Chapter 291: The Eavesdropper

After listening to Fang Zhou’s explanation, Zhang Zhiyin was silent for a long time before finally speaking. “I know I can’t interfere with your choices, but I don’t agree with your perspective.”

“If you ever change your mind, you can always reach out to me.”

She was referring to the possibility of trying a relationship with him.

At least, for the next couple of years, Zhang Zhiyin knew she couldn’t completely let go of Fang Zhou. After all, even after being abroad for so many years, her memories of him were still vivid.

They say meeting someone too impressive in your youth can make it hard to fall for anyone else later. That perfectly described Zhang Zhiyin’s situation.

Fang Zhou didn’t know if he would change his mind, but he genuinely didn’t want to lose her as a friend.

“We’ll see. Let me drive you home.”

Fang Zhou jingled his car keys, intending to take Zhang Zhiyin home. It was already evening, and it wouldn’t be safe for her to go back alone.

“Alright.”

Zhang Zhiyin didn’t refuse his offer. Once in the car, her gaze fixed on a hanging ornament in front of the dashboard—a cross-stitch pouch with a small deer and the word “Peace” embroidered on it.

“Who gave you this?” she asked.

Fang Zhou glanced at it and answered sincerely, “My sister made it. She loves crafting these handmade items.”

Zhang Zhiyin nodded thoughtfully and complimented, “It’s very well-made.”

“Do you like it? She made a lot. I can give you some.”

Fang Zhou felt no shame in offering something made by his sister to friends. Besides, Fang Wenjing really liked Zhang Zhiyin and would be more than happy to share.

“Sure.”

She didn’t decline Fang Zhou’s kind gesture. Instead, she pondered how to ask about his sister’s health without making him sad.

Li Siming had mentioned that they finally found a kidney donor, but it would take some time.

Plans often can’t keep up with changes, which worried Zhang Zhiyin.

In the end, she decided to change the subject.

“Who are you going to date tomorrow?”

Fang Zhou, who had just started the car and stepped on the gas, frowned slightly at her question.

Chu Xinran had asked him the same thing earlier, and he really needed to think about it.

“I haven’t decided yet.”

“If you feel it’s difficult, you can choose me.”

Zhang Zhiyin looked straight ahead and spoke without changing her expression.

She wasn’t taking advantage of the situation; she was offering a helping hand.

Fang Zhou was surprised. He glanced at her while waiting at a red light and said softly, “But that might cause trouble for you.”

His ex-girlfriends were no walk in the park, especially Qin Yun, who was unpredictable and could do something crazy.

“Since you consider me your best friend, it’s only right for me to help you out.”

Through her dreams, Zhang Zhiyin had a rough understanding of his ex-girlfriends. She knew they had strong possessive and controlling desires.

If she got too close to Fang Zhou, they certainly wouldn’t sit idly by.

But so what? She wasn’t one to back down out of fear.

More importantly, she feared that if Fang Zhou chose one of his ex-girlfriends, the balance would be broken, leading to extreme behavior. The nightmares could become a reality.

That would be a true nightmare for Fang Zhou.

“Okay, thank you for the suggestion. I’ll think about it carefully.”

Fang Zhou replied sincerely, grateful for Zhang Zhiyin’s support. She was a reliable friend who would step up when needed.

Unbeknownst to them, their conversation in the car was being transmitted to a distant apartment.

A woman lay on a sofa, wearing a face mask, listening intently with her eyes closed.

The bug had been placed a while ago, and today it finally picked up something useful. It wasn’t easy.

Qin Yun chuckled to herself when she heard Zhang Zhiyin’s line about helping a friend in need.

“Hahaha, such a righteous excuse.”

If they weren’t both women, she might have believed it.

Her laughter woke the small dog sleeping on the other side of the sofa. It wagged its tail happily, jumping over to lick Qin Yun’s fingers.

Qin Yun opened her eyes, shooed the dog away, and muttered, “Go away, not now. I’ll see him tomorrow.”

The dog persistently nudged her hand with its head, seeking her attention.

Qin Yun finally gave in, petting its head while musing aloud.

“I’m really curious who Fang Zhou will choose.”

She knew Fang Zhou wouldn’t choose her unless absolutely necessary—because he was afraid of her.

But would he be more afraid of her targeting someone else?

That was what Qin Yun found most exciting.

Everyone was troubled by love, so why should Fang Zhou be so carefree? He should experience the same angst.

“Bark! Bark!”

The dog barked in agreement, as if echoing Qin Yun’s sentiments.

She peeled off her face mask and tossed it into the trash, just as the loudspeaker picked up a voice.

“You need to be careful of Qin Yun; she’s dangerous.”

It was the voice of the female writer, soft but powerful, indicative of a clear and logical mind.

Qin Yun raised her eyebrows, intrigued.

She had never had direct dealings with Zhang Zhiyin, so how did she come to that conclusion?

Could it be that Zhang Zhiyin had secretly investigated her?

That didn’t make sense. She usually kept a good facade. Only Fang Zhou knew her true nature.

Qin Yun plopped back down, ready to hear Zhang Zhiyin’s opinion of her.

However, Fang Zhou didn’t question further, simply agreeing.

“I know. Once this show is over, I won’t keep in touch with her.”

Qin Yun laughed in disbelief. It felt like her recent face mask had done nothing, given how fiery her face felt.

She thought, considering his sick sister and his need to make money on the show, she would overlook his closeness with other female contestants.

But now he planned to cut ties with her after the show ended.

How could she not be angry?

She quickly walked to the bathroom, splashing her face with water, pondering how to keep Fang Zhou close.

Everyone aimed for success; she wasn’t going to just sit and do nothing.