Chapter 78 Awkward[Part 2]

His words struck a chord within her, reigniting waves of guilt.

Back in school, she hadn't realized how much those memories meant to her.

But now, retracing this path with him, the images came flooding back vividly.

She hadn't forgotten a single detail.

Countless times, Zhou Yi had carried her along this very road.

While the other children at the orphanage struggled, he worked tirelessly to earn money for pretty dresses for her.

Among the orphans, she had always been the pristine, elegant little princess—all thanks to Zhou Yi's sacrifices.

Since elementary school, Xia Qiuzhi and Zhou Yi had seemed worlds apart.

No one suspected she hailed from the orphanage because she carried herself differently.

Now, tugging gently at the hem of his shirt, she cooed, "Yi-Gege is the best. Ah-Zhi knows that."

When Xia Qiuzhi played coy, she could melt even the hardest hearts.

If she set her mind to pleasing someone, she always found a way.

Upon reaching the breakfast shop, the owner greeted Xia Qiuzhi warmly. "Ah-Zhi! Back for the holidays?"

"Auntie, two bowls of tangyuan, same as always," Xia Qiuzhi requested.

"And who's this handsome young man with you? Is he your boyfriend?" the owner teased.

"Auntie, this is Zhou Yi," Xia Qiuzhi introduced him.

Hearing his name, the owner adjusted her glasses and leaned closer in surprise. "Xiao Yi? You used to have such long hair—I never got a good look at your face! Look at you now, such a handsome young man. Why did you hide it for so long?"

"To avoid unwanted attention," Zhou Yi quipped lightheartedly, earning a laugh from the owner.

As she prepared the tangyuan, she chuckled, "Ah, makes sense. Handsome men like you must attract plenty of admirers. Poor Ah-Zhi must've been heartbroken!"

Xia Qiuzhi rested her chin on her hand, tilting her head with a sweet smile. "But Yi-Gege wouldn't pay them any mind. He belongs to me alone."

Watching her, Zhou Yi felt a pang of nostalgia. There was undeniable history between them—years of shared memories and mutual care. How could those bonds simply vanish?

Yet, Xia Qiuzhi had allowed societal pressures to dictate her actions, pretending not to know him in public and joining others in trampling on his love.

In doing so, she had pushed him further away. What was the point of realizing her mistakes now?

Late regrets were often meaningless.

Ignoring her comment, Xia Qiuzhi pouted pitifully, hooking her pinky around his palm. "Right, Yi-Gege? None of them matter, do they?"

Xia Qiuzhi knew Zhou Yi had grown popular recently.

Several girls were vying for his attention, but the one she feared most was Su Ning—the school beauty.

With her stunning looks, top grades, and prestigious family background, Su Ning overshadowed her in every way.

She dreaded losing Zhou Yi to someone else.

"Why do you assume I wouldn't change, Ah-Zhi? People change when circumstances shift," Zhou Yi replied coolly.

His words sent a jolt of panic through Xia Qiuzhi. She realized he no longer intended to indulge her whims.

"Yi-Gege, I haven't changed, and neither have you. We're still the same as before, aren't we?" she pleaded.

"Is that really what you believe?" he countered, his tone indifferent.

Seeing the tension, the owner tried to mediate, but Zhou Yi remained silent, nodding absently.

For the first time, Xia Qiuzhi understood how difficult it was to win back someone's trust.

As she ate her tangyuan, tears silently streamed down her face.

Despite her sorrow, Zhou Yi remained unmoved, not even offering her a tissue.

It seemed he was resolved to maintain his distance.

Glancing at her tear-streaked face, Zhou Yi felt a flicker of pity—but he wasn't the same person he used to be.

Regret needed to be earned, and forgiveness couldn't come easily.

Deciding to remain firm, he waited silently for Xia Qiuzhi to confront her own shortcomings and seek reconciliation.