Chapter 232: Zhang Zhiyin’s Dream (3)

That night, some slept peacefully, while others were far from restful.

In a Kyoto apartment, a person on the bed had furrowed brows, their expression one of pain and struggle, muttering something in their sleep.

“No… don’t…”

Zhang Zhiyin had fallen into another dream.

This time, she was not merely an observer but had become part of the scenario.

When she became conscious, she heard someone beside her saying, ‘Miss Chu, this wedding gown was custom-made by our most experienced tailor. Would you like to try it on?’

Zhang Zhiyin was momentarily dazed, realizing she was inhabiting Chu Xinran.

She heard Chu Xinran laugh and say, “Sure.”

Then she went to change into the wedding gown, emerging radiant, like a goddess descended to earth.

Chu Xinran excitedly ran to the man who had been sitting on the sofa, playing with his phone, and eagerly asked him, “How do I look? Am I beautiful?”

The man looked up, revealing a handsome face that stunned Zhang Zhiyin.

It was Fang Zhou.

Yet, at this moment, Fang Zhou’s eyes were filled with fatigue, looking as if he had been through a lot.

Zhang Zhiyin tried to ask Fang Zhou what had happened.

But it was futile.

She had no control over this body and could only watch as Chu Xinran interacted with Fang Zhou.

“Beautiful, absolutely stunning. The gown’s fit is perfect, and the craftsmanship is exquisite. It’s like it was made for you.”

Fang Zhou thought he had given a sufficient compliment, expecting satisfaction.

To his surprise, Chu Xinran looked hurt.

“Why are you so perfunctory? You didn’t even look at me when I came out, and even now, you’re not paying attention.”

Her delicate face was full of grievance.

“We’re about to get married, can’t you be a little nicer to me?”

Zhang Zhiyin was shocked, thinking: Have they really come this far?

Fang Zhou, however, found Chu Xinran unreasonable.

“I was handling something important. My sister finally found a kidney donor; nothing can go wrong.”

His impatient expression instantly angered Chu Xinran.

Her eyes reddened.

“Again with your sister. The donor isn’t going anywhere; what could go wrong?”

“On such an important day as trying on wedding dresses, you’re completely inattentive. Do you not want to marry me?”

Zhang Zhiyin, within Chu Xinran, could feel all her emotions.

Grievance, insecurity, confusion, stubbornness.

This is the person she loved, and they had finally come to marriage; they shouldn’t be arguing over such trivial matters.

Yet another voice told her: If he’s this dismissive about trying on wedding dresses, won’t he be worse in the future?

Some things can be foretold from small signs.

Zhang Zhiyin could understand to some extent; women tend to overthink and get entangled in their thoughts.

Originally, she thought Fang Zhou would, as usual, soften up, say a few sweet words, and everything would be fine with Chu Xinran.

But that day, his face was filled with impatience, his tone cold, “Do you not know why I’m marrying you?”

“We had a chance to get along, but it’s all ruined now.”

“Being here to try dresses with you is already out of past sentiments.”

After speaking, Fang Zhou walked out without looking back, no matter how much Chu Xinran called him.

That cold, heartless demeanor was something even Zhang Zhiyin, who had known him for years, had never seen.

It must have been something severe to make Fang Zhou act this way, she thought.

Zhang Zhiyin felt the body she was in was already streaming with tears.

She heard Chu Xinran complaining to the store clerk, “Why did he say such heartless things? I really thought he was marrying me out of love!”

“Why marry me if he doesn’t love me?”

That day, Chu Xinran cried until her makeup was ruined. When she finally got herself together and changed out of the wedding dress, Fang Zhou had long since left the store.

All that remained was her family’s driver waiting.

Chu Xinran felt her heart shatter.

Back home, she locked herself in her room, refusing to come out.

Zhang Zhiyin was trapped in this dark room too, heavy curtains blocking all sunlight, an oppressive darkness.

Then, she watched as Chu Xinran took a knife and started cutting her wrist, seemingly numb to the pain.

But in reality, it hurt. It hurt a lot.

Humans are flesh and blood; a cold knife cutting through can’t not hurt.

Yet strangely, as the intense pain coursed through her arm, the emotional pain seemed to lessen.

This method was a temporary fix, but the person who could truly heal her was so cold.

Chu Xinran felt like she was submerged in icy water, a bone-chilling cold spreading through her body.

“Don’t fight… don’t fight with Brother Fang Zhou…”

After a few cuts, Chu Xinran threw the knife away and started crying uncontrollably.

A knock came at the door, and Zhang Zhiyin heard someone outside asking, “Xinran, what’s wrong? Why are you crying? Wasn’t the wedding dress beautiful?”

“Open the door. Mom will get you a few more made. You can choose again, okay?”

It was Chu Xuan’s voice.

Chu Xinran stopped crying and, with a sob-laden voice, said, “No, nothing’s wrong, Mom. I’m just too happy.”

She hurriedly used tissues to wipe her wrist, noticing the blood pearls. The cuts weren’t deep; once the bleeding stopped, a long sleeve would cover everything.

Zhang Zhiyin heard Chu Xinran’s inner thoughts: Don’t let Mom find out. She mustn’t know.

Chu Xuan, outside, seemed unconvinced, insisting on coming in to check, but Chu Xinran wouldn’t open the door.

“Fine, don’t open it. But if anything’s bothering you, tell Mom.”

“You’re marrying Fang Zhou next month. Whatever you want, Mom will make it happen.”

“You just need to be ready to be the most beautiful bride.”

Chu Xuan’s words gave Chu Xinran a bit of strength.

Yes, she was about to become Fang Zhou’s lawful wife; no one could take that from her.

She should be happy!

She would be the one laughing last. Fang Zhou was just confused for now; he’d treat her well eventually.

With this hope, Chu Xinran waited anxiously until the wedding day.