The Sickly Villain Only Wants to Survive

102

Qi Sisi was Zhu Xin's first friend after she started high school. They had been in the same class since their first year and later enrolled in the art program together. Their shared interests made them the closest of friends.

In Zhu Xin's memory, Qi Sisi was sunny and lively, kind to everyone, and always ready to share a laugh with her. She listened when Zhu Xin shared happy moments and was there during her lows.

Zhu Xin had never doubted her.

But how could this be such a coincidence?

It was Sisi who had called her to invite her to the gathering.

When she had just left the private room, it wasn't just to use the restroom; she was also reaching out to others.

Just ten minutes earlier, Qin Junhong had entered the Changsheng Club, and as she emerged from the restroom, she was brought into this secluded room by Qi Sisi.

And now, Sisi had placed a drink in front of her.

Zhu Xin looked at the highball glass that Sisi carefully pushed toward her and smiled lightly, as she usually did. "What is this?"

"This drink is called 'Chasing Dreams.' How does it look? Beautiful, right?" Qi Sisi replied.

Zhu Xin couldn't help but think, "It is indeed beautiful." The drink had a dreamy gradient of pink and blue, layered like a surreal illusion.

She nodded, picked up the highball glass, and smiled. "But what made you think of preparing a surprise for me? Is today some special occasion?"

Qi Sisi replied, "Of course! Today is the Lantern Festival! I actually wanted to invite you out during the New Year, but I knew your brother was back, so you wouldn't come. With the new semester starting soon, I couldn't exactly bring it to school for you to try, right? Even though it's non-alcoholic, the teachers would scold me. This is a new drink designed by a professional mixologist, and no one else has tasted it. I had someone make it just for you."

Zhu Xin felt a chill in her heart at the familiar expression and tone. She asked, "Sisi, how did you know my brother wouldn't be home tonight?"

Qi Sisi paused for a moment.

Zhu Xin pressed on, "Why did you invite the classmates out for dinner today?"

Qi Sisi blinked and replied, "It's a rare occasion for the Lantern Festival! And didn't you say your brother's boyfriend is staying at your house? You wouldn't want to interrupt their private time, would you? Besides, as a single dog... Wait, what's wrong, Xiao Xin? Why are you looking at me like that?"

["Single dog" (单身狗, dān shēn gǒu) is Chinese slang used humorously to describe someone who is single, often with a self-deprecating or playful tone.]

Realizing something was off, Qi Sisi's smile became stiff.

Zhu Xin gazed at her, her emotions unclear.

When she had invited her out, Qi Sisi hadn't mentioned anything about her brother attending the gathering, using the excuse that she didn't want to disturb her "brother and sister-in-law" during the holiday.

Did she really not know?

Rather than feeling anxious or guilty, Qi Sisi appeared more puzzled.

Zhu Xin was unsure if she should feel relieved or sigh heavily as she placed the highball glass down and said directly, "Who prepared this drink?"

"Ah?" Qi Sisi responded.

Zhu Xin pressed further, "Sisi, if you still consider me a friend, just tell me the truth."