Chapter 14: Doubt is permissible, disrespect is not
Since turning seven, Qin Ruan had never touched Tomato Beef Stew again.
Resisting the internal repulsion and the subconscious pain that hit her mouth, throat, and stomach, she once again touched the Tomato Beef Stew that used to be her nightmare.
It had been prepared by her father and brother for her.
The beef was very tender, coupled with the sweet and sour taste of tomatoes, it was truly delicious.
The beef was not tough or old, the tomato flavor was delicious, and the soup was rich, appetizing, and delicious.
Qin Ruan ate it without any discomfort.
At that moment, her eyes moistened, and her heart was warm.
It was also from that day onwards, that the shadow of her time in the orphanage began to fade, and she developed a fixation on this dish.
"Qin Ruan? Qin Ruan…"
A fair hand waved in front of her at the table.
Qin Ruan looked up in a daze, staring blankly at Ling Xiaoxuan, who was sitting across from her.
She asked, "What's the matter?"
Ling Xiaoxuan gave her a despising look.
"You're asking me what's the matter? How many times did I call you without a response, what are you daydreaming about?"
Qin Ruan apologized with a smile, "Just thinking about something from a long time ago."
She looked down, and what caught her eye was the Tomato Beef Stew on the table.
Ever since tasting her father and brother's cooking, she had stopped resisting this dish.
But after eating at many other places, she could never find another Tomato Beef Stew that combined three flavors into one, and still tasted delicious even after it had cooled down.
When her father and brother had prepared that dish, did they know about her experience in the orphanage?
Given their careful attitude towards her and their unspoken love, Qin Ruan believes that if they knew, they would never have done such a thing.
Deep thought was revealed in Qin Ruan's eyes and her face fell slightly.
She was unable to see clearly in her past life.
In this life, without the need for verification, she knows the love her father and brother have for her.
Ling Xiaoxuan poked at the rice in her dish, "You got me sidetracked. What I wanted to say is that we are planning a road trip to Tibet next month during summer vacation, do you want to come along?"
"Hm?" Qin Ruan put down her chopsticks, "Why did you think of going so far away?"
"The scenery is beautiful, and the mysterious supernatural phenomena intrigue me."
Hearing Ling Xiaoxuan's nonchalant tone, Qin Ruan became serious, "Sister Ling, it's better not to meddle in certain things."
Although one can choose not to believe in the supernatural, it must still be respected.
Qin Ruan knew that Ling Xiaoxuan was a paranormal explorer, and it was very dangerous.
Teasingly, Ling Xiaoxuan propped her head with her hand, "This is the first time I've seen you so serious, are you not interested in going?"
In her view, this was Qin Ruan's roundabout way of declining.
Qin Ruan shook her head, "Sister Ling, how about choosing another project..."
"We've already arranged it. If you don't want to go, it's fine. I'll bring you a souvenir when I come back."
Ling Xiaoxuan waved her hand dismissively, not willing to listen to Qin Ruan's nagging anymore.
After finishing their meals, they went their separate ways, heading towards their respective classrooms.
Qin Ruan walked a while before stopping, turning to watch Ling Xiaoxuan's departing silhouette.
She could no longer see the figure of the other person but only a strange and dense fog of blood.
The blood fog was devouring Ling Xiaoxuan's life.
This was not ordinary Evil Qi. Qin Ruan couldn't absorb it - the Qi was so intertwined with Ling Xiaoxuan's destiny.
Unless the sinister force behind her was dealt with, Ling Xiaoxuan was undoubtedly doomed.
Qin Ruan's eyebrows furrowed slightly. Tonight was a good opportunity for her to take action, but what excuse should she use to make Sister Ling stay?
Ling Xiaoxuan lived in East City of the Capital City and was driven to and from school every day.
Even if she went out at night, she would rarely stay out overnight.
The Aristocratic Family's house rules were unusually strict.
Qin Ruan sighed quietly and turned to leave.