Chapter 043: Misunderstanding

"Um..."
Not only did Ji Youning not believe such an excuse, even she herself found it utterly unconvincing—it was simply too far-fetched.
Fortunately, Song Wan’s acting was impeccable; she recovered almost instantly. "My bracelet fell into the grass, so that’s why I..."
Ji Youning’s suspicion only deepened, her gaze growing cold. "How did your bracelet end up behind the tombstone? Do you make a habit of sightseeing around graves when paying respects to the dead?"
Song Wan was mortified but could only grit her teeth and continue explaining. "No, that’s not it..."
Ji Youning was about to say more when the other woman burst out angrily, "Enough of your nonsense—what exactly were you doing at Song Wan’s grave?"
Song Wan felt a pang in her heart and forced herself to explain, "I really was just looking for my bracelet," she said, raising her right hand. "See? There’s still mud on it."
Luckily, she’d worn a bracelet when she left the house today, and by the time Ji Youning and the others arrived, she’d already finished burying the book.
"Besides, I have no grudge against Teacher Song Wan, so why would I do anything to her grave?" Song Wan was exasperated—most people wouldn’t even consider digging up their own grave. "And really, what could I possibly do at a... grave?"
Ji Youning studied her thoughtfully, frowning but saying nothing further.
She probably didn’t believe her, but at least she was half-convinced; that was enough. Song Wan didn’t want to fall out with a close friend from her past life, even if she now wore the face of a stranger.
If Ji Youning could still maintain a basic level of civility upon seeing her, refraining from any harshness, the other woman’s glare was far more hostile—like she wanted nothing more than to devour her, and maybe take a few bites for good measure.
If not for Ji Youning holding her back, she might have already left a few marks on Song Wan’s face.
"Youning, you don’t really believe her ridiculous story, do you?"
Ji Youning frowned. Though she was just as displeased with Song Wan’s behavior, resorting to violence without understanding the full story was going too far.
She stopped the woman and, turning back, offered Song Wan an apologetic smile.
But Song Wan didn’t take offense. Instead, she was simply perplexed... How had she ended up like this?
Song Wan knew the woman beside Ji Youning—though she now looked utterly haggard, her features twisted with anxiety at the slightest movement—
But she was indeed someone Song Wan knew.
Her name was Tang Yanan, Song Wan’s male confidant Xue Xuyao’s childhood friend and manager. Because of Xuyao, Song Wan often saw her, but their relationship was far from good.
Sometimes Song Wan even thought Tang Yanan disliked her, perhaps even to the point of hostility.
Yet after her death, Song Wan found that Tang Yanan appeared at her grave together with Xuyao.
What troubled Song Wan most, however, was Tang Yanan’s mental state...
But Song Wan didn’t believe Tang Yanan’s condition was due to her death—while it was plausible that Ji Youning was affected, given Tang Yanan’s preoccupation with Xue Xuyao, Song Wan suddenly had a very bad feeling.
Yet she couldn’t ask anything now, as by all appearances, she ought to know nothing.
Steadying herself, Song Wan decided to deal with the immediate trouble first. "Sister Ji, Miss Tang—if you really don’t believe me, you can check behind the tombstone. I truly did nothing to Teacher Song Wan’s resting place."
She’d already pressed the earth down firmly; neither Tang Yanan nor Ji Youning would go so far as to dig it up.
Her expression was so earnest and upright that even Tang Yanan began to doubt herself—had she been mistaken?

She wanted to argue further, but Ji Youning was growing impatient. "Tang Yanan, if it weren’t for Xue Xuyao, I wouldn’t have agreed to let you come to Song Wan’s grave at all."
"We’re friends too..."
"Friends? Please, who doesn’t see your hostility toward Song Wan? Me, Song Wan, Xuyao—none of us are blind. Are you trying to be an actress now?"
Ji Youning found it both infuriating and laughable. "Whatever issues you have with Xuyao, settle them with him. Why come to disturb the dead? Do you think if you cry here, Song Wan will rise from the earth to persuade Xuyao to yield to you? Are you out of your mind?"
Tang Yanan’s face turned pale. "I don’t know what you’re talking about..."
"Then let’s leave it at that," Ji Youning replied coldly. "Pay your respects quickly and leave. Song Wan wouldn’t want to see you."
Tang Yanan bit her lip in embarrassment, but in the end could only mumble a subdued, "Fine."
Song Wan thought to herself, she wasn’t sure she’d want to see Tang Yanan after death, but given the current circumstances, she was actually happy to see familiar faces from her past life—especially Ji Youning.
Unable to help herself, Song Wan’s gaze lingered on her. She saw that Ji Youning looked much healthier than when they last met—at least she had some color in her cheeks, though she was still somewhat wan.
Clearly, her death had dealt Ji Youning a heavy blow.
Song Wan felt anxious and restless. She wanted to reveal her identity to Ji Youning but worried she wouldn’t believe her—or worse, suspect her of ulterior motives. If Ji Youning began to see her as an enemy, that would be a disaster.
Her eyes flickered. Suddenly, she thought of the perfect opening.
While Tang Yanan was offering her respects, Song Wan quietly moved closer to Ji Youning. Facing her wary gaze, she forced a troubled smile. "Um... Sister Ji, do you know Teacher Tang Su?"
Ji Youning’s expression turned instantly dark, her eyes clouded with unhidden gloom and resentment.
Song Wan’s heart clenched; she almost abandoned the subject.
Yet Ji Youning, now full of guarded suspicion, answered, "Of course I know Tang Su. Who doesn’t? International award-winning actress, the cool and aloof goddess, remarkable talent..." She shifted the topic abruptly. "Why do you ask?"
Song Wan sighed inwardly, putting on a look of confusion, like an innocent girl. "Well... I ran into some trouble before, and someone told me it was related to Teacher Tang Su."
Ji Youning’s pupils narrowed. "What happened?"
Song Wan’s eyes darted away, unwilling to say more. "It’s not something easily spoken of." After a pause, she added, "And then, not long ago, I was suddenly slandered online... accused of sleeping my way up. Then Teacher Tang Su, without knowing the facts, attacked me as well..."
"As a newcomer, I shouldn’t have any dealings with Teacher Tang Su, much less provoke her hatred... or dislike." Song Wan feigned distress and puzzlement, as if genuinely unable to understand. "So I found it strange. I got someone to investigate, and the trail led to Teacher Song Wan."
She lowered her gaze, seeming reluctant to meet Ji Youning’s eyes.
But for a newcomer, that kind of timidity was only natural in front of Ji Youning.
"So you came to the grave to pay your respects to Song Wan?" Suppressing the storm in her heart, Ji Youning couldn’t help but feel a touch of pity for this young woman before her.
Song Wan nodded eagerly. "I wanted to see if there were any similarities between me and Song Wan besides our names. What if she’s my relative? Who knows? It’s odd to be so disliked just because of a name." She deliberately smiled shyly. "It really is too strange."
Ji Youning hesitated for a long time but finally decided to tell the truth. "I think what you found out is true."
She lowered her eyes, hiding the bitterness within. "Tang Su is a madwoman. Don’t be surprised by anything she does."

"Is that so?"
Ji Youning reached out, hesitated, then placed her hand lightly on Song Wan’s head, rubbing gently. "Be careful from now on, and try not to cross Tang Su. Hmm, for the sake of your name, if you need anything, you can come to me."
After thinking a moment, she let out a soft chuckle. "Did you bring your phone?"
Song Wan looked up, meeting her teasing gaze. She realized at once and hurried to dig out her phone from her bag, apologizing as she did so. "I’m really sorry. I told you before to come to me if you needed anything, but I didn’t even give you my number."
Song Wan was genuinely annoyed with herself—she’d never thought to exchange numbers, since in her mind, she and Ji Youning had always been the closest of friends.
And how could the best of friends not have each other’s numbers?
Just then, Tang Yanan finished her prayers and walked over. Seeing the warm atmosphere between the two, she frowned. "Ji Youning, when did you get so close to her? Who knows what kind of person she really is..."
Ji Youning couldn’t be bothered to reply, glancing briefly at her before turning away.
Song Wan handed over her phone. "It’s already unlocked. Just put your number in."
Ji Youning didn’t hesitate, keying in her digits at once.
"Beep, beep, beep..."
Song Wan’s eyes widened. "Is that your ringtone, Senior?"
"Uh..." Ji Youning’s vision blurred for a moment. "You’re only the second person to notice."
"Who was the first?"
"Song Wan." Ji Youning lowered her head, her mood plummeting.
Song Wan sighed inwardly but replied playfully, "What a coincidence! It seems Teacher Song Wan and I have similar points of interest."
Ji Youning smiled. "It does seem that way."
Tang Yanan watched from the side, unable to help rolling her eyes. This rookie certainly knew how to cozy up to the right people.
But it was none of her business; she couldn’t be bothered to warn Ji Youning.
"Tang Yanan, you should go. I want to talk with Song Wan alone," Ji Youning said, having caught Tang Yanan’s expression and feeling annoyed, promptly sending her away.
Tang Yanan’s expression changed, but Ji Youning cut her off. "I’m not as kind as Song Wan. She knew you disliked her but still helped you, but I don’t owe you anything. Go on."
"You..."
But Ji Youning had already lost interest, walking straight to Song Wan’s grave.
Knowing she wanted to be alone with "Song Wan," Song Wan didn’t mind. After bidding Ji Youning farewell, she headed down the mountain.
Tang Yanan could only follow.
Once everyone had left, Ji Youning sighed softly. "Song Wan, I miss you more and more..."