A Cure for Delusions

“Ah.” “When I was little, I got hurt. Now I can see things ordinary people can’t.” That was Li Boyi’s answer when Chen Sitong questioned why she was always watching her with a blank expression. Uh. Chen Sitong shivered and nervously glanced over her shoulder. That was how their terrible friendship began. *An easily fooled, prickly tsundere x a natural airhead who’s very good at fooling people *Childhood friends turn sour, first love for both *Free short story Coming soon: Family *Proud younger sister x cold older sister *Not related by blood *Eleven-year age gap 1. There wasn’t a student at the school who didn’t know Lian Hua. Student council, radio station, every major event and provincial competition: if it was a chance to be seen, she was there. Her roommate asked how she could keep going nonstop without ever seeming tired. The phone on her pillow glowed faintly in the dark. The pain of having just had a huge fight with her older sister sat lodged in her throat. Lian Hua bowed her head and cried, yet her voice still held a smile. “Because I have to prove myself to my sister.” 2. Shi Jingye was a star host at the provincial TV station. Industry gossip said she’d turned down invitations from the national broadcaster several times. She was devoted to the provincial station, working diligently and keeping to herself. The day the interns started, the lobby was packed. Lian Hua stood among the crowd, her eyes following her sister step by step. Shi Jingye passed her in a formal suit, her gaze sweeping over her indifferently, as if she were a stranger. 3. That evening, Shi Jingye opened her apartment door and saw Lian Hua. Her brows knitted together. “You shouldn’t be here today. Go back to school.” Lian Hua didn’t back away. Instead, she stepped closer. Shi Jingye’s voice turned colder. “Lian Hua, ” She stopped abruptly. Lian Hua wrapped her arms around Shi Jingye’s waist and lifted her chin with a fingertip, her gaze burning as she leaned in, about to kiss her. Shi Jingye’s body tensed. After a moment’s hesitation, she finally closed her eyes in silence, giving her consent. Unexpectedly, the kiss never came. Lian Hua smiled softly. “Sis, I came back today just to thank you for taking care of me all these years.” “Don’t worry. I’ll be good.” “I’m graduating soon. I’ll move out like a good girl, and I won’t cling to you anymore.” She turned to leave. Just as she passed the silent Shi Jingye, a hand clamped around her wrist and yanked her back. The eyes that had always been so calm could barely contain their fury. “Lian Hua… What do you take me for?” Theme: Friendship is a powerful force.