Mute Beauty

Chapter 5: Infidelity

Tingting?

She called her: Ting-ting?

No one had ever used a repeated syllable to call Yu Ting before, because it sounded strange. The fact that this unusual nickname came from a nearly unfamiliar mute woman she had just added on WeChat made it even more novel.

She always seemed full of surprises.

Yu Ting couldn't help but recall her appearance today—charming, gentle, and quiet. It was unexpected when she suddenly intruded on the argument between Yu Ting and Ran Xue. When she crouched down in front of her, she appeared so soft, as if all her aggression had been stripped away, even the weight she placed on her knees was so light. She was naturally familiar, seemingly bold, yet surprisingly bashful when her face turned red before she fled.

Yu Ting asked her: Did you hear everything?

They shouldn't have argued in the hallway—it was too easy for something unexpected to happen. Now that Ran Xue's sister knew about such a crucial matter... what was she planning? Why would she message Yu Ting? Why ask her?

Was it out of curiosity? Concern for her sister? Or was she planning to use this knowledge to blackmail Yu Ting?

In less than a minute, Yu Ting had run through all the possibilities. Lounging on the sofa, she rested her chin on her hand and stared at the screen, waiting for a reply.

On the other side, she said: Yes, I heard some of it.

Quite straightforward.

Yu Ting detested pretense. Upon first meeting her, she had found her intriguing, and for now, that sense of novelty remained unbroken. Yu Ting was happy to continue engaging with her.

Yu Ting followed up: Quite the dilemma. Does Sister Ling have any advice for me?

The chat window fell silent for a long time. Ran Ling was slow to respond. Yu Ting thought it might take as long as her first message, which had taken several hours—if it weren't for the constant "The other party is typing" notification at the top of the screen.

It seemed like she was choosing her words carefully.

Then, all of a sudden, this message popped up: Do you still love Xiaoxue?

Yu Ting froze for a moment, raising her eyebrows slightly.

Are you very concerned about your sister's relationship status?

As her sister, it was perfectly normal. The reply came: Yes.

Without hesitation, Yu Ting responded: Of course, I do.

She's immature and prone to throwing tantrums. I have to give in to her. We've had a good relationship since we were kids, and she's actually quite adorable. Of course, I still love her.

Finally, Yu Ting thoughtfully added: Don't worry, Sister.

She said these words effortlessly, as if they were nothing more than a sip of plain water, emotionless. She was too good at this. But who knew what impact her words had on the other side? Ran Ling was silent for a long time. So long, in fact, that Yu Ting put down her phone, washed up, changed into her comfortable but lonely pajamas, and fell asleep after turning off her phone.

When she turned her phone back on the next morning, she saw two unread messages waiting for her—

Thank you for helping me out last time.

When can I invite Tingting for a meal?

She had shifted the topic again.

Ran Xue had a competition in France and had taken only a week off to return home. Old Master Yu, still concerned about the unresolved argument between her and Ran Xue, had made several calls urging Yu Ting to visit the Ran family to spend time with Ran Xue. Yu Ting had ignored it for a few days, giving Ran Xue time to think. But as Ran Xue still hadn't responded, she realized it was necessary to seek clarity before she left again—to issue a warning.