Do Not Approach

Chapter 2: She sat upright in the wheelchair, like an alien that came from winter and was going back to winter.

The photos mostly depicted Qin Yi in her daily life, many of which were clearly taken by family members in secret.

Undoubtedly, she was a beauty. Bright red lips, jet-black hair, deep-set eyes, and skin as delicate as snow. Her noble demeanor perfectly matched that of an heiress.

Each photo captured her from a different angle, with different outfits and expressions, but what remained unchanged was the emptiness in her eyes.

In the first photo, she stood amidst a field of pale lavender. The wind ruffled her hair as she gazed blankly into the hazy sky.

In the second, she sat curled in a corner of a sofa, gently cradling a folded paper crane in her hands, her deep eyes brimming with the tenderness reserved for a cherished treasure.

The third showed her playing the piano. The grand instrument reflected a cold gleam, contrasting with her slender, delicate figure. Despite her poised and elegant aura, the light had already faded from her eyes.

The last photo depicted Qin Yi sitting on a chair, looking up at the sky. She was shrouded in black—her hair, dress, and even her eyes seemed consumed by darkness. The background echoed the same somber tone. Beside her was the familiar purple paper crane, and she sat with her knees hugged to her chest, curled up into a ball.

Mu Xiaoxiao studied the woman in the photos, her gaze steady.

Meanwhile, Liu Aiwen stroked the rim of her teacup as she began, "Her condition has been deteriorating for a while, starting about two or three years ago. At first, she just became withdrawn, locking herself in her room. We thought it was the pressure from work, but even after reducing her workload, she only got worse—eventually, she couldn't even speak. For a singer, losing her voice..." She paused, biting her lip. "It was like a death sentence."

Everyone used to say Qin Yi's voice was a gift from the heavens. But just as suddenly, it was taken away.

"We were desperate. We hired countless specialists, both domestic and international, sparing no expense. But one by one, they all left in failure, with no signs of improvement. Six months ago, she needed support just to stand. Now, she's entirely dependent on a wheelchair." Liu Aiwen's expression was filled with sorrow as she caressed the teacup.

Mu Xiaoxiao glanced at her knowingly, a subtle smile forming at the corners of her mouth. "So, the people around her have decided to give up?"

It was obvious why they had sought out a relatively unknown student like her.

Liu Aiwen stiffened, her lips pressing together as she stared at Mu Xiaoxiao, shocked by the girl's bluntness.

As the personal assistant handpicked by Qin Yi's father, Liu Aiwen had spent four years by Qin Yi's side. It was impossible not to develop an emotional attachment.

At the beginning, when Qin Yi's condition started declining, Liu Aiwen had frantically sought out doctors. But with the changes within the Qin family and her own busy schedule, her attention had been divided. Over the past year, Qin Yi's state had worsened, and despite consulting renowned experts from various fields, none had made a breakthrough. With the company now facing turmoil and Qin Yi's health in steep decline, her father was likely grooming someone else to succeed him. Liu Aiwen had no choice but to think ahead.

She looked at Mu Xiaoxiao, struggling with a mix of guilt, anger, and frustration at being seen through so easily.

But Mu Xiaoxiao didn't dwell on her reaction. She bent her head, arranging the photos in a particular order.