Chapter 53: When Exactly Did You Two Start? Part 2

“Even when I knew something was off between you and Mu Shanyi, I didn’t call you out. I wanted to give you a chance, hoped you’d come to your senses. Wasn’t that enough?”

“I understood you, made allowances for you. But how did you treat me?”

“Hah, of course, you’d say you were forced, that what I gave you was unwanted.” Anger surged in Sheng Xingran. “Then tell me! Were you ever honest with me? Did you know I wouldn’t stand by you? We grew up together—even without love, there’s friendship. You didn’t trust me and hurt me. Do you have any conscience?”

“You’re right about everything, but saying more won’t change anything. It’s already happened.” Miao Zhu could no longer provide Sheng Xingran any emotional support. She acted like an emotionally drained machine, calmly receiving input and outputting results. “Sorry, Xingran. I have no energy left for you.”

The words were so light, so heartless. Sheng Xingran gritted her teeth. Maybe Miao Zhu hadn’t changed—this was her true face. Miao Ling’s daughter, raised in self-interest from the bone.

“So selfish. Cause trouble and run, leaving the mess for others. Do you know your mom has worn out our doorstep these past few days?”

Miao Zhu was in a hurry and had no time for Sheng Xingran’s judgment. Just then, her phone rang—the driver had stopped outside the neighborhood and urged her to hurry to the pickup point.

Miao Zhu said to Sheng Xingran, “I’ve got a ride; I need to head to orchestra work now. Xingran, if you need to vent more, let’s schedule it next time.”

Sheng Xingran had come to argue—how could she let Miao Zhu leave like that? She snatched Miao Zhu’s phone and canceled the ride without a second thought.

Miao Zhu took back her phone, saw the canceled order screen, said nothing, and walked toward the neighborhood exit.

“You’re not going anywhere!” Sheng Xingran couldn’t stand being ignored. Temper flaring, she grabbed the cello on Miao Zhu’s back and yanked it backward to stop her.

Miao Zhu stumbled back, and the heel of her right high-heeled shoe caught in a crack in the pavement tiles. Pain shot through her ankle like an electric current.

“Almost forgot—this cello was a gift from you too. I should return it.” Enduring the pain, Miao Zhu unfastened the clips, removed the strap, and handed the cello that had accompanied her for over five years back to Sheng Xingran.

Better not to mention it. Sheng Xingran’s face darkened further. “Mocking me again? You’ve slept with Mu Shanyi—didn’t she tell you this cello used her foundation connections? She found it for you, bought it for you!”

After shouting, Sheng Xingran sensed something off. A quick think made her hairs stand on end. “When exactly did you two start? Were you together back then!? …Fine, Miao Zhu. All these years, sneaking around with Mu Shanyi right under my nose for the thrill? She gave me that Tower Shadow Sunny River place so it’d be easier for you two after we married? So what’s happening now—you set everyone up, then broke it off yourselves?”

Miao Zhu momentarily forgot the pain in her ankle. Mu Shanyi had found this cello for her? Five years ago?

Mu Shanyi had been paying attention to her five years ago? It wasn’t a whim from that summer? …Was that possible?

Miao Zhu pressed, “You said your card was frozen by Aunt Ni, so Sister A-Heng covered it first, and you never paid her back?”

Sheng Xingran jumped. “I did pay! She wouldn’t take it! I thought she didn’t care—didn’t know you two were entAngeld that early!”

Miao Zhu’s chest felt like it had a motor installed. Moments later, she looked back at Sheng Xingran. “Does digging into this now even matter? Early or late, the result’s the same, right?”

Sheng Xingran was so angry tears nearly welled up again. What she cared most about was this. “Then swear it’s over—no more ties!”

“Xingran.” Sheng Xingran’s unreasonable demands exhausted Miao Zhu. “I have no responsibility or obligation to swear to you now. Who I end up with later—or don’t—doesn’t need your permission. Understand?”

How could she not? They’d cut ties cleanly, no future. Why did Miao Zhu keep emphasizing? Did she seem like the type to cling desperately? Ridiculous!

Since Miao Ling was back kissing up to the Sheng family, she must not have gotten anything from Mu Shanyi. Naturally, Miao Zhu had no future with her either. Sheng Xingran had no need to obsess!

Sheng Xingran rubbed her eyes hard. “What, think I’ll pester you? Dream on! Even if you beg me later, I won’t care. I’ll watch you stir up chaos, move to this rundown dump—what kind of good life do you think you’ll have!”

Afraid Miao Zhu’s pretty lips would spit more harsh truths, Sheng Xingran threw down her parting shot and went to her car.

The sports car was illegally parked under the building. She flung open and slammed the door, revved the engine, and sped off.

Sheng Xingran’s words went in one ear and out the other for Miao Zhu. Her heart was thrown into turmoil by the cello’s origins—two versions of herself warring inside.

Should she confirm with Mu Shanyi?

But it was over, just like she’d told Sheng Xingran—early or late, same result?

Unable to decide, she focused on the present. Miao Zhu bent down and pulled her heel from the tile crack.

After the initial pain subsided, only a faint discomfort remained.