Don’t Ask Anymore

Staring at the awe-inspiring snow-capped mountain, Fang Zhou felt as if he’d lost the ability to speak.

He turned blankly to Qiao Sisi, opening his mouth to ask why she brought him here.

But recalling everything that happened that night, all the clues seemed clear.

There was nothing to ask; asking might shatter even the surface calm.

Fang Zhou fell silent.

He knew his actions that night would provoke some people.

He was even prepared for Qiao Sisi to retaliate.

Yet, she merely clapped her hands and walked away without a word.

Fang Zhou thought she might truly let him go.

But he was gravely mistaken.

How could someone with a twisted mind easily move on?

“Why don’t you ask why we’re here?”

Qiao Sisi smiled brightly, her eyes curved, asking him as if it were a normal question.

But to Fang Zhou, her smile seemed eerie and sinister.

Her smile didn’t reach her eyes, merely a facade like adults maintain for appearances.

Fang Zhou swallowed, instinctively stepping back, then followed her lead, asking, “Why are we here?”

Even if he didn’t ask, Qiao Sisi would tell him, so he might as well prolong the conversation.

Qiao Sisi’s smile widened.

She gently patted her hand, telling Fang Zhou, “Because beneath the snow mountain, you can’t lie. Liars face the Snow Maiden’s punishment.”

Fang Zhou frowned.

Where did she hear such nonsense?

Growing up in the countryside, he’d heard all sorts of strange tales.

But never about the Snow Maiden’s punishment.

Perhaps it was a story Qiao Sisi concocted to deceive him.

He shook his head, uninterested.

He just wanted to know when he could return.

Before leaving, he told his sister he’d be back in two or three days, but it had been four or five days now.

His sister must be worried.

“Where’s my phone? Can I have it? I want to book a flight home to see my sister.”

“If you like the scenery here, you can stay a bit longer.”

Fang Zhou knew Qiao Sisi wouldn’t easily let him return.

But he had to try, hoping she’d relent.

But he misjudged; she shrugged, spreading her hands.

“No phone. See, I have no electronic devices.”

“Coming here is to cleanse the soul, relax, so why bring things to pollute the mind?”

The actress smiled sweetly, her bangs framing her face innocently, like a pure flower, just as when she debuted.

But Fang Zhou knew it was a facade, not the real Qiao Sisi.

“Sisi, stop this. If you want me to stay a few days, I can, but let me check on my sister, okay?”

Fang Zhou softened his tone, coaxing gently.

Qiao Sisi internally scoffed, staring into his eyes.

She couldn’t help but mock internally: See, when this man wants something, he sweet-talks.

But when he doesn’t need you, he’ll kick you aside without mercy.

Just like that night, so don’t believe his lies!

Qiao Sisi reminded herself not to soften.

She sat on a chair, swinging her legs like a child.

“I understand your feelings, but look around. Any electronics? No TV, so how could there be a phone?”

This time, she didn’t let Fang Zhou speak, continuing, “If you had a phone, you’d leave immediately.”

“Fang Zhou, stop pretending. You know who you are, and who I am. Just listen to me.”

This way, I can control myself, not lock you up, letting you breathe fresh air.

Otherwise, I can’t control my darkness, dragging you into the abyss with me, sharing my pain.

When planning, Qiao Sisi had everything figured out.

She’d lock Fang Zhou in a dark room, away from sunlight and the world, waiting for her daily visit.

She’d be his only salvation, his only light.

But seeing his pale face, she couldn’t go through with it.

So she changed her plan.

Loving someone means even revenge plans can’t be carried out.