My Girlfriend is a Cold and Aloof Sickly Beauty 233

Chapter 233: Treated with Sincerity 

The story of Qi Mu and Huang Qi’s public argument quickly reached Sui Jingyu.

“Oh my god, that Huang Qi is terrifying!” The classmate who brought her the news frowned. “Even at the end, she was still trying to shift the blame onto Qi Mu! Those who don’t know the whole story might actually think it was Qi Mu’s fault for being rude!”

Before Sui Jingyu could speak, she continued, “If you ask me, Qi Mu was too lenient. She was even trying to explain to Huang Qi why she felt uncomfortable. If it were me, I would have ‘fought fire with fire,’ attacking Huang Qi’s weak spots directly!”

She couldn’t directly intervene, afraid of giving Huang Qi ammunition to use against Qi Mu, which would only hurt the victim further.

“Thanks for telling me, I’ll treat you to coffee later,” Sui Jingyu said, feeling she should learn more. After seeing off the classmate who had come to her dormitory to deliver the news, she thought for a moment and decided to contact Qi Mu’s dorm leader.

【Sui Doesn’t Play: Sorry to bother you, but I heard about Qi Mu and I’m a little worried. Has she returned to the dorm?】

The dorm leader replied instantly: 【She’s back, we’re brainstorming solutions for her! Don’t worry, she won’t be manipulated anymore, breaking free is just a matter of time!】

Before Sui Jingyu could even send her “That’s good” message, the dorm leader added: 【Actually, you can just ask her directly, don’t be embarrassed. Be more confident, girl, don’t forget you knew her before us! Don’t tell me you’ve already called dibs?】

Sui Jingyu was stunned, then chuckled.

It was so nice that Mu Mu had such straightforward and supportive friends.

She then started contacting Qi Mu directly.

Although their past interactions had been limited, starting university meant a new beginning, even personalities could change, and if they were both willing to put in the effort, why couldn’t their friendship also start anew and continue?

As expected, Qi Mu responded to every message.

Although neither of them mentioned what happened after leaving Drunken Flower Shade that night, the frequency of their messages increased, and their conversations gradually deepened.

Qi Mu told her that one day, she would completely break free from Huang Qi and the Huang family. She also shared her feelings and experiences with her family—she had been unable to confide in them before due to the long-term manipulation, but now, having broken free from those constraints, she received understanding and support from her family.

【Yu Mu: My mothers even apologized to me. Huang Qi was very good at pretending, and I always endured, so they didn’t know about the unpleasant things happening between us. Even if they suspected something, seeing that I didn’t want to talk about it, they wanted to respect me and didn’t pry, they didn’t even say anything bad about Huang Qi or the Huang family in front of me—although they’re no longer planning to collaborate with the Huang family.】

【Yu Mu: By the way, my family is currently trying to find a way to cut ties with the Huang family.】

【Yu Mu: Actually, the Huang family’s values are very different from ours. We just want to pass down our ancestors’ medical skills, practice medicine honestly, and earn what we deserve, but they’re obsessed with “making a fortune.”】

【Yu Mu: I even suspect that ‘making a fortune’ actually means ‘money laundering.’】

Sui Jingyu: …

She felt that, to Qi Mu, she must be considered a truly trusted friend, for Qi Mu to even share such a scandalous secret about their families’ long-standing partnership.

She naturally wouldn’t betray this trust and didn’t tell anyone besides her two mothers.

During her senior year, due to her excellent grades, Sui Jingyu’s mentor invited her to stay at the university, starting as a substitute teacher, then becoming a full-time lecturer after passing a series of assessments.

Considering that Qi Mu still had one more year until graduation, and she might even pursue the “plus three” master’s program, and since she herself hadn’t found a more appealing career path, she agreed.

“But I probably won’t be a teacher forever,” she clarified to her mentor.

“No need to ask for my permission, just follow your own path,” her mentor said with a smile. “Job changes and staff turnover are common. As long as you work diligently while you’re here and properly hand over your responsibilities before leaving, you’re free to go wherever you want.”

Sui Jingyu was grateful and relieved.

She had met many helpful people in her life, and they had all, with their kindness and tolerance, guided and encouraged her.

Perhaps because of this, she had the energy and strength to help those she felt she could “save.”

Although… this so-called “saving” had gradually changed over time.

After all, she had been pursuing Qi Mu in a roundabout way, showing her affection, giving her small gifts on non-romantic holidays, her intentions hidden.

Like giving her a piano music box shaped like a heart, playing the classic melody Always With Me, for Qi Mu’s birthday.

As long as Qi Mu had heard this song, or seen its translated title, or was willing to search for the meaning of the Japanese lyrics, she would understand what Sui Jingyu was trying to convey.

But she always kept her actions within the boundaries of “acceptable behavior between friends,” only planning to confess her true feelings if Qi Mu took the initiative and expressed romantic interest.

Before that, she would just silently observe Qi Mu’s “attempts at relationships” with Shui Shuying.

“No matter how many times you poke me, I still think she’s just practicing, and you’re the target of her final exam,” Shui Shuying said to Sui Jingyu, chewing gum and not looking up, after graduating and becoming a photo studio apprentice. “If I were more traditional, I would advise you to stop her. After all, no one wants to be someone’s ‘practice run.’ True feelings are rare, and no one wants to be a stepping stone after investing their time, energy, and even money, right?”

“But I also think that trying is necessary. If someone treats every relationship seriously, and breakups are due to incompatibility, not ‘having gained enough experience,’ then I personally think it’s fine.”

“Just like finding a job, how do you know what’s most suitable for you without trying?” Sui Jingyu practically had her lines memorized. “Since you know this, why are you still lecturing me?”

“Just a reminder,” Shui Shuying said. “Too many failed attempts can be tiring, and if you’re always passive, and she values your opinion, she might even choose to stay single rather than risk rejection. And…”

She turned to Sui Jingyu. “You should have the ‘capital’ to pursue someone now, right? A decent salary, a stable job, even the old-fashioned Huang Qi can’t criticize you for that anymore.”

This reminder was important, and Sui Jingyu listened attentively, nodding seriously.

And a game she had recently started playing also told her that being too respectful of the other person’s wishes could lead to tragedy.

She didn’t want her and Qi Mu’s relationship to end tragically.

During the summer vacation before the start of her fifth year, Qi Mu was surprised to receive a bouquet of pink roses from Sui Jingyu, delivered in person. After the initial shock, she felt a sense of relief.

So it wasn’t her imagination, Sui Jingyu also had feelings for her…

Her heart raced with joy, and she almost blurted out a refusal, but she stopped herself.

She had been through countless failed relationships, and each time, it had started with mutual attraction and compatibility, only to end with her discovering something unacceptable about the other person, or feeling “hurt” or “controlled,” ultimately ending with her initiating the breakup.

One of her exes had even angrily accused her, “Only I can tolerate your explosive temper! You’re so picky and dislike everything, are you made of glass? Why even bother dating if you’re so sensitive?!”

Only her three roommates knew about these experiences. Even when she was filled with self-doubt, she hadn’t wanted to confide in Sui Jingyu.

Having failed so many times, did she truly deserve someone as good as Sui Jingyu?

She didn’t know whether to accept the bouquet of pink roses, and as she frantically questioned herself, she heard her mother’s voice from behind, “Who’s there, Mu Mu?”

“…It’s Sui Jingyu.”

“Then why not invite her in?” Her mother quickly came over, where she could see the roses. “Oh, such a beautiful and unique gift! Mommy will ask Auntie Liu to find a vase for them. Can we put them in your study?”

Qi Mu mumbled in agreement, and after hearing her mother’s footsteps fade away, she took the bouquet.

Her mother couldn’t possibly not know the meaning of roses, and Sui Jingyu had even brought pink roses, not red roses, which were a more obvious declaration.

Sui Jingyu rarely gave her such direct gifts. This was a clear signal, and she had to… seize this opportunity.

Even if she didn’t consider herself worthy, she should respond to her best friend’s feelings, believe that they could also be lovers and nurture a relationship.

Even if they eventually had to break up, at least they would have seen each other clearly, dispelling the idealized fantasies, right?

Their relationship was thus tacitly confirmed, without any confessions or romantic gestures, simply Sui Jingyu giving a bouquet of pink roses, symbolizing “first love,” and Qi Mu accepting it.

Soon after, Qi Mu, starting her fifth year of university, and Teacher Sui, also starting a new semester, both returned to their busy schedules.

But the frequency of their visits to Drunken Flower Shade increased significantly, always requesting a private room, but now, Room 5, in the most secluded corner, was only for the two of them.

While drinking and enjoying snacks, they would usually chat, about their past, their future plans, their childhoods, and their recent interests.

They would talk all night, and if it got too late, they would book a room at a nearby hotel.

Still a double bed, they would lie in each other’s arms, say goodnight, turn off the lights, then lie awake until the wee hours, finally drifting off to sleep under the influence of alcohol.

The peaceful, busy, and happy days passed unknowingly, and half a year went by.