28. Past Prospects and Former Affairs

"I... I don't have a list." Tong Zhenzhen squeezed the words out through clenched teeth.

Jun Lengche furrowed his brows. "What about your grandfather's family?"

"I don't have any family, don't you understand that?" At the mention of her grandfather's family, Tong Zhenzhen bristled like an angry little wild cat, her face full of fury.

"Alright, alright." Jun Lengche softened his tone, coaxing her. "You should rest. I need to go finish the surgical reports."

Just as Jun Lengche had stepped out of the operating room, a nurse had informed him that someone was causing a scene in Tong Zhenzhen's room. He hadn't even had time to change out of his scrubs before rushing over. Now, seeing her emotions fluctuate again, he decided to leave so she could have some quiet time.

Walking to the door, Jun Lengche glanced back at Tong Zhenzhen. She was sitting on the bed, hugging her knees, lost in thought with a look of grief and indignation.

Why did Tong Zhenzhen get so angry whenever her grandfather's family was mentioned? Was it because they had suddenly cut off contact with her during her years abroad? And why would her grandfather's family, who had always been kind to her, do such a thing?

Was a wedding without the blessing of family a regret? With that thought, a plan formed in Jun Lengche's mind. He gave her one last look of pity before stepping out and gently closing the door.

Sitting on the bed, Tong Zhenzhen remained immersed in her own world.

In her childhood, her grandfather's home had been her warm harbor. Her grandparents were kind people who had always doted on her. Her eldest uncle, his wife, and her eldest cousin had always been indulgent toward her. Even her second uncle, who was prone to idleness, had been good to her.

But perhaps even the deepest family ties pale in the face of money?

After her mother divorced and her grandmother died of anger, her grandfather would always sigh whenever he saw her and her mother. Her eldest uncle’s family remained the same, but her second uncle, after marrying his new wife, had turned cold. The second aunt had always expressed her disapproval, both openly and covertly, of her and her mother moving back into the grandfather's house.

To help treat her mother's depression, Tong Zhenzhen accompanied her abroad, and her grandfather had provided a large sum of money to support them.

Once, Tong Zhenzhen had overheard a conversation between her second aunt and second uncle: "That sister of yours is clearly planning to live off the family, use the family's resources, and eventually divide the inheritance. Don't you see how much money the old man gives her? She’s a bottomless pit."

"What are you talking about? The family assets include a share for my sister. It's none of your business how much the old man is willing to give her!" Her second uncle's words had made Tong Zhenzhen feel a flicker of warmth.

"You idiot! Your eldest brother has his own company, and your younger sister is the favorite. What do you have? When the time comes, don't be surprised if you don't get a single penny!" The second aunt’s voice was sharp and cruel. "I'm doing this for your own good, and for the sake of the child in my womb."

"A child?!" Her second uncle was suddenly overjoyed.

The second aunt said impatiently, "If you don't use your brain, I fear the three of us will be left with nothing but air to eat!"

"Fine, fine. My sister is leaving for abroad in a couple of days. You should just worry about the baby." Her second uncle sounded somewhat impatient.

"You think she won't keep asking for money from the old man just because she's abroad? She's a professional beggar!" the second aunt said with disdain.

Standing in the corner, Tong Zhenzhen heard the contempt from her family. Being young and hot-headed, she couldn't take it anymore. She ran back to her room, met her mother, and repeated everything she had heard.

Years later, Tong Zhenzhen regretted her actions that day. If she hadn't told her mother about the conversation, her mother wouldn't have been so desperate to find investments and achieve independence as soon as she arrived abroad. She wouldn't have been swindled out of most of their money, nor would she have suffered the subsequent humiliation.

After being defrauded, her mother's condition worsened, yet she refused to let Tong Zhenzhen contact her grandfather, choosing to live in extreme poverty until she could no longer bear it and sought release through suicide.

Although she received help from a mysterious benefactor, the small shop she started didn't perform well. In desperation, Tong Zhenzhen once secretly called her grandfather’s house.

The phone was picked up, and Tong Zhenzhen heard a happy voice; the house was rowdy and bustling.

"Oh? Is that little Zhen? It's your eldest aunt. How are you both doing?" The kind voice coming through the line made Tong Zhenzhen’s nose sting.

"Um... we're doing alright..." Tong Zhenzhen could hear the joy in her aunt’s voice and, not wanting to ruin her mood, hesitated before answering.

"That's good. By the way, are you coming back for the New Year?" her aunt asked, full of excitement.

"We..." Before Tong Zhenzhen could finish, she heard her eldest uncle shouting in the background, "Don't talk anymore! Quick, quick, let's go to the hospital."

The hospital? What happened? Tong Zhenzhen was startled. Setting aside her need for help, she asked anxiously, "Auntie, what happened at home?"

"Little Zhen, it's happy news! Your second aunt has given birth; you have a new baby brother! We're on our way to the hospital to see her. We'll call you when we get back." Her aunt’s hearty laughter came through the line, mixed with the urging voices of her uncle and eldest cousin.

Why ruin such a happy atmosphere? Besides, Tong Zhenzhen was happy to hear about the new addition to the family. She said lightly, "Congratulations. Auntie, you go to the hospital first."

After hanging up, Tong Zhenzhen waited for a long time, but no call ever came from her grandfather's family.

By then, due to their financial struggles, Tong Zhenzhen could no longer afford international calls.

A month passed, and when their situation slightly improved, she tried calling again, only to find that the number had been disconnected.

When the mechanical female voice coldly stated, "The number you have dialed is not in service, please check and dial again," Tong Zhenzhen's heart turned to ice. Had her grandfather's family abandoned her and her mother?

Despite this, Tong Zhenzhen held onto hope and never changed her phone number. She waited for the day she might receive a call from them again.

But she waited for eight years.

A month ago, her mother went missing.

After searching, Tong Zhenzhen found her mother's shoes on the seaside cliff where they often sat. Underneath the shoes lay a letter.

It was just a sheet of paper, yet it weighed heavier than a thousand pounds.

Tong Zhenzhen read her mother's suicide note with trembling hands.

Dozens of meters below the cliff were jagged rocks battered by the crashing waves; it was impossible for anyone to survive a jump.

Tong Zhenzhen stood alone on the heights, chilled by the raging sea breeze, her heart filled with desolation.

There was no one to tell about her mother's death.

In her mother's grave lay only her clothes and a photograph of herself.

In this world, only she had accompanied her mother through her brief life.

On the day of the funeral, only Tong Zhenzhen, her two best friends from university, and a stranger who was a priest were there to bid her mother a final farewell.

In the lush green cemetery, the wind blew lonely and hollow.

From that day on, Tong Zhenzhen considered herself to have no family left in this world.

From that day on, she decided to fulfill her mother's last wish: to make those who had hurt them suffer.

To Tong Zhenzhen, "grandfather's family" was now just a cold, meaningless term.

Immersed in these painful memories, Tong Zhenzhen hugged her knees as silent tears streamed down her face. She was accustomed to bearing pain alone, accustomed to weeping in solitude.

Because she was so focused, she didn't hear the footsteps as someone entered.

"Zhenzhen~" A soft voice, as if afraid to startle her, sounded by her ear.

Tong Zhenzhen turned her head and saw Qin Xiangyang looking at her with a worried expression, his thick brows knitted together, his eyes fixed intently upon her.

In his dark pupils, Tong Zhenzhen caught a glimpse of her own vulnerability.

How could this be? Tong Zhenzhen hurriedly turned her head away.

Unexpectedly, Qin Xiangyang’s hand touched her face, gently turning it back to face him. "Zhenzhen, don't hold back in front of me. Cry if you want to."

The tenderness and pity in Qin Xiangyang’s eyes made Tong Zhenzhen freeze. The "Little Yang" who had always needed her protection had truly grown up into a reliable man.

Unlike Jun Lengche’s overbearing aura, Qin Xiangyang’s features were trustworthy and dependable. He had large, resolute eyes, a straight nose, and a square jaw.

The calluses on Qin Xiangyang’s fingers were rough and hard, grazing her skin. The subtle friction brought her back to her senses.

"Little Yang, I just got some sand in my eye." Tong Zhenzhen blinked, raising her hand to wipe away her tears.

"Don't move." Qin Xiangyang actually reached out and carefully wiped the tears from her cheeks.

My god, Tong Zhenzhen felt a little awkward, and her face flushed red. Was Qin Xiangyang’s gaze too gentle? It didn't look like the concern of a friend; it looked more like the infatuation of a lover.

But what if she was mistaken? That would be so embarrassing. Tong Zhenzhen was conflicted, unsure of what to do.

If it were anyone else, she would have stopped them long ago. But with Qin Xiangyang, she didn't want to ruin their friendship over a guess.

The distinct, masculine scent of him wafted over her, making her feel uncomfortable. She couldn't help but stiffen her back.

Tong Zhenzhen deliberated, carefully adjusting her tone. "Haha, Little Yang, I can handle it myself."

Qin Xiangyang stopped, staring at her without blinking.

Tong Zhenzhen blinked in embarrassment, trying her best to force a smile. "Little Yang, the way you're looking at me makes me feel a bit uneasy."

Qin Xiangyang’s brows furrowed even tighter, forming a deep line between them. "Zhenzhen, are you... are you really going to marry my cousin?"

"Ah? Yes, I am." Unable to face Qin Xiangyang’s overly intense gaze, she shifted her eyes to the buttons on his chest and nodded.

What is Little Yang doing? Making the atmosphere so ambiguous. Even if he's concerned, he shouldn't act like a lover. Tong Zhenzhen complained silently about Qin Xiangyang’s abnormal behavior.

To her surprise, Qin Xiangyang pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.