Chapter 113: The Little Stage I Prepared for You

Ji Zhenshi felt like a disaster was looming over her. “I just spoke too soon, that’s all. I already deleted the message, but I didn’t expect her to see it anyway. I’m not feeling guilty—I’m just worried that seeing it would make you uncomfortable.”

It was a full-blown jealousy showdown.

Li Yunli replied coolly, neither warmly nor coldly, “Well, I’m feeling pretty uncomfortable right now.”

She had trusted Ji Zhenshi, yet Ji Zhenshi had actually been chatting with some other girl!

Ji Zhenshi deserved a beating.

Ji Zhenshi was just bullying her because she knew Li Yunli wouldn’t lash out at her.

At that moment, Ye Wuzhi approached with a smile and handed the fruit basket she was holding to Ji Zhenshi. “Just a little something.”

The basket was already thrust toward her, so Ji Zhenshi neither wanted to take it nor leave it. In the end, under Li Yunli’s watchful gaze, she gritted her teeth and accepted it, her tone distinctly displeased. “Ye Wuzhi, you’re like a bad penny that always turns up. What exactly do you want?”

“Don’t get so worked up, okay? I came to see you because I have something to discuss.” Ye Wuzhi spoke in her usual carefree manner. She even spotted Li Yunli and gave her a friendly smile by way of greeting.

This was the same woman who had claimed to like Ji Zhenshi before, yet now, seeing Ji Zhenshi reconcile with Li Yunli, she didn’t show even a hint of heartbreak or sadness.

Ji Zhenshi grabbed Li Yunli’s hand and laced their fingers together tightly, her survival instincts kicking into overdrive. “Whatever it is you came for, it doesn’t matter right now. I have a girlfriend—a real one. I’ve liked her for many years. Just give up already. There are plenty of other fish in the sea, so can you stop clinging to me?”

With that, Ji Zhenshi leaned even closer into Li Yunli’s embrace, doing her best to prove to Li Yunli that she had no wandering heart.

Li Yunli reluctantly lifted her arm to drape it over Ji Zhenshi’s shoulders. Then she turned to Ye Wuzhi with an elegant, faint smile. “You’re Miss Ye, right? We’ve met before, at the bar. I have to say, over the past six months, Xiao Zhen really was single, so I had no objections to you pursuing her. I respected Xiao Zhen’s choices. But now that we’ve reaffirmed our relationship, as her girlfriend, I do take issue with your pursuit.”

She spoke without aggression, instead coming across as graceful and poised. “Please conduct yourself with dignity, Miss Ye. And I hope you find your own happiness soon.”

“Oh.” Ye Wuzhi let out a slightly disappointed sound but quickly looked up at Ji Zhenshi again. “Then… can we at least be friends? We both study violin and share common interests. Can’t we just be regular friends?”

Ji Zhenshi exchanged a glance with Li Yunli before replying awkwardly, “Probably not. I’m afraid it would make my girlfriend unhappy, so let’s just not stay in touch, okay?”

Ji Zhenshi had always struggled to handle Ye Wuzhi’s enthusiasm, especially after Teacher Tang had warned her to be wary of people with too obvious ulterior motives. Her instincts told her to keep her distance.

“I see.” Ye Wuzhi nodded, pretending to be crestfallen.

A few seconds later, she spoke up again. “Then… can I ask you one last favor?”

“Go ahead.”

“I really, really like Teacher Tang. She’s my idol. Is there any chance I could meet her?”

“…”

Ji Zhenshi narrowed her eyes, and sudden realization dawned on her.

So Ye Wuzhi’s real target from the very beginning had been Teacher Tang?

All those coincidences—they were both violin students. Ye Wuzhi kept saying she liked Ji Zhenshi and wanted to pursue her, but if Ji Zhenshi thought about it, Ye Wuzhi talked about Teacher Tang more than anyone else in her presence. At first, it was pestering her for an autograph photo, and now she was getting bolder, wanting to meet Teacher Tang face-to-face.

After a long moment of contemplation, Ji Zhenshi leaned in close to Ye Wuzhi. “Actually, there’s something I’ve been curious about. From the moment we first met—including that time at the bar—I never told you my teacher’s name is Tang Xien. So how did you know?”

There were too many coincidences. Ye Wuzhi was just too suspicious.

The first time they met, Ye Wuzhi hadn’t been nearly this enthusiastic. But after the bar incident, she’d been inexplicably clinging to Ji Zhenshi for the past six months.

At those words, Ye Wuzhi’s face stiffened. A flicker of guilt crossed her expression as she forced herself to stay calm. “You told me yourself when you were drunk. Why are you suddenly asking about this?”

Ji Zhenshi shook her head. “No, I didn’t even tell you her name. Actually, now I’m wondering: did you know about me first, or did you know about Teacher Tang and then learn about our connection? The first time we met, you acted like you recognized me, and then you conveniently barged into my private room.”

She paused for a second, then exclaimed as if a lightbulb had gone off. “You weren’t trying to get to know Teacher Tang through me, were you?”

It was as if Ji Zhenshi had suddenly connected all the dots. Ye Wuzhi’s eyes widened in disbelief that Ji Zhenshi had figured it all out so quickly.

Her secret was exposed, and Ye Wuzhi stood there stunned for a long moment, unable to respond.

Wasn’t Ji Zhenshi supposed to be that oblivious dummy who was slow on the uptake about everything?

Had dating suddenly made her so sharp?

“What nonsense are you spouting? As a huge fan, isn’t it normal to want to meet your idol?” Ye Wuzhi tried to brush it off.

Ji Zhenshi wagged her index finger. “No, no, no. You don’t like me—you’re just using me to get close to Teacher Tang!”

“You don’t like me, right?” Ji Zhenshi emphasized, glancing at the silent Li Yunli as she spoke.

That look seemed to say, Sister A-Yun, she doesn’t like me—I’m innocent!

Li Yunli shot Ji Zhenshi a meaningful sidelong glance, one eyebrow arching.

She simply watched Ji Zhenshi’s little performance in silence.

Truth be told, it wasn’t that Ji Zhenshi had suddenly gained enlightenment; she was just trying to prove she had nothing to do with Ye Wuzhi.

Ye Wuzhi was caught off guard, unsure which accusation to refute first. Instead, she played dumb. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Ji Zhenshi, if you don’t like me, fine—but why speculate so maliciously about my intentions? Isn’t your way of rejecting someone a bit too damaging to one’s pride?”

Ji Zhenshi let out a light huff. “Fine, have it your way—maybe I am speculating maliciously. I’ll apologize. Even if you do like me for real, I’m not single anymore, so can you just stop bothering me from now on?”

With that, Ji Zhenshi took Li Yunli’s hand and walked away.

Whether Ye Wuzhi’s interest in her was genuine or just a ploy to reach Teacher Tang, it didn’t matter to Ji Zhenshi. She’d always found it hard to deal with that enthusiasm, so clearing the air now was for the best.

“Li Yunli, see? I turned her down.” Ji Zhenshi spoke to Li Yunli with utter confidence.

“That’s rude. I’m six years older than you, and you’re calling me by my full name. Keep it up, and I’ll spank you—believe it or not?” Li Yunli glanced at the person sprawled in the back seat through the rearview mirror. It was a pitiful yet amusing sight, especially since that mouth of hers was spouting such self-righteous nonsense that Li Yunli didn’t even know how to respond.

“Don’t think that turning her down in front of me puts you in the right. I’ll never forget how you two were alone in that bar booth, drunk and taking each other’s clothes off. If I hadn’t shown up, were you planning to hook up?” Li Yunli buckled her seatbelt and turned back to lightly tap Ji Zhenshi’s nose in warning, telling her to watch her tone.

Ji Zhenshi pouted. “When I get drunk, I black out. I don’t remember a thing. Sister A-Yun has no evidence—it’s pure speculation against an innocent young woman like me.”

She truly didn’t remember.

Sometimes Ji Zhenshi wondered if it wasn’t poor tolerance at all, but an allergy to alcohol. Every time she got drunk, she lost her memory completely, as if she’d passed out from the alcohol or been poisoned.

Otherwise, how could anyone wake up from a bender with total amnesia? Outsiders might think some heartless player had slept around and didn’t want to take responsibility the next day.

Li Yunli gave a faint glance at the shameless person in the rearview mirror. After a long pause, she said unhurriedly, “How could there be no evidence? Someone used my card to pay at the bar that night.”

“…”

Li Yunli teased her. “How does someone go buy drinks with their ex’s card right after a breakup? Xiao Zhen? If it were you, how would you describe a person like that?”

“Uh… can I opt out of this discussion?”

“No.”

Rejected, Ji Zhenshi couldn’t muster a smile. She gritted her teeth and silently cursed her past self for using Li Yunli’s card, then forced a grin. “I’d say… wow! Her ex must love her so much. What a grand gesture, what a gentle and thoughtful person. We should sing praises to people like that and cherish such a perfect girlfriend—turn that ex into your wife!”

Ji Zhenshi laid it on thick, even patting Li Yunli’s shoulder afterward.

She’d flattered her that much—surely they could let bygones be bygones!

Li Yunli wasn’t the type to hold petty grudges, after all.

“Such a glib tongue.” Li Yunli’s lips curved in a secret smile.

“So, when will this perfect girlfriend marry me and become my wife?” Ji Zhenshi seized the moment.

The hospital wasn’t far from the New Store. Li Yunli parked the car and glanced back at the person still sprawled out.

She’d seen proposals on bended knee—both knees or one—but never someone proposing while sprawled flat. And there wasn’t even a proper engagement ring; the only one in sight was the Violin String Ring she’d once received as a gift.

Li Yunli lowered her gaze to the ring on her middle finger and smiled radiantly. “When I was chasing you and begging to marry you, you didn’t want me. Now you want to marry me? Too bad, you missed your chance. I’m not thinking about marriage right now, so Xiao Zhen, don’t call me your wife—I’m not your wife yet.”

With that, Li Yunli pushed open the car door and got out, leaving Ji Zhenshi dumbfounded.

“Huh?”

What? As if there could be anyone else for her?

Joking aside, Li Yunli loved her to death, didn’t she?

Ji Zhenshi comforted herself like that as she struggled alone to climb out of the back seat and stumbled out the door after her, looking quite disheveled.

Li Yunli had chosen a spot for the New Store slightly off the main center, on a bustling commercial street. The location was better than her previous Coffee Shop, and the space was twice as large.

Likely because of Hihi, there was a custom cat tree and play area in one corner. The overall design matched the original shop—blue and white tones, fresh and natural.

Li Yunli had brought drinks for the renovation workers and given them a few instructions before turning to Ji Zhenshi. “What do you think? Do you like the renovations here?”

This was her favorite spot, especially with the built-in flower beds at the entrance on both sides where she could plant flowers. She’d silently regretted not opening here before because she needed to give money to Li Ying.

As soon as she could afford it—even though the rent had doubled—she’d chosen this place.

“It’s fine. You’re the boss; if you like it, that’s what matters.” Ji Zhenshi looked around and noted that the lighting and environment were excellent. In the future, Li Yunli would probably focus her energy here.

“You didn’t notice anything different? Compared to the Coffee Shop we used to live above?” Li Yunli gazed at her expectantly.

Ji Zhenshi blinked in confusion. “It’s bigger, prettier… and? What else could be different?”

“You…” Li Yunli was momentarily speechless. Sometimes Ji Zhenshi’s blockhead brain left her at a loss for words.

She led Ji Zhenshi to a small round platform by the window. “This is the little stage I built for you. I wanted to say, if you ever lose your stage elsewhere, I’ll always have one here just for you—yours alone. Or whenever you have time, you can come play the violin here. I’ve told you before: I’ll always support you. This place will forever have your own little stage.”

Li Yunli had deliberately set aside this cozy nook, even sacrificing a few seats to give Ji Zhenshi the best spot in the whole shop.

Her love and support were never just empty words.

Ji Zhenshi froze, completely caught off guard that Li Yunli had prepared this for her.

And it must have been done before they’d reconciled—Li Yunli had spent her whole life thinking only of her, considering only her in everything.

Even during their cold war, even after Ji Zhenshi had hurt her so deeply.

From start to finish, Li Yunli had only ever had eyes for Ji Zhenshi.

“Oh…” Ji Zhenshi slowly stepped onto the platform and sat on the bench there. Looking at Li Yunli, whose gaze followed her every move, she felt her eyes grow hot with tears.

Li Yunli really loved her—deeply, in all these little details.

“I thought you’d like this little stage.” Li Yunli smiled at her, pride sparkling in her eyes like starlight.

Watching Ji Zhenshi, whom she had personally nurtured step by step to this point, filled her with unparalleled pride and fulfillment.

No one else believed in Ji Zhenshi, but she had turned out to be the most promising of them all.

Ji Zhenshi pressed her lips together tightly, struggling to hold back her emotions. Her nose stung; she didn’t want to cry, but the tears flowed uncontrollably. She wept from sheer joy.

She nodded vigorously. “I like it. I love it. Thank you—for always supporting me.”

Li Yunli stepped onto the platform and gently wiped the tears from her face. “How is it our Xiao Zhen is still such a crybaby?”

“Because it’s so moving.”

“What if I give you another gift? Would that make you even more touched?” As Li Yunli spoke, she pulled out a violin she’d prepared from a nearby box. “A special little gift just for you. I commissioned someone to custom-make it for you last year, hoping to give it as a New Year’s present, but it wasn’t ready in time. Later, there was no chance… so here it is now.”

Ji Zhenshi gazed at the violin in Li Yunli’s hands in delight, examining it closely over and over. On the violin’s body, she spotted a moon pattern identical to her own tattoo.

This was a violin made exclusively for Ji Zhenshi—every violin in her life bore traces of Li Yunli’s involvement.

“It’s expensive, isn’t it?” Ji Zhenshi handled it lovingly and tried playing a few notes.

She could tell right away: the tone was even better than her current one.

Li Yunli shook her head with a light laugh. “Not at all. How could anything prepared for our dear violinist Ji Zhenshi be called expensive? I was hoping you’d play a piece for me here, but not now—you’re still injured. Save it for later.”

“I can!” Ji Zhenshi was over the moon. She propped the violin on her shoulder, eager to perform for Li Yunli.

She was so happy—happy about everything Li Yunli had prepared for her.

Her stage, her violin, Li Yunli’s overflowing love.

Li Yunli had said she’d always support her, be her backbone, let her focus solely on the violin. Those words had sounded like mere emotional reassurance.

But she hadn’t just said them—she’d followed through on every promise.