The Darling of Heaven

In this vast world filled with countless people, there are always a few born as heaven’s favorites.

Like Wen Yuzhi.

She was born into wealth.

Beautiful and affluent.

Gifted with exceptional learning ability.

Her first job after graduation was at Huaxin Group.

Everyone knew Huaxin Group had certain ties with the Wen Group.

Wen Yuzhi was born with a golden spoon in her mouth.

Her path had always been smooth.

To say Qin Huairen felt no envy would be a lie.

She could struggle her entire life and still never afford Swan Lake.

But how could people truly compare themselves to one another?

From birth, their destinies were different.

Wen Yuzhi was considered blessed.

Not only blessed, but beautiful.

Even the way she walked swayed with grace.

How could someone walk as though she were scenery in a painting?

Qin Huairen sighed softly.

Wen Yuzhi heard her.

“What’s wrong?”

She moved as if to drape a coat over her shoulders.

Qin Huairen stepped back.

“I’m not cold.”

Her back was swollen and burning.

The cool breeze actually felt better.

“Then at least wear the scarf. Don’t catch a chill.”

Wen Yuzhi raised her hand.

The soft fur brushed against Qin Huairen’s neck.

The sudden warmth made her shiver.

“I’ll do it myself.”

She wrapped it carelessly and refused the gloves.

They stood side by side at the railing.

The only sounds were flowing water and wind through the pavilion.

The winter sky was deep blue.

Bright stars blinked like beautiful eyes.

Qin Huairen leaned against the rail.

Her half-closed eyes slowly shut.

They rarely spent time alone.

Or rather, Qin Huairen avoided being alone with her whenever possible.

She still felt uneasy now.

But she was too tired.

Her mind was blank.

Even the discomfort faded.

“I’m sorry about tonight.”

Wen Yuzhi spoke suddenly.

Qin Huairen opened her eyes lazily.

“What are you referring to?”

She thought it was about the street incident.

Instead, Wen Yuzhi meant the matter at Qin Huairen’s restaurant.

“Oh.”

She asked casually, “Why were you there?”

The violinist had canceled last minute.

Wen Yuzhi, being one of the investors, stepped in to help.

She explained sincerely.

Qin Huairen interrupted.

“You don’t need to explain to me.”

“But I want you to know.”

Wen Yuzhi stepped closer.

Qin Huairen shifted away, expression cold.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t want you to misunderstand me.”

Her voice was soft yet firm.

“Please believe me. I didn’t mean to ruin Xu Jianing’s ‘good thing.’”

The emphasis on “good thing” carried weight.

But Qin Huairen had no energy to analyze it.

“It doesn’t matter whether I misunderstand.”

“It matters.”

Wen Yuzhi moved closer again.

“To me, it matters.”

Qin Huairen let out a short laugh.

“What’s with this fake act now?”

Wen Yuzhi looked confused, then serious.

“Now? Fake?”

“Haven’t you told enough half-truths before?”

Qin Huairen remembered clearly how she had once believed her.

“So don’t pretend in front of me. True or false, you know it yourself. I don’t care.”

Wen Yuzhi stepped right beside her.

Their shoulders nearly touched.

Behind Qin Huairen was the corner of the pavilion.

There was nowhere left to retreat.

“Wen Yuzhi, stay away from me.”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

She lowered her head, gaze steady and solemn.

“Can you be clear? What do you mean by true and false?”

It was the first time Qin Huairen had ever said this aloud.

She usually avoided unnecessary conversation.

Perhaps exhaustion loosened her guard.

“Stop pretending. About your family, your background, yourself. Haven’t you lied enough?”

She pressed a palm against Wen Yuzhi’s chest.

“Ask yourself.”

Wen Yuzhi looked down at her chest, then back at Qin Huairen.

“I can’t ask myself. You can ask.”

Before she could respond, Wen Yuzhi caught her wrist.

She placed Qin Huairen’s palm over her heartbeat.

“A-Ren, I can’t promise to tell you everything. But what I say to you is always true.”

Her hand was cool.

Qin Huairen felt her own warmth spreading from her palm.

Thump.

Thump thump.

Wen Yuzhi’s heartbeat was fast.

Like rapid drumbeats.

It quickened her own.

Heat climbed up Qin Huairen’s face.

She pulled her hand back abruptly.

“Why are you acting crazy?”

“Because I care.”

Wen Yuzhi said it plainly.

Qin Huairen felt like she had choked on a steamed bun.

After a moment, she forced a laugh.

“What could you possibly care about? You’re beautiful and rich. You have everything. Why are you standing so close?”

She leaned back against the railing.

Her back hurt.

Wen Yuzhi steadied her shoulders.

“Don’t lean back.”

Qin Huairen pushed her away.

“You’re the one sticking to me. Are you some kind of adhesive plaster?”

She hurried around the bench and stood at the pavilion’s center.

“Also, stop looking at me like that.”

Wen Yuzhi stood opposite her across the railing.

“How am I looking at you?”

That unwavering gaze.

As if she could see through her.

Those dark eyes like a deep abyss pulling her in.

“I don’t care. Just don’t look at me.”

She pushed Wen Yuzhi’s face aside.

“Turn around. Say what you want, just don’t look at me.”

Wen Yuzhi actually turned her back.

She touched the cheek that had just been pushed.

She tilted her head up to the star-studded sky.

A faint smile curved her lips.

“You said I’m beautiful and rich and have everything.”

“Isn’t that true?”

Wen Yuzhi couldn’t resist turning back.

She leaned closer, smiling.

“So you think I’m good-looking?”

Qin Huairen was speechless.

Was that really the point?

Under Wen Yuzhi’s gaze, she felt awkward.

She waved her hand again for her to turn around.

Wen Yuzhi complied, but soft laughter drifted over.

Embarrassment and irritation tangled in Qin Huairen’s chest.

“Don’t be so proud. You’re only a little good-looking.”

“Really?”

Wen Yuzhi’s shoulders shook with laughter.

“From the way you put it, I’m very good-looking.”

“Pah!”

Qin Huairen slapped her lightly on the back.

“Are you that happy?”

Wen Yuzhi turned back again.

Her bright eyes locked onto Qin Huairen’s.

She leaned closer.

Closer still.

Until they could see reflected light in each other’s pupils.

Her breath was warm.

“Then tell me. Which part of me looks the best?”