You Two Set Me Up?

When the lamp turned on, the room brightened, revealing everything clearly, including the emotions in Fang Zhou’s eyes.

Chu Xinran saw it all—surprise, confusion, shame—but no joy.

The joy of their reunion was dampened in an instant.

Chu Xinran’s mind cooled.

Facing Fang Zhou’s question, she simply smiled, returning to sit by the bed, one hand playing with her hair, and asked in return.

“If it’s not me, who do you wish it to be?”

“Brother Fang Zhou, I finally found you, why aren’t you happy?”

Her emotions shifted quickly, from calm to dejected after two sentences, as if Fang Zhou’s “how can it be you” deeply hurt her.

Fang Zhou was indeed surprised, not understanding why Chu Xinran appeared in such a remote place, far from Kyoto and the island.

The island—wasn’t she supposed to have jumped into the sea?

Fang Zhou snapped to attention, scrutinizing Chu Xinran, asking with concern, “Are you okay? Did you get checked at the hospital after being rescued? Any health issues?”

He’d heard that drowning victims often have psychological trauma, and with Chu Xinran’s existing issues, it might worsen.

Chu Xinran was taken aback, not expecting Fang Zhou to bring it up, and despite his predicament, he was concerned for her.

Anyone could see Fang Zhou’s situation was more difficult than hers.

She didn’t know whether to call him pure-hearted or foolish.

No, perhaps he was just confused by concern.

A voice in Chu Xinran’s mind spoke of Fang Zhou’s feelings for her.

She stared at him, feeling slightly despicable.

Using his care and affection to do such things.

“Why aren’t you speaking?”

Fang Zhou saw her silence, worried she was unwell, and asked with concern.

“You’re so silly.”

Chu Xinran finally spoke, murmuring, avoiding his gaze, looking down.

In that moment, a faint guilt arose within her.

But it quickly dissipated like smoke.

Because her gaze fell on Fang Zhou’s neck, marked with suggestive traces.

These marks were like sharp swords, piercing her fleeting guilt.

She couldn’t imagine what Fang Zhou had done with Qiao Sisi, Qin Yun, Han Xi, or other unknown women when out of her sight.

Yet with her, he maintained a gentlemanly demeanor, never going beyond a light kiss.

People say love is an uncontrollable impulse, but Fang Zhou treated her differently.

His feelings for her seemed below average.

She never fought for anything, yet Fang Zhou never gave her a second glance.

Even tears only gained his brief attention, not a lasting solution.

Like a bird using a pond as a temporary stop, once ready, it flies away without hesitation.

But now, Fang Zhou couldn’t run or leave her; they had plenty of time to deepen their bond.

Chu Xinran’s comment sent a chill through Fang Zhou, a suspicion sprouting like a seed, growing with her calm demeanor.

He grabbed her arm, expressionless, asking, “Did you jump on purpose?”

“You and Qiao Sisi conspired, setting a trap for me?”

Silence fell, the room unnaturally quiet, even a pin drop would be audible.

In the dim light, Chu Xinran and Fang Zhou faced each other, silently confronting.

The air grew heavy, tension palpable, like a fragile porcelain teetering on the edge, ready to fall at the slightest disturbance.

Chu Xinran remained silent, her sharp gaze revealing her thoughts.

The stalemate broke with Fang Zhou’s disdainful chuckle.

“Heh.”

He closed his eyes, a self-mocking smile, whispering, “I thought so, how could you be here.”

“So you and she are together.”

Both knew who “she” referred to.

“Scold me, I did deceive you, I’m sorry.”

Chu Xinran’s voice grew sharp, trembling with shame.

Her composure faltered, cheeks flushed, trembling lashes betraying her emotions.

Fang Zhou’s eyes snapped open, piercing gaze.

“So you helped bring me here.”

“No! I didn’t.”

Chu Xinran quickly denied involvement.

“I searched long to find you. I… didn’t expect her to bring you so far and deny you communication tools, I’m sorry.”

Chu Xinran lowered her head, exposing her soft neck, a submissive gesture.

Had she known you’d be brought so far, she wouldn’t have cooperated.

She could’ve had him taken without Qiao Sisi’s help.

Blame her panic and confusion for listening to Qiao Sisi.

The more extreme her thoughts, the more humble her demeanor.

She even placed Fang Zhou’s hand on her face, saying, “If you’re upset, you can hit me.”

Her eyes were like a deer’s, sincere and fervent.

Even if she lied or used others, few could blame her.

Fang Zhou wondered if this moment was calculated by Chu Xinran.

She knew he wouldn’t blame her, acting without fear.

Like a pet cat knocking over a cup, the owner wouldn’t scold it.

Fang Zhou closed his eyes, withdrawing his hand, turning away.

“As long as you’re okay, don’t joke with your life, it’s not funny.”

His anger and frustration faded to disappointment and self-blame, finally becoming an odd calm.

He knew he was trapped.

Knowing Chu Xinran and Qiao Sisi conspired to imprison him, he couldn’t truly blame them.

The root cause was himself.

Blame lay with him for attracting so many women.

Once good girls, now changed because of him.

He reap what he sowed.