“Hello…” “…” No sound on the other end. I brought the phone closer. “Hello?” “I’m in Nanzhou.” I forced a smile. “I just heard from Zhongtian that you met at a meal…” “I want to see you.” “Okay! Are you free tomorrow? Zhongtian and I will treat you to dinner.” Without waiting for his response, I added, “Okay, it’s settled. We’ll contact tomorrow.” I hung up immediately.
Yin Zhongtian stood stiffly, still holding my bag. As I reached for it, he let go, and it fell to the ground, scattering its contents everywhere.
I crouched down to pick up a box of pills, and cold sweat rolled down my spine. It was seventy-two-hour emergency contraception, to be taken twice, but I had forgotten the second dose.
Too late to regret, I quickly stuffed the pills back into my bag. However, Yin Zhongtian snatched my bag and pulled out the pills. I tried to grab them, but it was too late. He opened the pill box, saw the remaining pill, and his hand trembled helplessly. “You two…”
I stood before him, feeling numb.
“You and him?” He presented the pill box to my face, leaving me without any defense.
“I’m sorry!” What else could I say? I couldn’t express that I had slept with Ye Zhengchen to save him; such words felt hypocritical.
Suddenly, a shadow flashed, and a burning slap hit my face, knocking me to the ground. My forehead struck the coffee table, and thick, red blood obscured my vision. I covered my swollen face, feeling as if I had awakened from a nightmare. I stared at him, shocked. There was no hatred or grievance, just a realization that everything had come too suddenly.
Yin Zhongtian pulled me up by my clothes, his face ashen and veins bulging on his forehead. “I was gone for just a few days! And you’re already eager to…”
“I’m sorry.” I looked at him guiltily. “If hitting me makes you feel better, go ahead.”
Yin Zhongtian raised his hand but couldn’t bring it down, wanting to say something but unable to speak. He finally let go and staggered out of my home. I wanted to touch his shoulder one last time, to tell him everything would pass, but I hesitated, fearing he would find me disgusting.
