After Saving My Possessive Best Friend, I Couldn't Escape (GL) - Chapter 50

Human ambition is a very strange thing.

In the face of bleak reality, backbone and integrity can be worthless, and a puff of air can break a proud spirit.

But if given even a sliver of hope, that “energy” that connects bone to sinew still clings desperately, hoping to reconnect to something.

“H-Hello.” The couple on the other end of the phone had blurred, pale faces. Their words, transmitted through the electrical signal, were shaded by suffering, making them sound indistinct.

“You gave us your contact information last time,” the couple, hearing no response after the call connected, grew anxious. “Do you still remember?”

On the table in the clean, tidy apartment living room lay a phone on speaker mode. A good-looking girl sat on the single sofa, her expression cool, holding a cup of cold coffee. Without looking up, she said, “Speak.”

“What you said before, that we could exchange the evidence for money, does that still count?”

Ye Yu tasted the cold coffee. The bitterness lacked the rich, mellow texture it had when warm, leaving only a lingering sourness. She listened calmly as the couple talked about their current situation, circling around to Han Qi.

“Her mental state is very poor. We really don’t have any options left. We plan to take her away from here,” the couple said.

Ye Yu’s brow furrowed slightly. A ripple spread in the coffee cup. The people on the phone sounded like desperate migratory birds, having lost their sense of direction, abandoned by the Earth’s magnetic field, and unable to find a goal to return to or fly toward.

Since they were birds looking for a home for the winter, not greedy, consuming beasts, a transaction with them was acceptable.

Ye Yu sat up straight and said one word: “Yes.”

The couple’s tone sped up noticeably. “We discussed it with our child. Many of her textbooks have graffiti from those people, and her school uniform is covered with insulting phrases. Based on handwriting analysis, we should be able to prove…”

This time, they smoothly and clearly relayed everything they knew.

Ye Yu listened, softly hummed an “Mhm,” and gave them an address. “Whether you photograph or videotape these things, compile them onto a hard drive and send it to this location. There will be one hundred thousand in cash inside, which you can take. As for the original evidence, package it in a box and store it in a bank safety deposit box. I will send you the bank address and box number later. Rest assured, I will not destroy the evidence.”

The couple listened submissively. Their final tone was one of immense gratitude, as if Ye Yu were their savior.

Ye Yu hung up the phone, looking dispirited as she leaned back on the sofa. The progress in her “career” didn’t bring any relief or satisfaction to her face. She was more concerned about what had just happened.

She hadn’t changed out of her school uniform. After the unpleasant parting with Fang Zhile a few hours ago, she had remained on the sofa, motionless. In that short time, she reviewed her memories of Fang Zhile from beginning to end, meticulously analyzing Fang Zhile’s character and way of dealing with things.

Compared to her own preference for working in the shadows, Fang Zhile seemed much more direct. She was always bright, sunny, and open, making people feel clear-minded when they looked at her.

Her openness was like a lamp above her head, or perhaps the bright moon in the sky, offering light and direction without the searing pain or dimming the light of others.

In other words, she wasn’t a melodramatic person, nor did she become arrogant from being favored, and she certainly wouldn’t pass her bad mood onto others.

Just like the misunderstanding a moment ago. It reminded Ye Yu of the time she brought Fang Zhile home. Zhou Meize’s words were unbearable even for her, let alone for Fang Zhile, who was directly targeted by Zhou Meize. Yet, Fang Zhile remained nonchalant the entire time.

Fang Zhile only seemed to challenge Zhou Meize when it concerned her own matters. And that low-level, useless attack was like punching a cotton ball—the cotton might have internal damage, but the surface remained fluffy and showed no signs of distress.

Ye Yu tried hard to justify Fang Zhile’s behavior, magnanimously considering Fang Zhile’s situation. Then she began a deep self-reflection, scrutinizing every easily overlooked detail, from her words and actions to her clothes and living habits, under a magnifying glass.

Good. Her emotions stabilized during the introspection. Ye Yu let out a deep breath and stood up to pour out the cold coffee.

But when she passed the room she had specially prepared for Fang Zhile and saw the empty, desolate scene inside, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness.

All reason failed her at this moment. Tens of thousands of grievances, indignation, and guilt surged up from every corner, breaching her defenses like a flood.

“Ye Yu!”

A sudden shout reached her ears. Ye Yu’s body twitched. She thought she was hallucinating. The hallucination didn’t fade. Instead, the voice grew louder, one call after another, until the voice even seemed to jump.

Wait, jump?

Ye Yu’s blurry vision quickly focused, casting a terrified glance toward the courtyard outside. It was a girl in a school uniform with short hair, a face she had just mentally drawn over and over again.

Ye Yu subconsciously took a step back, vigorously rubbing her eyes. Was she experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations?

Fang Zhile saw Ye Yu looking at her and immediately bounced a few more times, waving and calling out, “Ye Yu! Ye Yu! Do you see me?”

Ye Yu thought, I see you, but I don’t dare believe it.

Fang Zhile’s hair had grown a bit, extending past her shoulders.

The tips curled slightly, touching her collarbone, giving it a silken texture in the moonlight. The girl’s figure was encased in the ugly, baggy, old-fashioned school uniform.

Yet, the uniform couldn’t conceal her youthful, sunny aura. The arcs traced by her every gesture were still graceful, like a fresh, dew-covered plum just picked from a tree. She was bathed in moonlight, hazy and beautiful, like a dream.

“I’m so hungry!”

The word “hungry” finally reached Ye Yu’s other senses. Ye Yu’s eyes widened suddenly. She said in disbelief, “Fang Zhile?”

Fang Zhile had two backpacks at her feet. Her short hair was slightly damp with sweat and clung to her cheeks. Her face had a rosy, healthy glow, and she was wearing a wide grin as she looked at her.

Ye Yu shuffled forward, one step at a time, like a mannequin whose legs had just been reattached. She moved to the gate, not knowing what expression to wear or how to pose, separated from Fang Zhile by the iron fence.

Fang Zhile had used the back entrance. The wall beside the fence was covered in lush, brightly colored flowers. She stood amidst the sea of flowers, clinging to the gate and smiling at Ye Yu.

Ye Yu’s heart tightened. Her lips trembled for a moment, and then she spoke, “You’re here.”

Fang Zhile reached through the fence to grab Ye Yu’s hand. Ye Yu froze for a second, not moving, allowing Fang Zhile to grasp her. Fang Zhile’s palm showed red marks from carrying the backpacks and had thin calluses from years of hard work. It was warm and dry, radiating a heat that gave Ye Yu the illusion of being burned.

She laced her fingers into Ye Yu’s one by one, raising their clasped hands like a child. She shook them, her voice tinged with a soft, pleading whine. “I was wrong. Please let me in, okay?”

Ye Yu’s eyelashes trembled slightly. Her vocal cords felt frozen. Only a faint breath escaped her chest. She couldn’t say anything for a moment.

Fang Zhile pressed her face against the fence, tilting her head to look at her pitifully, gently tapping the gate with her forehead.

“The bodyguard called me and explained the misunderstanding. It’s all my fault. I didn’t listen to your explanation and just walked away. I am extremely guilty, and my crime is unforgivable. Judge Ye Yu, can you let me in to pronounce my sentence?”

Hearing her words, Ye Yu’s hands went numb, and half her body felt the same way. Ye Yu had planned to ask a few more questions, but after hearing Fang Zhile’s speech, she was utterly disarmed and couldn’t utter anything else.

“W-Where did you learn all that?” Ye Yu’s tone was frustrated, and her cheeks were oddly flushed. “How can you say such things…”

Fang Zhile thought, I used to constantly make Ye Yu angry. I’m already well-practiced at this. Words like that just flow out.

“I’m sorry, Big Sister.”

Fang Zhile’s cheeks puffed out. She lowered her head and offered a small trinket. “It’s all my fault. Will you accept this small gift as an apology?”

The sound of “Big Sister” completely disarmed Ye Yu. She hastily took the trinket, staring at it for several seconds before realizing what it was: a small plastic rabbit, white fur, yellow lips, clutching a carrot, grinning widely. It was a two-yuan trinket from a street stall, utterly lacking in sincerity, but the rabbit’s smile was exceptionally lovely, just like the girl looking up at her.

The word “Sister” still lingered in Ye Yu’s mind. She couldn’t help but ask, “Did you come to make amends?”

Fang Zhile nodded. “I’m sorry.”

Ye Yu said, “How will you compensate me?”

Fang Zhile played with the words. “I’ll accompany you every day.”

Ye Yu raised an eyebrow, quietly watching her.

Fang Zhile reached her hands through the fence, plucked a stray weed, and fiddled with it between her fingers, ignoring her. Ye Yu grew anxious, pursing her lips and staying silent.

After more than ten seconds of quiet, Fang Zhile tossed the weed aside and suddenly grabbed Ye Yu’s uniform sleeve, speaking piteously.

“I’ll give myself to you as compensation. Is that okay?”

Ye Yu’s expression shifted slightly, and her entire body stiffened.

Fang Zhile straightened her expression and cleared her throat. “Ye Yu, please don’t think I’m being flippant and irresponsible. I am genuinely serious. I have deeply reflected on my mistake and realized that friends should not avoid problems after a disagreement. Whatever the difference, we should sit down and clarify it.”

“I’ve lived for so long, I must be regressing, that it took me half a day to even remember this principle,” Fang Zhile looked at Ye Yu with clear eyes, seriously. “So, can you forgive me this time?”

Ye Yu tilted her head. She twisted her wrist, slipping free from Fang Zhile’s grasp.

Fang Zhile’s expression grew visibly nervous.

Ye Yu admired Fang Zhile’s expression for a moment, then finally couldn’t hold back. The corner of her mouth curved up. She lifted her hand and slid the latch on the fence gate.

“Come in.”

Fang Zhile cheered, pushed the gate open, and bounded inside. Ye Yu shook her head, bent down, picked up her two backpacks, and dutifully carried them through the door.

“There’s food left by the housekeeper. You can heat it up and eat it,” Ye Yu said, leaning against the doorframe of Fang Zhile’s room after placing the backpacks inside.

Fang Zhile threw herself onto the soft bed and waved her hand. “I already ate.”

Ye Yu raised an eyebrow. “Then you lied when you said you were hungry.”

“I wasn’t exactly full, though,” Fang Zhile knew Ye Yu wasn’t angry, but she maintained a good attitude of admitting fault. She quickly sat up cross-legged on the bed, looking at her obediently.

Ye Yu stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly remembered something. “You haven’t changed your clothes, have you?”

Fang Zhile paused. “Ah.”

“I’ll go change now…” Fang Zhile had been too excited and forgot, but why was Ye Yu’s expression so distorted? Ye Yu shouldn’t be so disgusted with her.

Ye Yu understood her confusion and said gloomily, “You just climbed the wall.”

“I was just clinging to the fence,” Fang Zhile corrected her. “I didn’t climb the wall.”

“Is there any fundamental difference between the two actions?” The rule-abiding Miss Ye posed a philosophical question.

Fang Zhile countered quickly, unwilling to let her sincerity be seen as vulgar behavior. “The difference between escaping prison and visiting a prisoner. The iron gate, iron bars, and iron chains can’t restrain my gaze looking at you through the bars. If you choose to stop for me, you will see the sincerity in my eyes. If you choose not to turn back, I will watch your figure disappear at the end of the road… I wouldn’t try to escape.”

Ye Yu: … Understood. Fang Zhile’s strength: smooth talk.

Ye Yu said, “Are you still hungry?”

Fang Zhile opened the closet. In front of Ye Yu, she took off her short-sleeved shirt, leaving only her bra on her upper body. Ye Yu was caught off guard by the sight of bare skin. She quickly lowered her gaze, then felt her reaction was too telling. She uncomfortably raised her head, but her gaze floated lightly over Fang Zhile.

Fang Zhile continued to dress. “I’m okay, not really hungry. I just ate something too dry and feel a bit choked…” After changing her top, Fang Zhile pulled out her pajama bottoms. Just as Ye Yu was about to excuse herself, Fang Zhile suddenly unbuckled her belt, kicked off her pants with one leg, completely silencing Ye Yu. Ye Yu wanted to be a gentleman, but the other person was aggressively tempting her.

Ye Yu gritted her back teeth, feeling the muscles in her cheeks ache. Being able to look but not touch was agony. She ground out, “What did you eat?”

Fang Zhile tilted her head and grinned at Ye Yu. “I bought some snacks on the street. Do you want to guess what I ate?”

Ye Yu walked closer, looking suspicious. Her nose twitched. She leaned down and took a sniff. She gasped in shock. “Stinky tofu!?”

At that moment, no matter how beautiful the scenery in front of her was, it couldn’t override the fact that the person in front of her had eaten stinky tofu.

The stinky tofu in Jing City wasn’t authentic and tasted very mediocre.

To trick customers into buying it, they focused heavily on the “smell,” making it strongly fragrant for kilometers around and lingering for three days. No wonder she thought the room had a strange smell and mistakenly believed it was from climbing the wall… No, from clinging to the fence.

“Oh, you can really smell it?” Fang Zhile sat up, grabbing her collar and sniffing. “I thought the smell would have aired out on the way.”

“Ahhh, go take a shower now!” Ye Yu slapped Fang Zhile’s back and immediately shoved her toward the bathroom.

“Ye-Ye Yu, I can walk myself! Don’t push me, hey!” Fang Zhile stumbled into the bathroom. The door was forcefully shut behind her with a bang.

Fang Zhile sighed helplessly. She raised her eyebrows at her reflection and called out, “My clean clothes are in the second pocket of the pink backpack!”

She was pushed into the bathroom right after changing into her pajamas. If she didn’t know Ye Yu wasn’t truly disgusted with her, anyone with thinner skin would have immediately gone home.

Fang Zhile instructed Ye Yu, “I have plenty of bras. Just pick a matching color.”

Fang Zhile had barely touched the original layout of the house in the book. The furnishings and decor were exactly the same. The only things she completely replaced were her underwear and bedding. Her inner soul was that of an adult. She no longer liked wearing cottony underwear with lots of fabric. Especially her underwear—lighter fabrics were more comfortable, cool, and fitted in the summer.

A rustling sound came from outside. Then, Ye Yu, for some reason, didn’t bring the clothes in but cried out in embarrassment. Finally, it turned into a shout: “You wrap yourself in a towel and come out!”

Fang Zhile sighed deeply. She knew her treatment was indeed poor. “Little Ye Yu, do you remember the heavy rain that year? You were drenched and dirty when you came to me. How did I take care of you?”

Ye Yu walked over, leaning against the frosted glass door of the bathroom. Her smile was chilling. “The water heater that sputtered like someone vomiting?”

Fang Zhile: … She knew Ye Yu would remember that.

Ye Yu’s voice was sharp, but she was only brave because the glass obscured her face. Her cheeks were completely flushed, like dripping blood.

The cool sensation of that fabric still lingered on her fingertips.

A piece of fabric the size of a palm, plus two straps.

Having lived a conservative, traditional life for eighteen years, Ye Yu had never encountered something so brazen and indecent.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Ye Yu slapped the door. “I’m giving you thirty minutes! Wash up and come out to tutor me! If you’re not done, don’t come out at all!”

Fang Zhile: …?