Chapter 249: Barefaced

The conversation between Fang Zhou and Qiao Sisi came to a close, and they stopped talking.

Fang Wenjing, who had overheard the crucial information, hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided to come out of hiding.

After all, the conversations were over, and she couldn’t stay in the bathroom forever.

To her surprise, her brother really seemed to have no feelings for Sister Sisi. Neither his words nor his actions suggested anything more than treating her as a regular friend.

If there was any special feeling, it wasn’t evident.

For some reason, Fang Wenjing’s mind drifted to another woman with long, curly hair, who seemed gentle, elegant, and dignified.

Her brother seemed more emotionally expressive around her, more like a real, living person, rather than a toy bound by rules and societal expectations.

Fang Wenjing’s mind was full of conflicting thoughts as she emerged, pretending nothing was amiss, observing what Aunt Wei was doing.

Help, she really wasn’t good at acting or lying.

How was she supposed to break this awkward situation?

Fortunately, Aunt Wei seemed to catch Fang Wenjing’s plea for help and came out with a smile.

“How’s the watermelon? Want to try some cantaloupe? I’ve just cut some.”

Fang Zhou nodded, got up to take it from her, then turned to his sister.

“Hurry up, little turtle, or there’ll be nothing left.”

Fang Wenjing huffed, protesting, “No way, you’re the snail!”

“Sister Sisi, what do you think?”

She turned to Qiao Sisi with a bright smile, like a little sunshine.

Qiao Sisi felt a bit dazzled, momentarily lost.

At that moment, she truly felt the barrier between her and Fang Zhou.

He had a cute sister and a full life, basking in the warmth of family, something she lacked.

It was like a pane of transparent glass separating them, dividing the same room into two worlds.

For some reason, she felt a slight sting in her heart and a strong urge to break this barrier.

She felt like a doll trapped in a display case, unable to reach the person she loved, unable to be with him.

“Tastes good.”

Qiao Sisi forced a smile, responding like a programmed robot.

Fang Zhou frowned slightly, thinking her poor state was due to sleeplessness. He was about to suggest she rest when her phone rang.

“If I look at you again, will I still feel…”

Xu Song’s voice filled the room, transporting everyone back several years.

Back then, Qiao Sisi wasn’t a big star, nor was he a fallen game streamer. They were just two people, holding hands and enjoying each other’s company.

Fang Zhou had a strange intuition that Qiao Sisi had set this ringtone because it reflected his reality.

“Hello?”

Qiao Sisi walked to the window to take the call, her eyes blankly staring outside.

It was already noon, and the sun cast black shadows on the ground, like the end of a story in a dystopian novel.

“Sisi, it’s 11 o’clock. Why aren’t you here yet? We still need to do makeup and go over the script!”

Sister Zhu’s voice was anxious and frantic, worried that Qiao Sisi wouldn’t show up, so she called to hurry her.

“I don’t feel like going.”

Qiao Sisi’s body felt empty, suddenly drained of all strength.

She stood there, eyes vacant, filled with endless despair and sorrow.

She couldn’t help but question herself. What had she been fighting for all these years? Was it all just to lose the person she loved in the end?

Memories of sweet times with her loved one flooded her, her sadness uncontrollable.

Those happy moments had become fleeting memories, leaving only deep pain and helplessness.

She once believed that if she worked hard enough, she could give her lover everything he wanted, allowing them to live happily ever after.

But reality was cruel, shattering her dreams.

Now Qiao Sisi felt utterly lost. How could she move forward? She seemed to have lost all direction and motivation.

Perhaps people are greedy. When they have nothing, they want everything.

But once they have it, nothing seems to matter.

“What!”

Sister Zhu’s scream from the other end was like a wild beast.

“We can’t do that! We signed a contract, and if we breach it, we’ll lose half a year’s earnings!”

Maybe Sister Zhu’s voice was too loud, as even the other two in the room heard her.

Qiao Sisi wearily rubbed her forehead, still resisting.

“I’m not in good shape today.”

Knowing the reason, Fang Wenjing turned to glare at her brother. If he hadn’t made her wait all night, Sister Sisi wouldn’t be missing work.

“Brother, maybe you should take Sister Sisi home to rest.”

Fang Wenjing softly suggested to her brother.

She wouldn’t force her brother but could offer a small suggestion.

“Let’s reschedule for tomorrow.”

In the end, Qiao Sisi negotiated to push the arrangement to the next day. After ending the call, she turned to find the other three watching her, surprised.

“You heard everything? Don’t think I’m being too capricious?”

Fang Wenjing immediately shook her head, showing her support for Qiao Sisi.

“People aren’t machines. Those who don’t rest can’t work well.”

“Rest when you need to!”

Aunt Wei chimed in, “Yes, yes, Miss Qiao has worked hard all night. Better to rest early.”

With suggestions thrown her way, Qiao Sisi had to accept.

Besides, today wasn’t a good day to lose her temper.

She nodded lightly, glancing absentmindedly at Fang Zhou, and bid farewell.

“I’ll head back then.”

Fang Wenjing gave her brother a push, urging him.

“I’ll take you home.”

Fang Zhou smiled, turning back to grimace at his sister.

Qiao Sisi hadn’t expected this pleasant surprise, her eyes lighting up.

“Alright, thank you.”

She hid her earlier gloom, smiling brightly.

Once at my place, it’s my turn.

She had been eagerly anticipating this, longing to bind Fang Zhou to her side.