The next morning, Chu Lian got up and started preparing what she would need to take to the hospital. She wanted to go visit her parents in this world. She hadn't received any updates about their accident yesterday, probably because they were trying to keep the news from her so she wouldn't worry and let it affect her life.
Due to their positions and work schedules, it was normal for them to work late into the night or even go days without returning home. They likely intended to heal up and then use their busy work schedule as an excuse to cover things up. This way, they could keep her from worrying and make sure she focused on her studies.
However, Chu Lian had been an adult in her previous life, working in society for several years. She had even studied psychology for a period of time. Combined with her life experience, it was easy for her to guess their intentions.
Although she was pretty sure about their plan, she didn't want to follow it. She intended to use this situation to start integrating herself into this new world.
Thinking this, she called Wang Tingsi and threatened him a bit, making sure he kept quiet about her situation and worked out a plausible explanation for how she learned about her parents being hospitalized. She didn't want her parents to become suspicious later. Even though they likely wouldn't blame her, they might still have some odd thoughts. This was the outcome she wanted to avoid. Some things were better kept hidden, both for their sake and hers.
She put on a white lace long dress, paired with knee-high white socks that just barely covered her delicate legs beneath the dress. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and she wore a white lace sunhat. Her hands were also covered with white lace gloves. With this outfit, she looked like a delicate little lady.
The temperature today was much higher than the past few days, typical of the southern climate, where all four seasons could be experienced within a short span of time.
The sun was especially harsh today, so it made sense to shield herself from it. Carrying an umbrella would have been cumbersome, but a hat was simple and light, leaving one hand free to carry more things.
She had gotten up several hours earlier today to buy some nourishing ingredients. After spending more than three hours cooking chicken soup, she planned to bring it to her parents to help with their recovery.
She had asked Wang Tingsi about it. While her parents only had minor injuries, it was a bit complicated. They had bled quite a lot at the time, and their mental state wasn't great, which was why they needed to stay in the hospital for observation.
According to him, after returning from her house, he had reviewed the traffic footage and in-car recordings, and had questioned the driver of the accident. He concluded that this was a completely accidental accident.
He said that there was no trace of foul play. The car involved had been checked, and it was found that the brakes had malfunctioned. When trying to slow down, the car couldn't reduce speed properly. In an attempt to avoid a car trying to overtake, it collided with the couple, who had been heading home early from work.
Chu Lian, however, didn't believe it was truly an accident. From what she knew, there were hundreds of ways to cause something to lose control or sabotage something in secret. She was sure that this incident had been carefully orchestrated.
But for now, her abilities were limited, and she couldn't find the mastermind. Still, she believed this person was closely connected to the five who had come after her. Even if they weren't from the same organization, they were undoubtedly allies.
There was no use in thinking too much about it for now. Without any leads, she decided to stop overthinking. With the help of the system, she would definitely grow into a formidable presence in the future. When the time came, she would expose everyone who dared to lay a hand on her.
After hanging up, she took one last look at the things she was bringing. Once she confirmed she hadn't forgotten anything, she slipped on a pair of white ankle boots and headed out.
Outside, a light blue sports car was parked, its sleek body shimmering under the sunlight, drawing the attention of passersby.
Especially the young women, who couldn't take their eyes off the tall, handsome man standing next to the car. A sports car and a handsome man—for many women, it was a lethal combination.
The man, seeing the attention he was attracting, casually removed his sunglasses, holding them in one hand and flashing a subtle smile. He sent flirtatious glances at the surrounding women. Standing there, leaning against the car, he resembled Apollo descending to earth, exuding an extraordinary charm.
Well, if he hadn't suddenly changed his expression the moment he saw Chu Lian, lowering his head and giving her a much more submissive look, he would have truly been a perfect man. Unfortunately, perfection doesn't exist in this world.
"Oh? So now you're learning how to flirt, Zhao Ziming? Young Master Zhao, the handsome Zhao..." Chu Lian didn't hold back and grabbed her things, placing them beside her as she sat in the passenger seat, her voice tinged with mockery.
"Oh, come on, do you really think I need to learn? I just stand there, and countless beauties will flock to me. Unfortunately, I've already given my heart to someone else. That...
Zhao Ziming noticed the slight change in Chu Lian's mood. If she went and complained, the girl he liked might never talk to him again, so he immediately tried to clarify. But before he could finish, Chu Lian interrupted him. "Hurry up and drive, I'm going to Sudi City's First People's Hospital..."
Zhao Ziming knew there was no way to get any information out of her now, so he gave up on trying. Without saying another word, he started the car and sped toward the hospital.
Chu Lian noticed his change in demeanor, and once he couldn't see her, she secretly smirked and tightened her lips. Then she shifted her thoughts to the system space, appearing before Ayase with a smile. "Ayase, Ayase, your charm is incredible. As soon as Zhao Ziming heard it was you who requested it, he immediately drove a sports car to pick me up and take me to the hospital. He's truly devoted to you..."
Ayase glanced at her with her bewitching almond eyes, swirled her wine glass, and said flatly, "He's in love with this shell, not me. If a woman of average looks had been in my place, do you think he would have cared? So there's no need to talk about him. I only care about you now. No matter how exceptional a person is, they're nothing more than an ordinary person in my eyes."
"I know you don't like him, so I didn't mention it. You don't need to order him around in my name. In time, he'll forget about you. Men are quick to fall for someone new, but easily grow tired of the old." Chu Lian pouted, walking up to Ayase and flopping into her arms. She wanted to rest for a while.
Outside, Zhao Ziming noticed that Chu Lian had turned her head slightly. He soon saw that she had closed her eyes and seemed to be asleep. With a sigh, he muttered to himself, "I know you don't believe that I truly only like one person right now, but I'm the only one who knows that in that moment, she captured my heart. But right now, she's still so prejudiced against me. It'll be hard to get her to like me, but I will never give up."
The car sped quickly, reaching the First People's Hospital in Sudi City in less than ten minutes. Chu Lian asked him to stop at a distance, grabbed her things, and got out.
Before leaving, she waved to the car window and said, "See you later," before turning and walking away.
Although she still hadn't received any news from Ayase today, improving her relationship with her sister was still a good outcome.
The sun was now directly overhead, making the air even hotter than it had been earlier. Chu Lian shielded her face with her hand and adjusted her hat, then bent down to pick up her things.
Her movements were natural and graceful, making her even more pleasant to watch. From a distance, it seemed someone had pointed a camera at her, either secretly taking photos or recording a video.
She wasn't annoyed, though. She flashed the person a gentle smile, then picked up her things and slowly walked toward the hospital.
In that spot, under that sunlight, the little girl walking slowly toward the hospital looked like an angel fallen from heaven. A passing photographer captured this moment, forever etching it into a photograph.