The Reverse-Flowing River

[Angsty before it gets sweet]

After a friend dies unexpectedly, Zhong Jian takes her daughter to the farewell gathering.

As soon as she walks in, she sees her friend's young girlfriend kneeling before the memorial portrait, sobbing so hard she can barely breathe.

When her friend's parents ask who she is, the girl stammers for a long time before managing to get a few words out.

"We're... friends."

When the gathering ends, nobody notices the lonely figure, dazed and nearly falling to the ground.

Only Zhong Jian goes over to steady her and quietly offers her condolences. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you."

She slowly lifts her head and recognizes someone she had met a few times before. Her eyes light up. "Sister Zhong Jian?"

Looking into those red, swollen, tear-filled eyes, Zhong Jian feels a little dazed.

For the first time in her life, an absurd thought occurs to her.

What if she loved me?

1. Fifteen-year age gap, older top.

2. The top is starved for affection, has a secret crush, and is raising a child alone (not a child she had with a man).

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