Chapter 23: Lingjie

"Oh, and what about your parents?" 

"They... went abroad."

"Abroad?"

"Mm... for their honeymoon."

"I see, so you moved back alone?"

"Mm..."

Zhu Lingjie nodded. 

Though her voice was still soft, it was at least audible.

So, this time only Zhu Lingjie had moved back, without her parents. 

Perhaps because she was now a college student and no longer needed the same level of protection, they had decided to give her some independence.

After Shi Hai had asked everything he could think of, the conversation reached a standstill.

Just as Shi Hai was about to say goodbye and leave, Zhu Lingjie inquired about Jian Sichun's identity.

"That... who is she?"

Shi Hai calmly pointed to Jian Sichun.

"Oh, a friend of mine."

Jian Sichun, lively and cooperative, introduced herself with a cheerful gesture.

"Hello~ I'm Jian Sichun! Shi Hai's best friend!"

She emphasized the words 'best friend.'

Sensitive as she was, Zhu Lingjie picked up on the implication.

Jian Sichun... best friend?

Why have I never seen her before...

This curiosity didn't show on Zhu Lingjie's face. 

She nodded and introduced herself.

"Hello... I'm Zhu Lingjie."

This time, she didn't introduce herself word by word. Shi Hai thought she might do that as some sort of 'signal.'

However, Zhu Lingjie was more concerned about where Shi Hai and Jian Sichun were heading so late and why they were coming from Shi Hai's house.

But she chose her words carefully, knowing her current relationship with Shi Hai was still just 'not-so-close childhood friends.'

"Where are you going...?"

"I'm taking her back to the dorm before the lights go out."

"I see... is Auntie at home?"

"Mm, she's home."

"Alright... be careful on the way..."

Shi Hai nodded, and Jian Sichun waved goodbye.

But before they left, Zhu Lingjie called out to Shi Hai again.

"Shi Hai—!"

The sound of his name made Shi Hai shudder.

This was the first time Zhu Lingjie had ever called him by his name.

It was kind of sad—despite being childhood friends, she had never addressed him by name.

Shi Hai had even wondered if Zhu Lingjie knew his name...

Jian Sichun nudged Shi Hai again.

"Hey! Why are you spacing out again!"

"Uh... sorry."

It wasn't Shi Hai's fault. 

He had experienced a lot of unexpected things today, and his interactions with girls had hit an all-time high.

However, with Tian Shui and Jian Sichun, they were 'new acquaintances,' so talking to them wasn't difficult.

But conversing with Zhu Lingjie was the most astonishing thing for Shi Hai today.

It was like thinking someone was mute for over ten years, only for them to suddenly start speaking and even cracking jokes. 

The shock was on par with a galactic explosion.

Gathering himself, Shi Hai steadied his emotions and asked.

"Mm, what is it?"

"Well... I'll come by to say hello later..."

"Oh, sure. My mom would love to see you."

This wasn't just a polite remark. 

Despite Shi Hai's poor relationship with Zhu Lingjie, Liu Zhenshan had a great relationship with Zhu Lingjie's family, especially with her mother, who was her best friend.

They frequently visited each other, not just during holidays.

However, his mom had always been well-liked, so it wasn't surprising that she got along well with their neighbors. 

Liu Zhenshan's fondness for Zhu Lingjie went beyond just being 'the neighbor's child'; she even gave Zhu Lingjie a share of the New Year money.

One of the few times Shi Hai saw Zhu Lingjie's expressions change was when she was in front of his mom.

Is this the invincible power of maternal love...?

This time, the conversation really ended. 

With a nod, Zhu Lingjie went upstairs while Shi Hai and Jian Sichun continued downstairs. 

After they left the residential complex, Jian Sichun couldn't help but speak up with a hint of jealousy.

"Who is she? You were completely stunned several times!"

You were unfazed by Senior Tian Shui, and I thought you had a high tolerance, but it seems it's just not your type! 

And you also reacted indifferently to me... Am I not cute enough?

Jian Sichun fumed internally, feeling a bit jealous.

Shi Hai, who had nothing to hide, shrugged and said, "I was just surprised. I didn't expect her to be able to speak so normally."

"What do you mean? Is this the first time you've talked to her?"

"Sort of…. Today might be the first time in fifteen years that I've heard her speak so 'completely' and 'clearly.'"

"Wow, really? Isn't she more introverted than I am!"

You call yourself introverted?

Shi Hai was skeptical.

Actually, Jian Sichun was only this open around Shi Hai. 

In front of others, she was shy, blushed easily, and stuttered—a classic case of social anxiety.

For example, when facing Tian Shui earlier, she hid behind Shi Hai like a scared rabbit, trembling.

"But fifteen years... You have a friend you've known for that long?"

"What? You didn't know? Didn't the future me tell you?"

"No, I didn't know. This is the first time I've seen her!"

"Huh..."

Shi Hai squinted, making a meaningful sound.

From what Jian Sichun said, she didn't know Zhu Lingjie and had never seen her.

Jian Sichun had mentioned that she spent a long time living in Shi Hai's house in the future.

But she never saw Zhu Lingjie during that time?

This was quite contradictory.

The simple-minded Jian Sichun, curious about Zhu Lingjie's background, urged Shi Hai for more information.

"Hurry up, tell me more! Is Zhu Lingjie your friend? Childhood friend? Neighbors?"

Shi Hai felt these titles were too flattering. The most accurate one was:

"She's the 'neighbor's daughter' who used to live next door."

"Huh?! So she's the one who used to live next to our house?"

Has it become 'our house' already...?

This girl really doesn't hold back, huh?

"Didn't you know that?"

"I only knew that the people next door used to be good neighbors, but they moved away. Mom was very sad about it."

"So you never saw them?"

"No, I always thought the place next door was empty."

"You mean, in your future, no one lived next door?"

Jian Sichun touched her cheek uncertainly.

"Uh, I'm not sure. I rarely went out..."

She could go a month without stepping outside.

Shi Hai felt helpless. 

It was hard to make a judgment with such uncertain information.

But he tended to think that in Jian Sichun's future, the house next door was unoccupied.

In other words, Zhu Lingjie moving back was likely an 'unplanned event.'

However, since Jian Sichun had moved in much earlier after being reborn, Zhu Lingjie might only stay for a day or two, and they just missed each other... 

They'd only get answers in time.

Shi Hai kept this clue in mind.

...

Back home, without even turning on the lights.

With a thud, Zhu Lingjie fell to her knees, hands on the floor, her expression collapsing.

Her wide eyes and twitching mouth showed how shaken she was.

Her mind was filled with one question.

Did Shi Hai have a girlfriend in college?! It must be his girlfriend! They came out of his house together! Even his mom approved! 

Question: After being reborn, I find my husband and his ex-girlfriend coming out of the house together. My mind is collapsing. What should I do next?