Initially, Zhao Dong did try that—currying favour with Xie Qian, building a closer relationship, even encouraging Zhao Xi to pursue him. Early romance frowned upon? The Zhao siblings probably didn’t care about such notions.
Wen Ying had hit the nail on the head, touching on a private matter that embarrassed Xie Qian.
At first, Xie Qian grew close to Wen Ying partly because he overheard her phone call, hiring a private detective to investigate her uncle Deng Shangwei’s affair. Her decisive, bold approach resonated with him.
Reckless, yet free-spirited—that was what Xie Qian envied.
Why should victims bend over backwards to save face for the wrongdoer?
Wen Ying did what Xie Qian couldn’t, and he found a reflection of himself in her. Joining her to cause a scene at the music academy gave him a sense of vicarious satisfaction!
Later, he learned Deng Shangwei’s “affair” hadn’t fully materialised—at least not according to Wen Ying’s findings. Deng Shangwei might have been tempted, but Wen Ying’s timely intervention forced him to pull back before it went too far.
But Xie Jinghu’s betrayal was undeniable, with solid evidence no one could refute.
The Ferris wheel reached its peak.
Blue sky, white clouds, a handsome boy and a round-faced girl radiating youth—if someone snapped a photo now, it’d be a stunning wallpaper without any edits.
Wen Ying sat across from Xie Qian, so close yet feeling like he was miles away.
Had she asked about something he didn’t want to share?
“If it’s not convenient to talk about, that’s okay—”
“It’s not inconvenient. Zhao Dong knows my relationship with my dad is strained. Instead of approaching me, he went straight to win my dad’s favour, so his attitude towards me changed.”
If the victim did nothing wrong, why should he feel ashamed to speak of it?
Wen Ying was taken aback. “You and your dad don’t get along, but how did he figure that out?”
“Of course, he guessed from my dad’s attitude. A few days ago, Zhao Dong went to Beijing to meet him.”
Once he’d processed it, Xie Qian spoke quite openly.
Wen Ying’s mind raced. Her relationship with Wen Dongrong wasn’t great either, but in both her past and present life, Wen Dongrong never let outsiders see that. In front of relatives and friends, he always played the good dad.
How bad must Xie Qian’s relationship with his dad be for Zhao Dong to notice after just one meeting?
Unless Xie Qian’s dad didn’t bother hiding it!
But why?
Xie Qian was outstanding—good-looking, intelligent, well-mannered, the legendary “other people’s kid”!
If their roles were reversed and Wen Ying’s parents had a son like Xie Qian, they’d be parading him around with gongs and drums. Parents would be proud of a kid like him—how could they let outsiders trouble him?
Instinctively, Wen Ying blamed Xie Qian’s dad for their strained relationship.
In her eyes, Xie Qian was flawless. If he didn’t get along with someone, it couldn’t be his fault—
“What’s your dad dissatisfied with? You’re so outstanding, and he’s still not happy? Maybe he needs to get his eyes checked!”
Wen Ying blurted out, then realised it was rude. Xie Qian was amused, though he held back a laugh, his expression softening.
“What’s odd about him being dissatisfied? Everyone has flaws. You think I’m great, but others might not. Besides, my dad has other kids. With options and comparisons, it’s easier to see my shortcomings.”
Saying it out loud wasn’t as hard as he’d imagined. It felt like clearing out sludge, a relief. Before Wen Ying could probe, he added, “He has two other kids, from a different mother, not born in wedlock.”
Wen Ying’s face was all exclamation marks.
Xie Qian had dropped a bombshell!
His dad not only had an affair but had two kids with his mistress… Wen Ying was hearing this for the first time.
In her past life, despite following Xie Qian, she had no way to dig into his private life.
Like other fangirls, she only knew Xie Qian came from a prominent family, but the specifics of the Xie family were unclear.
Wen Ying lowered her head. Xie Qian’s complex family background must have influenced his life choices.
In ordinary families, an affair could tear the household apart, with father and son at odds, maybe even cutting ties and forgoing the cheater’s wealth.
But in a family like the Xies, with illegitimate kids born outside marriage, Wen Ying couldn’t help but think of “tycoon inheritance battles.”
The two half-siblings, vying for a bigger share, would surely try every trick to curry favour and drive a wedge between Xie Qian and his dad—child’s play compared to potentially nastier schemes.
In her past life, was Xie Qian’s tragic end truly his choice alone, or had others nudged him towards it?
Wen Ying felt indignant for Xie Qian, cursing his dad in her head, yet her mind stayed oddly clear. Being friends with Xie Qian wasn’t enough. She could try to steer him away from tragedy, but what if others forcibly pushed him towards ruin?
Did she have the power to confront those people?
No!
Right now, she was too weak to protect Xie Qian or even herself.
Dejection enveloped Wen Ying. As the Ferris wheel descended and her feet touched solid ground, the firm sensation gave her courage.
She couldn’t protect him now, but that didn’t mean she never would.
There were still 15 years until the tragic events of her past life!
Fifteen years for her and Xie Qian to grow, to prepare, to fight against a doomed fate. Who said they had no chance of winning?
Wen Ying dashed to a nearby stall, bought two ice creams, and handed one to Xie Qian.
“Anyway, I think you’re flawless. The ones who messed up aren’t us—why should we bow and admit defeat?”
Licking her ice cream, Wen Ying told Xie Qian about Zhao Dong’s shady tactics.
“No matter what dirty tricks he’s planning, it’s never wrong to stay vigilant. My cousin’s shallow and easily bought by Zhao Dong. If you see her, ignore her, don’t give her an opening. I don’t believe Zhao Dong would dare barge into school to hassle you!”
The ice cream melted in Xie Qian’s mouth, soft and overly sweet—not his favourite flavour.
But he didn’t mind.
Like the bag of “potato crisps” Wen Ying shoved at him at the music academy, her sharing snacks felt like she was looking out for him, even trying to protect him?
Zhao Dong wouldn’t dare storm the school to trouble him. Zhao Dong was targeting Wen Ying!
Buying off her cousin or her uncle wouldn’t hurt Xie Qian, and Zhao Dong wouldn’t dare try.
Even if he and his dad were at odds, Xie Qian was still a Xie. Zhao Dong wouldn’t directly target him.
But he’d go after those around him.
And Zhao Dong’s chosen target was Wen Ying.
Xie Qian bit into the ice cream’s cone. Being cautious wasn’t enough—they needed to go on the offensive!
He made up his mind, but his face showed no change. After finishing the ice cream, he asked Wen Ying what ride she wanted next. Wen Ying felt like a hundred dogtail grasses were tickling her palm, making her anxious and restless.
“If you’re planning something, can you tell me? Xie Qian, playing the lone hero isn’t exactly a virtue!”
