shi Huai'an never came back. For two whole days, Song Yin stayed put in the apartment. But even this kind of life was a form of happiness for her, a happiness undisturbed by anyone.

At the start of the semester, Song Yin found a part-time job of playing music in a restaurant.

Sunday night was her last time doing this part-time job. Once paid, she would have enough money to buy some new stationery for the kids she would soon meet, as well as some supplements for grandmother.

Putting on the uniform of her part-time job, she went up on the stage with her cello.

However, two inappropriate figures caught her eye.

It was Shi Huai'an and Song Mo.

Song Mo, clinging to Shi Huai'an's arm, looked playful with her delicate makeup, while Shi Huai'an was cool and noble. The two were a match made in heaven.

Her thoughts became jumbled. Her finger plucked the wrong note, causing an abrupt sound that drew quite a number of people's attention.

"Ahh, Brother Huai'an, is that little Yin?"

Song Yin heard their conversation and quickly lowered her head. She didn't want Shi Huai'an to know she was doing part-time work here.

Their semi-sponsored relationship naturally involved financial transactions.

Shi Huai'an gave her fifty thousand a month, but she only took out the amount she needed for her grandmother's medical expenses from the drawer, not taking a single cent more.

Shi Huai'an didn't say a word, allowing Song Mo to lead him to where Song Yin was.

"Little Yin, how can you come to a place like this to work part-time? Go change your clothes quickly. Mom would be heartbroken if she knew."

Song Wu attempted to snatch the cello from her hands, the strings scraping against Song Yin's palm, causing her to drop it in pain.

But, that cello slipped out of their hands and hit Song Wu's injured ankle.

"Ah, Yin, I'm doing this for your sake...how could you treat me like this?"

Song Wu half-squatted on the ground, screaming out in pain.

Shi Huai’An kicked the cello aside, causing it to tumble down the stairs with a loud crash.

Song Yin didn't expect such a thing to happen and hurriedly explained, "No, it was you...."

"Enough, haven't I taught you to apologize when you're wrong?"

Song Yin, trying hard to hold back her tears, covertly glanced at her bleeding palm, and defiantly replied Shi Hua'An:

"I’m not in the wrong. Why should I apologize?"

Shi Huai'An appeared displeased, and ordered Song Yin to change and go home.

Song Yin bitter laughed, home, she had no such place.

She stood still, enduring the strange looks from the people around her. Shi Huai’An picked up Song Wu, and under the manager's apology and forced laughter, they headed to the private room on the second floor.

Song Yin picked up the now broken cello, and cradled it, returning alone to the lounge.

He had forgotten, this was the final birthday gift he gave her on her 19th birthday.

The manager forcefully subtracted two thousand from her original five thousand yuan salary.

Song Yin felt wronged. Her palm was still hot and painful. She wanted to argue with the manager, but someone blocked her way.

"Those two thousand yuan are to compensate for my medical expenses. If it weren't for my generosity, you wouldn't get a penny from your five thousand yuan salary."

Song Wu no longer showed a face of extreme grievance.

"Don't think I don't know your affection for Huai An. I'm telling you, Huai An is planning to propose to me. If you know what's good for you, get out of my sight as soon as possible."

She purposely revealed the ambiguous red marks on her neck and swayed them in front of Song Yin.

Song Yin, like a paper-mache tiger, suddenly deflated.

What was left was only endless disgust. Why did he have to disgrace himself like this? He could have told her he was getting married, and she would willingly leave.

She was no longer the little girl who silently adored him from behind.

Chapter 3, "I will leave. There's no need for your reminder."

Song Wu snorted coldly and slapped Song Yin's face with her raised hand.

"Don't even try to take mom and brother away from me. You should remember, I'm the only daughter of the Song family, and brother Huai An will only be with me. Your underhanded methods are truly disgusting."

After that, Song Wu turned around and went upstairs, leaving Song Yin alone leaning against the wall.

Her thoughts drifted back to three years ago when she was living in Huai An's villa.

That evening, Huai An was networking late into the night. When he pushed open the door, he woke Song Yin who was dozing off in the living room.

She frantically opened a bottle of mineral water and handed it to him, not realizing it had been drugged by someone with ill intent.

He pinned her against the bed, caressing every inch of her skin, relentlessly questioning over and over again:

"Is it you who gave me that bottle of water?"

She nodded, then desperately shook her head. Nevertheless, what she received was torture like a raging storm.

Song Yin closed her eyes and silently accepted everything, because she was hiding a secret: she was in love with Shi Huai'an.

This was an unexpected incident, an unspoken agreement between the two that it wouldn't be mentioned.

However, the condition of her grandmother worsened, and heart bypass surgery required two hundred thousand.

With nowhere to turn, Song Yin stood naked in front of Shi Huai'an, her body trembling.

He chuckled lightly. From then on, the indulgent and caring older brother no longer existed, leaving only mocking and scoffing voices.

In his eyes, how was she any different from those people outside?

Song Yin bought nutritional products and some stationery, and sent them all back to the small town.

Then she returned to her apartment to get her clothes.

Upon opening the door, she found Shi's mother Ren Siqing and Song Wu were happily chatting on the sofa.

Song Yin was truly startled, she hadn't expected Shi's mother to find this place.

"Oh, Little Yin, how come you're here too?"

Ren Siqing's tone was casual, seemingly knowledgeable about everything.

"I didn't expect Huai An to have such a property, the location is so nice, and the decoration is good too."

"Aunt Shi, hello."

Song Yin greeted and wanted to leave, but Mrs. Shi pulled her to sit down.

"My assistant took a leave. Ying, you majored in music, so your artistic talent is certainly not bad. Come work for me for a few days."

Ren Siqing's tone did not welcome any refusal. Trouble is, Song Yin was the type to go with the flow.

"Yin, this is a rare opportunity, you should thank Aunt Shi now."

Song Wu pushed her, grilled by the two, Song Yin had to agree.

The two left before Song Yin. Exhausted, she collapsed on the sofa.

This was a boiling pit but she had no choice but to jump.

Shi Huaian sent her a message, asking her to wait for him at the apartment.

It was late when he arrived, reeking of alcohol.

"If you have something to say, say it now, it's late, I want to go back to school early."

Song Yin looked away, not wanting to meet his gaze.

"You are in such a hurry to leave? It was you, Song Yin, who approached me first."

The pungent smell of alcohol made Song Yin's head ache; she did not want to argue with a drunk, and turned to leave.

Shi Huai'an grabbed her arm, pulling her onto the bed without leaving any room for her refusal.

Like that night three years ago, Song Yin was scared to the point of trembling.

"Let go of me, let go of me!"

Song Yin, her rationality eroded by fear, raised her hand in a bid to survive and it landed on Shi Huai'an's face.

The echo of the crisp slap reverberated in the vacant bedroom. Song Yin looked at her hand, her fear being realized only after the action.

"I didn't mean to hit you."

Song Yin's explanation was pale and weak. She picked up her packed bundle from the floor and turned to leave.

"Let's talk."

Shi Huai'an finally spoke, loosening his tie in frustration.

"Let's... put an end to this relationship, I won't disturb you and Song Wu"

Song Yin's voice had a tinge of tremble; a single tear trickled down her cheek.

"What rubbish, she is just my sister."

Shi Huai'an grasped her hand. Song Yin pulled away, wincing in pain - her hand had been seriously cut by a broken string and hadn't fully healed.

She didn’t want to hear these childish lies anymore, knowing crystal clear whether Song Wu was his sister or not.

For the first time, she defied Shi Huai'an's orders and walked out the door.

Chapter 4: Song Yin quietly returned to her dorm, laying on the cramped little bed. She was thinking, Grandma would receive those items tomorrow, she must be very pleased, and she could soon go back to accompany her.

Early the next morning, Song Yin arrived ahead of time at Ren Siqing's company. She was a director of an entertainment company, which had numerous well-known artists under its management.

Ren Siqing came late, and as soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Song Yin, busily printing out documents next to her desk.

In an instant, Ren Siqing finally understood why her son was so infatuated with her.

She indeed had a good appearance, youthful and vibrant, enough to bewitch every pair of eyes that craved beauty.

However, exactly because of this, she despised her even more.

Her experience, horizons, and abilities were far from Song Wu. When you peel off her beautiful exterior, she had nothing, and there was no compatibility with her son.

The Song family didn’t like her, she couldn’t get the rightful inheritance, a girl like this would only become an indelible stain in Shi Hua's future life.

"Song assistant, go arrange my schedule for this week."

"Yes, Director Ren."

Song Yin knew, in her line of work, their relationship was clearly defined by their roles, with boundaries that should not be crossed.

Besides being a director of an entertainment company, Ren Siqing was also the wife of Shi Mingshan.

Her schedule was very busy, juggling between work and social engagements.

"Aunt Shi, how has Xiaoyin been behaving here?"

Song Wu, dressed in a playful yellow dress, affectionately cuddled up to Ren Siqing's shoulder.

"Ah, how can she compare to you, this little clever devil who always delights me."

Song Yin brought coffee to the two, their intimate behavior making Song Yin even more embarrassed.

"It's almost noon, Aunt Shi. I really want to eat crayfish and soup dumplings from Tangxian Residence. It's been a long time since I had them.”

Song Yin also loved the signature dishes from there. When she first met Shi Huaian, he often brought them for her, no matter how troublesome, just because she liked them.

Ren Siqing led her by the hand to sit down, her eyes drifting towards Song Yin.

"Well, why not? Assistant Song, you go buy it."

Song Yin hesitated for two seconds - she was an assistant, but only to Ren Siqing.

"Assistant Song, surely you can handle such a small matter, can't you?"

Ren Siqing joked half-heartedly, Song Yin had no way to refuse.

Tangxian Residence was in the north of the city, and they were in the south - not to mention the distance, but even if she brought it back, it would already have gone cold.

Song Yin went and bought thermos barrels, took a taxi, and went to Tangxian Residence.

After more than two arduous hours, she finally brought back two barrels full of crayfish and dumplings.

Just as she arrived at the company's entrance, she encountered two people who had just come down from a black Bentley.

"Aunt Shi, their steak is so delicious. I'm really stuffed."

Song Yin, with a thermal bucket in hand, was stunned at the spot.

"Song Assistant, now it's one o'clock in the afternoon. If you're working at such a pace, no company is going to hire you in the future,"

Song Wu reached out to grab the two thermal buckets but was stopped by Ren Siqing.

"Little Wu, how could you do this? Peel the little lobsters, heat them up in the microwave and send them over to Wu."

Left speechless, Song Yin took the heavy buckets to the canteen to peel the shells.

Lobster shells have prickled through the gloves, stabbing into her fingers. Song Yin took a deep breath and tilted her head to look at the green outside the window.

Just bear with it a little longer, it wouldn't be long before she could leave.

A plate full of small lobsters was piping hot and placed in front of Song Wu. Ren Siqing did not embarrass her further.

Yet, Song Yin, with her gastric problem, had skipped lunch. Now her abdomen was cramping in pain.

Coupled with the pain, she bent over, unable to do anything else.

Shi Huaian sent her a WeChat message to apologise for the incident last night.

Song Yin did not respond. He was not at fault – she was. After three years, she thought that even if he was as cold as a stone, he'd eventually warm up. But reality had slapped her in the face.

Chapter Five

After taking painkillers, Song Yin was only treating the symptoms but not the root cause. Her lips lost their color, and she was a bit unstable even when walking.

After work, she went to the pharmacy to buy stomach medicine, catching the last bus back to school.

Autumn in the north comes exceptionally early. She broke out in a cold sweat. The cool breeze hit her body, making her feel inexplicably cold.

From a distance, she saw that familiar Cayenne parked at the school gate.

As Shi Huaian saw her approaching, he extinguished the cigarette butt.

"Song Yin, why haven't you responded to my messages?"

Song Yin didn't want to deal with it. She was already tired and it was his mother who started it all.

These rich kids were always so selfish, always trying to get the upper hand, even when he felt the need to apologize, he initially shouted at her.

But Song Yin was also spoiled by her grandmother. Her tears were like a bubbling spring, that could just not be contained.

"What else do you want? It's clearly not my fault. It's been three years. When will you let me go?"

Shi Huaian was somewhat distressed. His hands had no place to rest, so he simply watched as Song Yin suddenly fell to the ground. By the time he thought of reaching out to her, it was already too late.

"Song Yin, Song Yin!"

He hurriedly lifted her into the car, instantly heading for the hospital.

Song Yin had contracted acute appendicitis, unaware that she was running a fever.

The doctor said it was in the early stages and that she would be fine after taking some medication and getting plenty of rest.

She hadn't woken up yet, but Shi Huaian had already knocked off all his work to stay at the hospital with her.

As he looked at her peaceful sleeping face, he felt a mix of self-reproach and heartache.

She had lost a lot of weight these past few days, light enough to be surprising when he lifted her.

Song Wu sent another photo; she was standing on the rooftop, and behind her was a vast abyss.

He immediately dialed her number, but there was no sound from the other end.

"Song Wu, don't do anything foolish. I'm coming over," he hurriedly spoke.

Shi Huai'an couldn't wait for Song Yin to wake up any longer and immediately got up and left.

Not long after she left, Song Yin woke up.

The empty ward was only her and a little girl, the pungent smell of disinfectant made her frown.

She disliked the smell of the hospital, it always brought her a sense of panic; this panic stemmed from poverty, she had experienced the despairing collapse.

She was keenly aware of her physical condition and knew she could not afford to spend any more money on it longer.

Her grandmother's illness was prone to relapse at any time, she needed to save a considerable amount of money to take her grandmother to a better hospital for treatment.

The little girl told her that the 'uncle' had left after receiving a phone call.

Song Yin waited for the IV infusion to finish, then she proceeded with the discharge procedures.

She initially wanted to take a day off, but she knew Ren Siqing would inevitably mock her when she went home.

Song Yin had enquired about her colleagues, the original assistant had only taken ten days off and was about to return soon.

The next day, she went to work as usual.

Ren Siqing didn't assign her any heavy tasks today, delegating all the duties of accompanying her to the party to a colleague.

She was only instructed to deliver a bracelet to Song Wu, as a birthday gift for her.

But today, it was also Song Yin's birthday.

Song Wu didn't know her actual birthday, so Mother Song assigned Song Yin's birthday to Song Wu as well.

Carrying the bracelet, she felt as if she were lugging a gigantic rock and arrived at the Song's villa.

It had been six years since she last came here, and neither Mother Song nor Song Qing had enquired about her.

When she walked in, the entire family was happily gathered around the dining table celebrating Song Wu's birthday.

Seeing her entrance, Song Wu dropped her chopsticks immediately.

"Today's my birthday, what did you invite her here for? I knew it, you guys only care about this biological daughter of yours!"

After saying that, she turned around and went upstairs.

Chapter 6: Mother Song gave Song Yin a glance before hurrying to comfort Song Wu.

"Your sister's been spoiled. Come here, little Yin, let's eat together," Father Song called her over. But Song Yin wasn't blind to the situation.

"No need, Father. Aunt Shi asked me to deliver this bracelet to sister. Now that it's been delivered, I should be on my way."

Song Yin left the box on the table, without lingering for a moment.

"Song Qing, take your sister home, quickly!"

Regardless of how Song Yin resisted, Song Qing insisted on taking her home. Song Yin had no choice but to get in his car.

"Yin, Xiao Mo is not well. When you see her in daily life, avoid arguing with her, and indulge her a bit."

Song Yin remained silent, turning her head to look out of the window.

Song Qing continued to talk to himself:

"You've grown up too, Xiao Mo will be getting married to Huai An before long. You should avoid causing any suspicion, Xiao Mo has had her fair share of extreme reactions because of this issue."

Song Yin's vision got a bit blurred, she even saw the scenery outside as a blur. She rubbed her aching right abdomen, and managed to reply:

"I know, I'll leave soon."

Song Qing assumed she meant leaving the family house. He felt somewhat relieved that she was able to understand how hard Xiao Mo had it.

"Once Xiao Mo accepts you, I will bring you back. How nice it would be if our family could be together."

...

Ren Siqing didn't return to the office. She was called to a private resort. Her colleague told her that Ren Siqing was going to enjoy the hot spring here.

She had prepared well in advance, knowing that Ren Siqing wasn't used to using the fragrance provided by the resort. She had purposefully brought her custom-made Roland Fantasia scent.

Given such meticulous attention to detail, Ren Siqing couldn't help but provide a compliment.

"You can go home and rest today. Ah, right, Xiao Mo and Huai An are going to spend a few days in Thailand, remember to help them book a hotel later, no one else could make a more thoughtful booking than you."

Song Yin felt as if a piece of her heart had been hollowed out. She left the place, her soul almost drifting away.

Just in time, Shi Huai'an sent her a WeChat message.

"Remember to take your medicine on time. I will be on a business trip for a few days, I will come to see you when I return."

Song Yin looked up at the glaring sun overhead. It was shining directly on her, yet she still felt unaccountably cold.

She didn’t cry, nor did she expose Shi Huai'an's clumsy lie. She simply replied with one word:

"Okay."

That night, Song Wu posted a photo to her Moments. It was a picture of a carefully arranged waterfall of roses on a large bed in a hotel.

But it was a moving picture. She could clearly hear the sound of running water from the bathroom in the background.

The hotel was booked by Song Wu under Ren Siqing's request. It was a couple's suite.

Being adults, she was clearly aware of what would happen next after they take a bath. It went without saying.

Song Yin watched the photo loop three times. After closing her phone, she buried her head deeply into the blanket.

The small bed trembled slightly with her. The roommate on the other side, unaware of what had happened, thought she had a stomachache again.

"Xiao Yin, are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?”

Song Yin wiped away her tears, pretending as if nothing had happened.

“I'm fine. I'm sorry to have bothered you. You should get some sleep."

Song Yin left the dormitory alone and went up to the rooftop.

The autumn wind was cold, making her shiver slightly.

Looking over the brightly lit buildings in the distance, she felt the vast openness of the space, too large to provide her with a place of refuge.

She prefers her little village where everyone is gentle and kind, calling her a good girl, no one would show a stern face or ridicule her.

"Teacher Chen, would it be convenient for me to meet you tomorrow to process the paperwork for the teaching support?" she texted.

After a long while, Teacher Chen responded, "Since you have made up your mind, I will not stop you. I will help you finish the paperwork as soon as possible."

In the next few days of Chapter Seven, Song Yin poured herself into her assistant work.

The job was grueling, but she could also learn a lot.

Ren Siqing did not deliberately make it difficult for her anymore, but occasionally knocked her in secret, taking the hint to stay away from her son.

Song Yin just smiled at this, and Ren Siqing lost his temper.

Shi Huaian’s flight was this afternoon, he messaged Song Yin early, saying he would wait for her at the school gate.

Song Yin excused herself saying she had to go to work, and would only be back at night.

She did not want him to know that she was serving as an assistant under his mother, also, Ren Siqing did not want her to reveal.

The quarterly performance comprehensive is coming, Ren Siqing asked Song Yin to go to the print room to move the mound-like stack of files.

"Hurry up, I have a meeting this evening."

Ren Siqing urged her, causing Song Yin to dash anxiously to the print room. To save time, she moved all the folders at once.

Her vision was blocked; she could only focus on her steps and return instinctively.

"Aunt Shi, have you missed us?"

Song Yin found herself unable to dodge in time, being directly bumped into by Song Wu, who had darted out from the elevator.

The folders in her hand were knocked over, scattering all over the floor.

Song Wu's milk tea was also knocked away, staining both Song Yin’s white blouse and the scattered files.

Looking up in confusion, Song Yin found herself meeting those all too familiar eyes.

She quickly averted her gaze, squatting down to pick up the scattered files.

"Little Yin, why are you so flustered?”

Song Wu complained discontentedly.

"Sorry."

Shi Huaian was standing aside, his eyebrows furrowed as he kept silent, his gaze fixed on Song Yin, and his face darkened to the extreme.

At the sound, Ren Siqing left his office and found Shi Huaian there. A look of panic and surprise flashed in his eyes for a moment and then it was gone.

"Little Wu, bring your brother Huaian in, and Assistant Song, make three cups of coffee, one with sugar and milk, and bring them over promptly."

Shi Huaian stopped in front of Song Yin, stepping on the document she was about to pick up.

Feeling awkward and wronged, she stubbornly turned to the other side, refusing to let him see her in such a disheveled state.

As soon as she tidied up the documents at the fastest speed, she ran back to the pantry.

Approaching the office, she heard Shi Huaian's angry roar.

"You let Song Yin be your assistant? Mom, did you ask for my permission?"

"Xiao Huaian! Watch your tone."

Shi Huaian stopped talking, while Song Wu softly tried to soothe the atmosphere between the mother and son.

After hesitating for a moment, Song Yin pushed the door and walked in.

"President Ren, your coffee."

Having said that, Song Yin hastily left.

She threw herself into those documents, trying not to notice the movements inside.

So much so that she even forgot the time to leave work.

She hurried back to meet Teacher Chen at school. Teacher Chen had already completed the formalities, all she needed was to sign.

When she came out of the office, the sky outside was already covered with grey clouds.

"Assistant Song, there is an important document to sign in the company. Could you please deliver it to Xiang Yiyuan for me."

Ren Siqing called, and Song Yin didn't dare to delay, promptly answering.

She didn't have time to grab her umbrella, jumped into a taxi to rush back to the company, picked up the contract, and hastily delivered it to Xiangi Yuan.

Rain started to fall when she left her office, by the time she arrived at the restaurant, it was a downpour.

Song Yin was stopped at the door of Xiang Yi Yuan by the attendant because she hadn't made a reservation.

Ren Siqing didn’t reply, and her calls were not going through.

Song Yin sought shelter in the bus stop across the street, but still didn't escape the heavy rain and got soaked to the bone.

Vehicles splashed her with rainwater. Trying to dodge, she tripped over a depression in the stone pavement with her high heels and fell heavily into a puddle.

She propped up her body, desperately trying to protect the important contract from getting wet. On the other side of the street, under the warm-colored lights, was a completely different world.

It was a place full of warmth and romance, worlds apart from her own. She laughed at herself. None of the things here were within her reach.

Shi Huaian witnessed the lonely and pitiful silhouette on the other side of the road early on.

Upon seeing her falling into the water, he swore out loud.

"Xiao Huaian, mind your language."

"Mom, if you're unhappy with me, then take it out on me. Why torment her?"

Upon finishing his words, Shi Huaian pushed away Song Wu who was standing in front of him and got up to find her.

"Do you really want to see me lose face here?!"

Ren Siqing lowered his voice and growled at him, "Sit still, I'll have someone pick her up."

Song Yin was almost frozen stiff, and only then did a message appear on her phone.

[Come in, I've arranged for someone to pick you up.]

Chapter 8: She walked into the luxurious restaurant, disheveled, the warm wind alleviating the chill of her body.

At the dining table on the left of the second floor, Ren Siqing, Shi Huaishu, and Song Wu were enjoying their delicate meals.

Song Wu looked her up and down, and laughed out loud.

"Mr. Ren, your contract."

Song Wu tried to control herself, paying no attention to the three people across from her.

She was slightly bowed, as if she was uncomfortable from the cold. Her fluffy hair had been drenched, half-stuck to her scalp, with large stains on her clothing.

Seeing her in this state, Shi Huaishu immediately put down his chopsticks.

Ren Siqing remained in his superior position, restraining Shi Huaishu from standing up.

"Assistant Song, you can go back and rest now, you don't need to come to work tomorrow, payroll will transfer your salary to your account."

Song Yin breathed a sigh of relief, she put down the contract and immediately turned to leave, not wanting to stay another second.

Shi Huaishu watched Song Wu leave, disappearing again into the endless rain.

"It's just a bit of rain, for a newcomer to the workplace, this humiliation means nothing. Who are you trying to impress with this act, Shi Huaishu? Remember, you're getting engaged next week, so cut off any inappropriate ties!"

Shi Huai'an brushed off the hand on his shoulder and paid no attention to Ren Siqing's raging and Song Mu's subsequent struggles.

He rushed out unswervingly to look for Song Yin.

However, upon arriving at the bus station across the street, Song Yin's figure was nowhere to be seen--he was one step too late again.

He made five consecutive phone calls, all of which Song Yin did not answer.

Song Yin returned to the dormitory, changed her soaking wet clothes, and took a hot bath.

It was her roommate's birthday, who had left a piece of cake for her. Mysteriously, she felt a sourness in her nose.

She chewed on the cream, but couldn't taste a hint of sweetness.

Song Yin bought an airplane ticket that was scheduled for early morning.

She vaguely remembered that her first arrival here was also on a winter morning. When she got off the plane, there was no one from the Song family to pick her up.

Was it because Song Mu was sick, and everyone was with her in the hospital, or was it because of her

Song Mu's

illness?

In the end, Song Qing asked his good friend, Shi Huai'an, to pick her up at the airport.

Song Yin wandered alone in the vast airport. When her stomach was growling with hunger and her eyes could barely stay open, a tall figure took her luggage from her.

The moment she saw Shi Huai'an, she realized that there were such good-looking people in the world, even better looking than the stars on TV.

She didn't bring anything back with her from here, including the cello that Shi Huai'an had gifted her. She'd already left it in her apartment early in the morning.

The media broke the news tonight of the marriage alliance between the Song family and the Shi family. Accompanying the article was a portrait of Shi Huai'an and Song Mu, with the engagement due next Friday.

This highly anticipated union was such a sensation and fervor.

Compared to her departure, it made her seem so insignificant. Song Yin looked at the picture and laughed at herself mockingly.

She deleted all the contact details of Shi Huaian, and turned off her phone.

She placed the piece of cake back into her mouth, the vanished sweetness seemed to be back again.

She bid farewell to her roommate, alone with her luggage, she headed for the airport.

Separated by clear glass, she watched one aircraft after another streak over the horizon.

The memories of Shi Huaian played back in her mind like a reverse movie.

A single tear slid down her cheek, silently merging into the night.

The song in her earphones was lingering, "But on some bleak, late-autumn night, suddenly it becomes clear, and the yellow leaves collapse."

Song Yin raised her head, brushing the cold glass.

The memories of Shi Huaian, let them stay in this autumn forever.

Let’s never meet again, Shi Huaian.