The Xie family contacted Zhao Zhenzhen's parents, not mentioning anything about ghosts or spirits, but only stating that she was ill and hospitalized.
Zhao's father and mother didn't think it was a big deal. Traveling would cost time and money, making it not worth it. After a few words of concern, they quickly hung up the phone.
Zhao Zhenzhen's best friend, upon hearing the news, took leave to visit her in the hospital. After listening to her words, she left the hospital dejectedly.
As some familiar friends visited one after another, their expressions were not good when they left. They were determined to cut ties with her, as one can never be too careful with treacherous people.
Zhao Zhenzhen was trapped in a loop, her mouth never ceasing. Xie Jiucheng had become immune, only thinking of taking care of her. Once she woke up, they would be even.
Jun Jiuli took Xie Qiuer to the police station to get her ID card, and then they went to buy daily necessities.
Xie Qiuer held Jun Jiuli's hand, skipping along. It was her first time exploring a crowded street, and she was both curious and excited.
"Qiuer, see which one you like."
"Wow, this color is so pretty. Mom, what is this? Is it for Qiuer?"
"This is a schoolbag. Our Qiuer will start school next week."
Qiuer's eyes sparkled, clearly looking forward to going to school.
"Mom, you choose for me. I don't know which one is good."
"Whichever one you like is the most suitable and best for you."
Encouraged by Jun Jiuli, Qiuer chose a bright red schoolbag with Disney princesses printed on it.
After Jun Jiuli paid, she eagerly put it on her back and happily bounced around twice.
"Mom, does it look good?"
"Yes, it looks good."
"Will I meet other children when I go to school? Qiuer will have playmates too."
"Yes."
When they had shopped enough, Jun Jiuli took Qiuer home. They had already moved into the house provided by the Xie family. The furniture was all-inclusive, and they moved in without even needing to carry their bags.
Upon arriving home, Qiuer sat obediently at her small desk to read picture books, while Jun Jiuli washed the newly bought clothes.
She wondered if the danger had passed and if she should switch back the original host. Qiuer would surely prefer and need her real mother. She hadn't interfered with the female ghost's affairs because she didn't want to expose her strength. If she appeared too prominently, she would certainly be targeted. If she left, it would be a clean break. The original host and the others would have to face more unexpected events.
With this thought, she modified the cultivation methods from the original host's memories. Whether to let Qiuer walk this path was something she could never decide.
Two weeks later, Qiuer had adapted to her current life, gaining some weight and looking incredibly cute. The female ghost was also eliminated, and Zhao Zhenzhen woke up. All those who knew were instructed not to spread the word.
"Jiucheng, what did you say… you want to break up with me? Why? Did I do something wrong?"
"Zhenzhen, don't get agitated. I've thought about it for a long time. We're not compatible."
"Where are we incompatible? Weren't we always fine before? Did you fall for someone else while I was unconscious?"
Xie Jiucheng didn't know how to answer and fell silent. Zhao Zhenzhen took this as an admission. She picked up a pillow and hit him fiercely with it, then burst into tears.
"How could you do this to me? Who was all this for? Just as I recovered, you say this to me. Xie Jiucheng, do you have a heart at all?"
"I haven't fallen for anyone else. Our so-called love is too superficial, too perfunctory, and too immature. I don't know what kind of person you are, and you don't understand the real me. We thought we could be together forever based on a burst of impulse, but life always settles down. When two people live together, their personalities, interests, and values must align, otherwise, there will only be endless arguments. No matter how much passion there is, it will be worn away by trivial matters. So, upon careful reflection, I don't love you that much anymore. What do you like about me? I like your kindness, sincerity, and bravery… but it all seems different now. You're not suitable for me, nor are you suitable for the Xie family. I hope you find someone better."
"You scumbag, sob, sob~ Get out, just get out. These are all excuses. You just look down on my family background and regret it. I'm telling you, it's Zhao Zhenzhen who doesn't want you. You hypocritical person, I truly regret not seeing through you sooner."
Xie Jiucheng stood up, said "I'm sorry," and left. Zhao Zhenzhen cried even more heartbreakingly. After a while, she took out her phone to call her best friend to vent. The words of complaint were already on her lips. She thought her best friend would surely side with her and curse that scumbag Xie Jiucheng with her. To her surprise, no one answered, and the line kept ringing. She hung up and called again, but only heard a busy signal. Zhao Zhenzhen dejectedly placed her phone on the blanket. She curled herself into a ball, crying uncontrollably. The doctor came to check on her, and her body was fine; she could be discharged.
Zhao Zhenzhen walked through the hospital corridor. Some people came alone for check-ups, but most patients in her ward were accompanied by family. As she passed by and overheard words of concern, her heart grew more desolate. How did she end up like this? The Xie family had applied for leave for her at work. The station wasn't busy, and her supervisor said she could rest longer.
Returning to her familiar environment, Zhao Zhenzhen relaxed completely. She was too tired to cook. She took out her phone and ordered takeout. After eating, she felt alive again and lay on the bed, not wanting to move. She thought about it and posted on her social media, announcing her recovery, and then stared at her phone. After a long while, no one messaged her to express concern, and Zhao Zhenzhen's heart ached even more.
"They must be busy. They probably still think I'm joking. Yes, that must be it." She comforted herself and fell asleep at three in the morning, her eyelids too heavy to lift. After only four hours of sleep, she was startled awake by a nightmare. Those bloody and cruel scenes filled her mind, and she regretted it deeply. Why had she let go and opened her eyes that day? In the end, she decided not to torment herself and grew to hate Jun Jiuli. It wasn't her fault; she was just an ordinary person, and it was normal to be afraid. Ying Gu was a cultivator and should have protected ordinary people like her. Why hadn't she saved her then? Why did she let her fall into a coma for so long? Yes, it was all her fault. If you don't have the skills, don't take on difficult tasks. For money, she could disregard the lives of ordinary people. It was too much. She had to make her apologize and compensate her for her losses.
With this thought, her spirits lifted significantly. She quickly got out of bed, changed, washed up, put on her shoes, and went out. She ran downstairs to the breakfast shop, bought two steamed buns, and happily drove to her best friend's house. Today was Sunday, and her best friend was off work.