Zhao Yi nodded. “I know what I’m doing. You don’t need to get involved in this.”

Tian Tian was utterly exasperated but decided not to argue further for now. “Fine. Let’s at least go to the hospital to treat your injuries.”

Zhao Yi was hesitant, but Tian Tian insisted, practically dragging him along.

At the D City First People’s Hospital, Tian Tian busied herself helping him with registration, getting bandages, and collecting medication.

Zhao Yi’s injuries weren’t severe, mostly superficial bruises. Applying some anti-inflammatory ointment was enough.

When Tian Tian tried to take pictures for evidence, Zhao Yi stopped her firmly.

“Tian Tian, you don’t need to take photos. Really, leave this matter to me.”

“But you said the same thing before, and look what happened! You were beaten up so badly. Luckily, I came across it and stopped them in time. Have you considered what would’ve happened if I hadn’t been there?”

Zhao Yi fell silent.

Tian Tian continued to press, attempting to document the injuries again, but Zhao Yi was unexpectedly obstinate. “Don’t take pictures.”

“Zhao Yi, what are you trying to do?” Tian Tian was infuriated. “Do you realize that if you keep swallowing your anger like this, they’ll only escalate their bullying? We have evidence—why are you choosing to endure this? I just don’t get it.”

“You don’t need to understand,” Zhao Yi replied, his gaze steady. “I’ll handle it. Trust me.”

Meeting his resolute eyes, Tian Tian found herself momentarily disarmed, as though his conviction had persuaded her.

“Fine, I won’t take pictures.”

She helped Zhao Yi back to the school dormitory, sacrificing her interview in the process. Dropping him off at the dorm entrance, she reminded him, “Get some rest and avoid moving around too much.”

Zhao Yi nodded. “Thank you for today.”

Tian Tian accepted his thanks but couldn’t help but ask, “When are you planning to leave?”

With the dorms closing for the holiday in a couple of days, she needed to find a job and move out as well.

“Let’s see how things go. I’ll decide in a couple of days.”

“Alright, then.” Unable to get a straight answer, Tian Tian didn’t press further.

---

Back in her dorm, Tian Tian mulled over the situation. Zhao Yi’s approach of enduring everything in silence was counterproductive. In her past life memories, his pent-up anger had exploded catastrophically. If she wanted to help him change, the first step was to address the injustices he faced. She needed to bring the bullying to light and resolve it properly. Only then could his inner hatred start to dissipate.

Determined, Tian Tian called a teacher and explained everything in detail, sending over the photos and videos of Zhao Yi’s assault.

The teacher received the evidence and politely assured her that the matter would be discussed with the principal, asking her to wait for further updates.

After waiting a day with no response, Tian Tian grew impatient and called the teacher again. However, their responses were evasive, filled with vague excuses.

It became clear that the school administration had chosen to sweep the matter under the rug, likely after consulting the principal.

Frustrated, Tian Tian bluntly warned the teacher that if the school took no action, she would report the incident to the police. But this time, the teacher seemed unfazed, offering no concessions.

Losing all hope in the school, Tian Tian marched straight to the police station to file a report.

She didn’t inform Zhao Yi about her decision, knowing he would try to stop her. But she couldn’t let this go—this wasn’t just about him; it was about fulfilling her mission and doing what was right.

At the police station, she laid out the entire incident, providing photos and videos as evidence. Initially, the officers seemed outraged, but after one of them left to take a phone call, their attitudes noticeably shifted.

“Miss, we’ll investigate and get back to you. Keep your phone available so we can reach you if there are any updates,” the officer said, brushing her off.

Tian Tian left the station disheartened. She knew in her gut that the case wouldn’t progress.

---

When Tian Tian returned to campus, her phone rang—it was Zhao Yi.

Answering the call, she heard his calm voice. “You went to the police station, didn’t you?”

“Yes,” Tian Tian admitted. “I couldn’t stand by and watch you suffer without saying a word. If you won’t face this, then I’ll help you.”

Zhao Yi replied evenly, “It’s useless. As soon as you filed your report, my father got wind of it and had the matter suppressed. Even if you report it, it won’t go anywhere.”

“Doing something is still better than doing nothing,” Tian Tian countered. “What did your father say about you being attacked?”

There was a long silence on the other end before Zhao Yi responded. “What do you think? He didn’t mention it at all.”

To Zhao Haifeng, Zhao Yi might as well not exist. If not for his grandfather’s insistence, Zhao Yi would still be in the orphanage.

Tian Tian felt a sharp pang of sorrow at his calm tone. “Don’t feel bad about it,” she said, struggling to find the right words.

Zhao Yi let out a laugh, the sound light yet deeply unsettling. “Feel bad? I’m not. I’m used to it.”

His casual demeanor only made Tian Tian’s heart ache more. “Don’t worry. This will be resolved.”

“You’ve done enough,” Zhao Yi said. “But let it go. My father is extremely powerful. What can a student like you do? Don’t waste your energy. I’ll handle it myself.”

“But—”

“No buts.” Zhao Yi’s voice softened. “I appreciate what you’ve done for me, but it’s not worth it. Let it go, for your own sake.”

---

Despite Zhao Yi’s protests, Tian Tian remained resolute. She spent three hours crafting a detailed online post about the bullying at school, including accounts of how she and Zhao Yi were targeted, the school’s inaction, and the police’s lack of response. She uploaded photos and videos (with their faces obscured) to protect their identities.

She knew the Zhao family could control the school and police, but not the entire internet.

As expected, the post gained massive traction the following day. The story, particularly the mention of Zhao Zhicheng, the heir of the Zhao Corporation, drew widespread attention and condemnation.

Comments flooded in, lambasting Zhao Zhicheng, the school, and the police for their negligence.

The post’s virality became a significant issue, prompting even the mayor of D City to order a thorough investigation.

Zhao Yi, watching the situation unfold, couldn’t help but feel impressed. For the first time in his life, someone cared enough to fight for him. The warmth in his heart was unfamiliar yet irresistible.

Meanwhile, Tian Tian had moved out of the dorms and rented a small apartment. Although short on money, she prioritized the mission over her financial concerns.

A few days later, Zhao Yi called her.

“Tian Tian, my father’s people might contact you soon. They’ll probably offer you hush money. Take it.”

“What? Why would I take it?”

“My father’s methods are straightforward: either buy someone off or destroy them. Since you’re a student, he’s unlikely to harm you physically. Accepting the money is the safest choice.”

“But that would mean letting them win!”

“It’s not about winning. Refusing will only bring trouble to you and your family. Take the money and let me handle the rest,” Zhao Yi insisted.

After a moment of hesitation, Tian Tian sighed. “Fine, I’ll do as you say.”

---

Two days later, Tian Tian received a call from Zhao Haifeng’s secretary, Qin Lan, inviting her to meet.

They met at a luxurious café, where the secretary—an elegant woman exuding a professional charm—greeted her with a warm smile.

Tian Tian couldn’t help but take a few extra glances at Qin Lan.

Qin Lan also observed Tian Tian closely. She hadn’t expected the person behind the viral post to be such a beautiful young girl. Her delicate and radiant face was lightly made up, her hair tied up high, exuding a clean and refreshing aura.

Though simply dressed, Tian Tian’s exceptional figure made her white T-shirt and black mermaid skirt look strikingly elegant, lending her an impressive and confident presence.

From the moment Tian Tian entered the café, she had caught Qin Lan’s attention. As she approached, her blend of innocence and charm made her all the more captivating.

“You must be Cheng Xiaobei?” Qin Lan stood up gracefully, greeting her with a warm smile.

Tian Tian nodded. “Yes, I’m Cheng Xiaobei. And you must be Miss Qin, who contacted me by phone?”

“That’s right,” Qin Lan confirmed politely, gesturing to the seat opposite her. “Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you,” Tian Tian replied as she sat down.

“Xiaobei, what would you like to drink?” Qin Lan asked with the friendliness of an old acquaintance, her demeanor making the conversation feel casual rather than businesslike.

“Just a glass of plain water, thank you,” Tian Tian replied with a polite smile.

Qin Lan elegantly signaled a waiter to bring Tian Tian a glass of water.

Tian Tian, knowing the purpose of the meeting, decided not to beat around the bush. “Miss Qin, what is it you wanted to discuss?” Though Qin Lan seemed amicable, Tian Tian was well aware that this was merely a façade.

Qin Lan maintained her smile. “I’m sure you already have an idea. I’m here regarding the post you published online.”

“And what does Miss Qin have to say about it?” Tian Tian asked calmly.

Qin Lan’s smile deepened, but her tone remained measured. “Your post has had a significant impact on the Zhao Corporation’s stock prices. The chairman hopes you can let this matter rest. We won’t make things difficult for you, and you will receive appropriate compensation.”

“How much compensation are we talking about?” Tian Tian asked directly, her straightforwardness catching Qin Lan off guard.

Qin Lan hadn’t expected Tian Tian to be so blunt, skipping any pretense. But recalling that she was just an inexperienced university student, Qin Lan quickly understood. “The chairman is prepared to offer 500,000 yuan in exchange for you clarifying online that the situation was a misunderstanding.”

“One million,” Tian Tian countered, meeting Qin Lan’s gaze directly. “I won’t clarify anything online. The most I can promise is to stop responding to questions about the incident. I’m sure you have your own ways of handling public opinion.”

Qin Lan’s smile froze for a moment. “Xiaobei, one million is quite excessive. I’m afraid…”

Before she could finish, Tian Tian interrupted. “If that’s the case, then there’s nothing more to discuss. It seems Miss Qin didn’t come here with sincerity.” She made a show of standing up to leave.

Qin Lan’s expression shifted, not expecting this young girl to be so shrewd. “Xiaobei, let’s not be so hasty. Sit down, and we can talk this through.”

“It’s not about being hasty. Zhao Corporation loses more than a million yuan every minute in stock value. Asking for one million seems entirely reasonable. What do you think, Miss Qin?” Tian Tian’s voice was calm but firm.

“Fine,” Qin Lan relented after a brief hesitation. “One million it is. But you must clarify online that the situation was a misunderstanding.”

Tian Tian’s gaze sharpened. “With photos, videos, and evidence all available, do you think anyone would believe it was a misunderstanding? Even if I say so, speculation will only intensify. Instead of trying to cover it up, why not address it openly and resolve the issue properly?”

Qin Lan opened her mouth to argue further, but Tian Tian cut her off again. “If your only goal is to pressure me into declaring it a misunderstanding, then I’m sorry, but we have nothing more to discuss.”

Tian Tian’s unwavering stance left Qin Lan frustrated. “Xiaobei, give me a moment. I’ll consult the chairman.”

“Take your time,” Tian Tian replied with a nod.

Qin Lan stepped out for about five minutes to make a call. When she returned, she sat down and said, “The chairman has agreed to your conditions. But after we address the issue publicly, you must also state that it has been resolved satisfactorily.”

Tian Tian understood. By “address the issue,” they meant issuing a public apology and making assurances that such incidents would not happen again. Her role would be to confirm that the matter had been resolved, giving the public closure and discouraging further scrutiny.

“Agreed,” Tian Tian said. “When will the payment be made?”

Qin Lan was momentarily speechless at her directness. “Don’t worry; the money will be transferred to your account by the end of the day.”

“Thank you,” Tian Tian replied, sipping her water. “Since we’ve concluded our business, I’ll take my leave. Goodbye, Miss Qin.”

---

By 3 PM, Tian Tian received a notification that one million yuan had been deposited into her account. She immediately called Zhao Yi.

“Cheng Xiaobei?” Zhao Yi answered.

“Send me your bank account number. I’ll transfer the money to you. I met with your father’s secretary this morning and secured one million yuan. I’m transferring it to you,” Tian Tian said directly.

She had asked for the money not out of greed, but with the intention of giving it to Zhao Yi. It was compensation from Zhao Haifeng, which she hoped might slightly ease Zhao Yi’s resentment.

Zhao Yi chuckled. “Cheng Xiaobei, you’re something else. You actually managed to get one million yuan from Qin Lan. I have to say, I’m impressed.”

“I’ll transfer it now—”

“No need,” Zhao Yi interrupted. “That money is yours. Keep it.”

“But the money was meant for you,” Tian Tian insisted.

Zhao Yi’s voice softened. “It doesn’t matter. You’ve done enough. Just keep it for yourself.” Without waiting for her response, he hung up.

Tian Tian stared at the phone, exasperated. Couldn’t he at least come up with a better excuse to refuse? Hanging up is so rude!

---

The Zhao Corporation moved swiftly, issuing an official statement and having Zhao Zhicheng publicly apologize in a video. The school principal also published a formal letter of apology. The gestures seemed sincere, and public opinion began to settle.

Tian Tian fulfilled her part of the agreement by stating in a video that the matter had been resolved satisfactorily.

Afterward, she refocused on her job hunt. Since Zhao Yi refused to take the money, she kept it in her account, intending to give it to him when he needed it.

---

A week later, Tian Tian found a job she was satisfied with—a sales position at a cosmetics store.

Since her major was business, she saw this as a valuable opportunity to understand customer needs and improve her skills in selling products.

---

Her new job kept her busy, and she and Zhao Yi had less contact. Zhao Yi seemed preoccupied as well, though they occasionally exchanged brief messages.

One day, her coworker and fellow intern, Xu Fei, invited Tian Tian to go to a bar after work.

Xu Fei was also a university student in D City, though at a different school. Since they were both interns, they had developed a friendly rapport.

“Feifei, bars are chaotic places. It’s better if we don’t go,” Tian Tian said, clearly unimpressed with the idea.

Xu Fei looked at her with pleading eyes. “Xiaobei, just this once, please? I’ve been dying to experience a night out at a bar. And today is my birthday! Come on, just tonight, I promise. It’s not like we’re going every night. It’ll be fine.”

Tian Tian hesitated.

Xu Fei grabbed Tian Tian’s hand and wouldn’t let go. “Xiaobei, come on, please! Just this once, I promise!”

After nearly half an hour of persistent pleading, Tian Tian finally relented, feeling exasperated. “Alright, fine, just this once. But after tonight, don’t even think about asking me again.”

Xu Fei nodded vigorously.

The two changed after work and took a taxi to one of the larger bars in D City.

“Xiaobei, this place must be super expensive,” Xu Fei said nervously as they stood in front of R Bar.

“As long as we don’t order anything fancy, it shouldn’t cost too much,” Tian Tian reassured her. She had chosen a big bar because, though chaotic, it would likely be more legitimate and safer than smaller, sketchier venues.

“Alright, let’s go in!” Xu Fei said, brimming with excitement.

Tian Tian sighed and followed her inside.

As soon as they stepped in, they were greeted by flashing, multicolored lights that made their eyes water. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol and clashing perfumes.

The music was deafening, with the occasional shriek of excitement from the crowd adding to the chaotic atmosphere.

Xu Fei tugged at Tian Tian’s hand. “Xiaobei, let’s go to the dance floor!”

Xu Fei was so enthusiastic that Tian Tian found herself being dragged along into the crowd.

With Xu Fei’s fresh-faced charm and Tian Tian’s striking, radiant beauty, both with unfamiliar faces, they attracted whistles as soon as they stepped onto the dance floor.

Xu Fei blushed and seemed thrilled, swaying her body to the rhythm of the music.

Tian Tian felt stiff, but when Xu Fei took her hand to lead her into the dance, she decided to go along with it.

Several men approached them to strike up conversations, but Tian Tian refused them without hesitation.

Xu Fei, on the other hand, didn’t share Tian Tian’s reservations. Whenever an attractive man came over to chat, she would respond with equal enthusiasm.

Tian Tian was speechless. Clearly, Xu Fei wasn’t as inexperienced with bars as she’d claimed. She was practically a pro, and Tian Tian wondered why she’d even worried about her.

Suddenly, a group of well-trained police officers stormed into the bar, firearms in hand. As they entered, the music and lights were abruptly cut, replaced by harsh fluorescent lighting.

The atmosphere shifted instantly as panic swept through the patrons. Some women were so frightened at the sight of guns that they started crying.

“Everyone, stay calm and don’t move,” one officer announced, his voice firm but steady. “We’re here to investigate a case. If you cooperate, you won’t face any trouble.”

Other officers charged upstairs, weapons drawn.

Tian Tian froze, overwhelmed by the scene.

Moments later, the officers escorted several people from the second floor. The individuals appeared dazed, their expressions euphoric. They were decked out in designer clothing, the telltale signs of wealthy backgrounds.

Among them, Tian Tian spotted a familiar face—Zhao Zhicheng.

Even though he was being helped down the stairs, Tian Tian immediately recognized him. Her face went pale.

Could it be that Zhao Zhicheng had been caught using drugs? The blissed-out expressions on the faces of the detainees left little room for doubt.

As she tried to process what she’d just seen, a voice sounded from behind her.

“Don’t be scared; it’s fine.”

The voice was eerily familiar. Tian Tian spun around, and sure enough, it was Zhao Yi. She had no idea when he had appeared behind her.

“Zhao Yi, what are you doing here?” she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

“What about you? Why are you here?” Zhao Yi replied with a question of his own.

“I’m here with a friend,” Tian Tian explained.

“Same here,” Zhao Yi said casually, though there was an underlying tone that made Tian Tian suspicious.

Her mind raced. In the original owner’s memories, it had been suspected that Zhao Zhicheng’s drug use was orchestrated by Zhao Yi, though there had never been any concrete evidence. Zhao Zhicheng had bullied and beaten Zhao Yi countless times, and Zhao Yi’s response had always been, “I have my own plans.”

Could tonight’s incident have been Zhao Yi’s doing?

Zhao Yi noticed her scrutinizing him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Tian Tian quickly shook her head. “It’s nothing.” She couldn’t voice her suspicions without risking Zhao Yi catching on, especially since she couldn’t explain how she knew.

“Make sure you head home early,” Zhao Yi advised. “Bars aren’t the kind of place you should be hanging out.”

“I understand,” Tian Tian said, nodding.

The police left the bar with the owner and the arrested individuals, including Zhao Zhicheng. Xu Fei, thoroughly frightened, had no desire to stay and was quick to agree to leave with Tian Tian. They hailed a taxi and headed home.

That night, Tian Tian tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She kept replaying the events in her mind and piecing everything together.

It all aligned too well.

Zhao Yi’s subdued demeanor at school, his carefully crafted image of weakness, and his apparent indifference to Zhao Zhicheng’s bullying all made sense now. It wasn’t weakness—it was strategy.

By presenting himself as harmless and resigned, Zhao Yi ensured that when Zhao Zhicheng inevitably got into trouble, no one would think to suspect him.

Zhao Zhicheng’s arrest would pave the way for Zhao Yi to enter the Zhao Corporation as an intern. With Zhao Zhicheng disgraced and Zhao Haifeng disappointed in his elder son, Zhao Yi could gradually gain their trust and climb the corporate ladder until he eventually replaced both of them.

Zhao Yi hadn’t changed at all. He was still the same deeply vengeful person.

Had he not comforted her earlier in the bar, Tian Tian might not have connected the dots. But now, her back was drenched in cold sweat.

She sighed in relief, realizing that her current good relationship with Zhao Yi likely meant she was safe from his wrath.

But at the same time, a deep sense of frustration set in.

All her efforts to guide Zhao Yi toward a better path seemed to have had no effect. She hadn’t changed him—not even a little.

Completing this mission was proving to be far more daunting than she had anticipated.

---

Tian Tian’s suspicions were confirmed when, in the early hours of the morning, videos and photos of Zhao Zhicheng’s arrest for drug use began circulating online.

For the second time, Zhao Zhicheng became the center of public outrage, following the bullying scandal.

Comments flooded in, lambasting Zhao Zhicheng and criticizing Zhao Haifeng for his failure as a father.

The next day, Zhao Corporation’s PR team worked overtime to contain the damage. Zhao Haifeng himself held a press conference, apologizing profusely for his neglect as a parent. His performance was emotional and heartfelt, but it wasn’t enough to stop the corporation’s plummeting stock prices.

Another ten days flew by, and Zhao Yi’s birthday finally arrived.

Tian Tian knew about his birthday from the original owner’s memories and had prepared for it well in advance.

The day before, she called him to make plans. She didn’t explicitly mention celebrating his birthday, instead inviting him out for a picnic.

Zhao Yi hadn’t seen Tian Tian in a while and gladly agreed.

“Where do you want to eat? It’s my treat,” he offered, remembering his earlier promise to treat her to a candlelight dinner after the exams.

“Let’s have a picnic at the countryside park. It’s so peaceful there—I really like it.”

“Do I need to bring anything?”

“Just bring yourself. I’ll take care of everything else.”

“Are you sure that’s okay?” He hesitated. A guy letting a girl handle everything felt a bit improper to him.

“It’s perfect.” Tian Tian smiled. After all, he was the birthday boy—just showing up was enough.

---

The next day, Tian Tian took half a day off work and went to the market in the early afternoon to buy all sorts of meats and vegetables before heading to the park.

When Zhao Yi arrived, Tian Tian was busy threading skewers, nearly done with her preparations. She was dressed in a red short-sleeved top paired with denim overalls, her hair tied high in a ponytail, revealing her smooth, rounded forehead. The sunlight illuminated her, making her look especially radiant.

“You’re here!” Tian Tian greeted him with a bright smile. Zhao Yi wore a crisp white shirt and blue jeans, exuding youthful energy and an air of cleanliness and vitality.

Looking at him, one would never guess the tragic experiences he had endured over the years.

Zhao Yi nodded and walked over to help. “I should’ve come earlier.”

“Just being here is enough.” Tian Tian grinned. “Since you’re here, let’s get grilling!” She pointed to the equipment she had rented from the park. The large park was a hotspot for camping and picnics, so barbecue grills and other supplies were readily available for rent.

Tian Tian wasn’t very skilled at grilling. Seeing her struggle, Zhao Yi couldn’t help but take over.

Watching him deftly handle the grilling, Tian Tian teased, “Looks like I’m in for a feast today.”

Zhao Yi remained silent, focusing on the skewers.

Tian Tian wasn’t idle, though. She placed a small pot on the grill and added some water to it.

Zhao Yi glanced at her curiously. “What are you planning to cook?”

“Some noodles,” she replied matter-of-factly.

Zhao Yi gave an understanding nod and didn’t ask further.

Soon, the aroma of grilled food filled the air, making Tian Tian’s mouth water. “Zhao Yi, I didn’t know you were such a good cook!”

“Before I returned to the Zhao family, I often helped cook at the orphanage. Over time, I just picked it up.” Zhao Yi placed the freshly grilled meat and vegetables on a small table. “It’s ready to eat.”

“Great! Just let me finish boiling the noodles,” Tian Tian said, her heart aching slightly as she thought about his difficult past.

Once the water was boiling, she added the noodles and tossed in some leafy greens for a touch of color and nutrition. When the noodles were done, she mixed in some seasonings and placed the dish in front of Zhao Yi.

Zhao Yi blinked in surprise. “This is for me?” He had assumed she was cooking for herself.

Tian Tian nodded. “It’s your birthday today, so I made you longevity noodles. I wish you a long and happy life, one that lasts a hundred years!”

Zhao Yi was taken aback. “How did you know it’s my birthday?”

Tian Tian smiled. “If I wanted to find out, of course I’d find out. Now eat it while it’s hot—noodles get clumpy if they sit for too long. My cooking isn’t the best, so please bear with it.”

Zhao Yi was deeply moved. In all his years, no one had ever celebrated his birthday for him.

“I don’t usually celebrate birthdays,” he admitted softly.

“But I wanted to celebrate it for you,” Tian Tian replied, her smile gentle.

Zhao Yi said nothing more and picked up his chopsticks to eat the noodles.

Seeing that he ate everything, Tian Tian happily grabbed a piece of grilled tenderloin.

“Zhao Yi, you’re an amazing cook! This is delicious.”

“Then eat as much as you like. If it’s not enough, I’ll grill more.”

“Okay!”

The two enjoyed the meal together, laughing and chatting. Afterward, Tian Tian brought over a large box.

Zhao Yi looked at it, puzzled. “What’s this?”

“Open it and see!” Tian Tian encouraged with a mysterious smile.

His confusion deepened.

“Go on, open it. You’ll find out,” she urged again.

Zhao Yi used his keys to cut through the tape and opened the box. Inside, he found dozens of small, neatly arranged gift boxes. The sight stunned him. “What’s all this?”

“Take a closer look at each one,” Tian Tian said, her smile widening.

Curious, Zhao Yi picked up a box. Written on the bottom was: First birthday gift.

Another read: Second birthday gift.

And another: Third birthday gift.

The labels continued, marking gifts for each year up to: Twenty-second birthday gift.

Zhao Yi froze, overwhelmed.

Zhao Yi opened the gift boxes one by one: a rattle drum, a toy car, a teddy bear, an Ultraman figure, a toy assault rifle… The older the “birthday,” the more mature the gifts became. The present for his twenty-second birthday was a sun-shaped smiley face pillow.

Tian Tian explained, “I know you’ve never celebrated your birthday before, and that you didn’t have friends growing up. Now that I consider myself your first friend, I thought I should make up for all your past birthdays.” She gestured to the sun pillow. “I hope that your future days will always be filled with sunshine and smiles.”

Zhao Yi had always been solitary, preferring to keep to himself. As a child at the orphanage, he hadn’t made friends, and after rejoining his family, others rejected him because of his illegitimate status. Tian Tian was truly his first friend.

Zhao Yi was overwhelmed, unable to find the words to express himself. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

“Thank you,” he said softly, “I really like them.”

Tian Tian beamed, her smile lighting up her entire face. “I’m so glad you do. I was worried you might not.”

Her idea to prepare 22 birthday gifts had come to her suddenly after the incident at the bar. Zhao Yi’s actions that night had been a wake-up call. She realized that if she didn’t do something meaningful soon, he might continue down the path of revenge.

Now, as a student herself, she couldn’t do much for him, but she hoped that by celebrating his birthday, she could warm his heart, even if just a little, and make his world a bit brighter.

The sky was turning golden as dusk approached. Zhao Yi looked up and said, “The sunset is beautiful today. Can we stay and watch it together before I take you home?”

It was the birthday boy’s request—how could Tian Tian refuse? “Of course!”

The two sat on the grass, enjoying the cool breeze as they gazed at the colorful evening sky.

The quietness between them was so peaceful that Tian Tian felt compelled to ask, “What happened to Zhao Zhicheng after he was arrested that night?”

Zhao Yi replied calmly, “He’s been sent to a rehab center. He won’t be out anytime soon.”

Tian Tian nodded. She felt no sympathy for Zhao Zhicheng; in fact, she thought it served him right. It was satisfying to know someone so arrogant was finally being put in his place.

“Cheng Xiaobei,” Zhao Yi said suddenly, “I’ve started my internship at the Zhao Corporation. I’ll be very busy, so we’ll probably see each other less.”

His words aligned perfectly with the trajectory described in the original owner’s memories. Tian Tian smiled, encouraging him. “That’s a great opportunity! Work hard. You’re so talented—your father will recognize your worth one day.”

Zhao Yi let out a cold laugh. “My father won’t see my worth. The only reason he thought of me is because my brother ended up in rehab, and now he’s short of people around him.”

“Don’t overthink it,” Tian Tian said gently. “Getting into the Zhao Corporation is a blessing in itself. Someone like me couldn’t even dream of such an opportunity.”

“You want to join Zhao Corporation?” Zhao Yi turned his head to look at her.

“No,” Tian Tian chuckled. “I’m happy where I am. My current job is great, and I’m learning a lot.”

Zhao Yi nodded in understanding.

By the time the sun had set completely, the sky was dark. Zhao Yi insisted on escorting Tian Tian back home.

“You really don’t need to. I can bike home just fine,” Tian Tian protested, glancing at the bicycle burdened with a large box of birthday gifts.

“I won’t feel at ease unless I take you home,” Zhao Yi replied in a calm yet firm tone.

Hearing this, Tian Tian felt a wave of comfort wash over her. As she watched his back while he pedaled the bike, she couldn’t help but think that if Zhao Yi had been born into a healthy and loving family, he would have turned out to be an amazing person.

Half an hour later, Zhao Yi dropped Tian Tian off at her apartment. He waited until she went inside before leaving.

Standing on the balcony, Tian Tian watched him pedal away, the box of gifts still balanced on the bike, and her lips curved into a soft smile.

No wonder the Bodhisattva is said to have boundless compassion, she thought. The more she came to understand the people around her, the more she believed there were no irredeemably evil people in the world. Everyone had hidden sides, and often, those sides were good.

---

After Zhao Yi’s birthday, just as he had predicted, his internship at Zhao Corporation kept him incredibly busy. Their contact dwindled to almost nothing, even less than before.

During this time, Tian Tian was also occupied with her work. Only occasionally did she have time to send Zhao Yi a message.

A month passed in the blink of an eye. When Tian Tian finally had some breathing room, she realized it had been half a month since she last heard from Zhao Yi.

She took the initiative to send him a message, asking what he was up to. But he didn’t reply.

At first, Tian Tian thought he might be busy or on a business trip, unable to check his phone. But as the days went by with no response, she started to feel uneasy.

It wasn’t that Zhao Yi was too busy—he was deliberately ignoring her messages.

The realization made Tian Tian furious. She even started to question whether the evening they spent watching the sunset together, or his insistence on taking her home, had been real. Maybe she had imagined the whole thing.

Otherwise, how could someone who acted so considerate suddenly treat her like she didn’t exist?

Tian Tian wasn’t one to bottle things up. She immediately called Zhao Yi’s number, determined to get to the bottom of his behavior.

But her calls went unanswered.

Unwilling to give up, she borrowed someone else’s phone to call him. This time, he picked up—but the moment Zhao Yi realized it was her, he hung up without a word.

Tian Tian was livid. What was he trying to do? Even if he wanted to cut ties, couldn’t he at least give her some closure?

This behavior wasn’t just rude—it was completely inexplicable.

---

Time flew, and soon the new semester began.

The first thing Tian Tian did when she returned to school was head straight to Zhao Yi to demand an explanation.

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