Reborn to Redeem: Their Abusive Love
Chapter 28: Madness

Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Madness

Xu Si’s duplicity and self-interest meant that every bit of kindness she showed was purposeful.

Some would feel this was deception.

Others would consider it favoritism.

Pei Zhen placed the notebook securely into the black leather bag, tidied up the scattered documents on the study desk, and then went to the garden to trim a branch of flowers blooming in winter, placing it into the White Jade Vase.

Only then did he step into the black car parked at the gate and head to school.

The dense fog on Hong Kong Island cleared overnight. The Xu Family’s kidnapping case concluded in an incredibly short period, yet it remained a popular topic of conversation.

Some had just begun to sense an undercurrent of strife.

Half a month later, this news was overshadowed by another shocking city-wide event.

A journalist revealed that the elderly patriarch of the Gu Family, known for their harbor transportation business on Hong Kong Island, was actually regularly injecting himself with young women’s blood in an attempt to defy nature and sustain his life.

Such an unnatural practice made the general public truly realize how insane the powerful families could be.

These young women willingly donated their blood, aware of the financial compensation involved, but no one could really do anything about this behavior.

This news was quickly buried by another story.

However, on the day Wen Jiaojiao returned to the island, she happened to see this piece of news.

She was truly furious—the young master of the Gu Group was her boyfriend, the man she had secretly loved for three years, meticulously pursued, and was currently dating, someone she utterly idolized.

With such a scandal exposed, she didn’t know whether to continue with him; who knew if that crazy old man would also want her blood?

Because of this, she had talked with her boyfriend for several days. At first, she had wanted to just let it go, thinking a man from a family with such corrupt practices was unreliable. But when he looked at her with innocent eyes and offered many explanations, she found herself unable to let go.

So, it was already a week later when she finally saw Xu Si.

She carried many gifts brought back from abroad, gracefully exiting her car and entering the Xu Family home. Her bags contained exquisite cutlery, two handbags, and a pair of 12mm Australian White Pearl earrings—all very valuable items in ’85, chosen according to Xu Si’s preferences. It was so much she could barely hold it all.

Seeing Xu Si dressed in loose-fitting loungewear, cool and aloof, sitting in the main hall waiting for her, Wen Jiaojiao’s eyes brightened, her high-pitched voice unable to conceal her delight.

"Asi! I’m back."

The frost on the branches outside had not yet melted. Xu Si propped her chin on her hand, looking at Wen Jiaojiao with a faint, enigmatic smile, her fingertips lightly tapping a crisp rhythm on the table.

"Miss Wen, why do I recall you returning a week ago?"

Wen Jiaojiao stopped in her tracks, caught off guard, her initial boldness faltering. A week ago, upon returning to the country, she had prioritized seeing her boyfriend—an act of ’choosing romance over friendship, abandoning her sister’ that, in the past, would have genuinely angered Xu Si.

Their friendship, which began in childhood, had endured to this day. In their youth, they had even shouted slogans like, "Heaven and earth are vast, but sisterhood is grandest!" sharing a bond that was both precious and rare.

No one knew Xu Si’s temper better than she did.

But now, with the corners of Xu Si’s eyes curved in a smile, she clearly didn’t seem truly angry. Wen Jiaojiao regained some of her confidence, handed the gifts to a servant, and rushed over to hug Xu Si.

"Miss Xu, I think I can explain."

Xu Si, somewhat bewildered by the hug, looked at her friend, who seemed younger and more vibrant. As Wen Jiaojiao affectionately nuzzled her cheek, Xu Si fondly patted her shoulder, her expression serene.

"Alright, alright. You talk, I’m listening."

"You’ve seen the recent news, right?"

Wen Jiaojiao recounted her dilemma about whether to break up with her boyfriend, her reluctance to let go, and then sighed helplessly.

"After all, I pursued him for so long. He stood there that day, looking so aloof yet handsome. The way he looked afraid I’d break up with him but didn’t dare try to make me stay—it was devastating. One glance at him and my heart ached for him. Just the thought of him being with someone else in the future made me want to kill someone. Tell me, does this mean I like him too much? No, wait, considering everything that happened, can you forgive my being late?"

A gentle breeze rustled through, and Xu Si listened in silence, offering no advice.

Because in the future she knew, Wen Jiaojiao and the young master of the Gu Family would break up two years later. There would be no infidelity, no emotional breakdown. Wen Jiaojiao wouldn’t kill anyone, nor would the young master of the Gu Family try to hold on.

They would simply, and very calmly, end a profound and unforgettable romance.

Later, Wen Jiaojiao would marry an overseas Chinese man six years her senior, and her life would be fairly happy and fulfilling. Occasionally, when mentioning it, she would smile and say, "No regrets. I don’t regret anyone I’ve ever liked."

So, these current experiences were just that—experiences. Love was about enjoying the process. Even knowing the outcome, Xu Si wouldn’t advise breaking up.

She simply looked at her friend’s youthful face and couldn’t help but laugh. "Wen Jiaojiao, don’t let this happen again."

Wen Jiaojiao didn’t smile but nodded seriously.

Then, in her slightly husky voice, she asked, "I’ve said so much. What about you? A lot must have happened while I was away. Uncle Xu passed away; you must have been very upset."

The wind in the courtyard sighed loudly. Xu Si shook her head. "I was upset before, but I’m alright now. You don’t need to think about how to comfort me; it’s all in the past."

Wen Jiaojiao, not wanting to touch a sore spot, changed the subject. "And I also heard you adopted an orphan? What’s that about?"

Xu Si thought for a moment, genuinely unsure how to explain.

Her friend tilted her head, looking at her quizzically.

Xu Si said, "Just think of it as me making an investment."

"Investment?"

A smile touched Xu Si’s lips. She lifted her coffee cup, took a sip, and repeated Wen Jiaojiao’s earlier words, "Ah, he stood there at the charity event, looking so aloof yet handsome, afraid I’d leave yet not daring to ask me to stay—that look was utterly devastating. Just looking at him made my heart ache..."

Wen Jiaojiao was aghast. "Xu Si!!"

Xu Si couldn’t help but lower her eyes and smile. When she looked up again, she suddenly saw a tall young man in a uniform approaching from a distance. He had excellent bone structure and an aura of pure flawlessness, yet with an underlying hint of bewitching charm. A small, almost indistinct red dot rested on the bridge of his nose, and his light gray eyes, holding a subtle glint, were also watching them.

Xu Si paused, glancing at the setting sun about to dip below the horizon. Realizing it was the time school ended, she waved.

"Azhen."

"What Azhen..."

Wen Jiaojiao hesitated, then turned to follow Xu Si’s gaze.

The scene seemed to freeze.

Wen Jiaojiao was visibly stunned by the striking good looks of the unfamiliar young man before her. After a moment, she recovered, tugged at Xu Si’s sleeve, and whispered with a smile, "He really is aloof and handsome; those features are truly exquisite."

Pei Zhen approached, his manner gentle and unhurried. His voice, as if tinged with an intangible spring breeze, was impeccably polite as he called out softly,

"Auntie."

He then looked towards the woman beside Xu Si.

Xu Si’s face held a faint smile as she introduced him. "This is my friend, Wen Jiaojiao. You can call her... Sister Jiaojiao."

Pei Zhen was very obedient, his gaze gentle.

"Sister Jiaojiao, hello."