The Substitute

The first time Shen Xi met Zheng Rao, she was still the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy family everyone gossiped about. Her mother had brought her into the family home, and she was as weak as a little rabbit, clear-eyed and innocent.

Zheng Rao had also just been brought back from the countryside. She was the child of the neighbors next door.

At first, Shen Xi only wanted someone to talk to, but Zheng Rao didn't have much to say to her.

Then one day, Zheng Rao began speaking to her of her own accord. They came to understand and love each other, and Shen Xi thought it was a blessing from heaven.

Only later did she learn that she was just a substitute. But then again, wasn't Zheng Rao a substitute for someone else in her heart?

Theme: Substitution