Do Not Approach

Chapter 19: I want to quit!!!

Mu Xiaoxiao's startled expression had clearly infuriated the eldest miss . Qin Yi hadn't exuded such an aura in a long time. It was as if everything around her was swept by an invisible wind, a thick tension almost ready to engulf Mu Xiaoxiao.

The eldest miss truly couldn't sleep that night. No matter how exhausted her body was or how desperately she craved rest, the moment Qin Yi lay down, her mind became clear. Past memories flooded in like a film reel, keeping her awake.

At first, she struggled painfully, trying to force herself not to think about anything, but it was futile. Her thoughts weren't something she could control. She resorted to sleeping pills. Initially, they worked, allowing her to fall into a deep, disoriented sleep where she would wake up forgetting where she was or even what time it was. Sometimes she thought she was back in her childhood—those fleeting moments of happiness were followed by overwhelming sadness. However, as time passed and the dosage increased, her body couldn't take it anymore.

Her hair began to fall out in clumps. Sh e felt restless, broke out in cold sweats, and became fatigued to the point of collapse. After an examination, Dr. Xu had warned her, "Miss Qin, the side effects of sleeping pills are severe. Your tolerance will only increase the longer you rely on them. You can't continue like this..."

The pills felt like a dangerous addiction. Having experienced so much in life, Qin Yi refused to rely on anything—especially not something as trivial as medication. From then on, she would rather lose sleep than drink pills.

But when night fell, the silence swallowed her whole, like a vortex pulling her in. Sometimes, she wasn't even sure if she could hold out until her sister came back. What would her sister Qin Haiyao think if she saw her like this? Would she find her unrecognizable? Or... despise her?

Qin Yi's thoughts were relentless, and the pain often overwhelmed her like a raging river. To escape, she frequently shut herself in her room, playing the piano. Music was the last refuge imprinted on her soul—the only lifeline in the turbulent waters.

Earlier, while she was playing the piano, she drifted into thought, remembering the joyful scene of Mu Xiaoxiao and her sister performing "Two Tigers" together. They had sung and danced around her, carefree and silly. It had been so long since Qin Yi felt such joy.

No one is born to be lonely.

Out of curiosity, she took out Mu Xiaoxiao's toy piano, wondering if the music could recreate that sense of joy. But just as she played it once and now she was caught.

Now, Qin Yi felt a mixture of anger and humiliation. It was as if someone had torn open a deeply hidden secret, leaving her fuming with embarrassment. Her fury burned hotter with each passing moment, transforming into a raging storm.

Luckily, Mu Xiaoxiao was an excellent psychologist with lightning-fast reflexes. She had already bolted to the door and steadied herself outside. Then, as if nothing had happened, she called out cheerfully while stomping her slippers for effect, "Eldest Miss, are you asleep?"

Qin Yi: ...

Seriously? How childish. Did she think such antics could erase what just happened?

Mu Xiaoxiao knocked again. When the door opened, Qin Yi was already seated calmly at the coffee table, holding a cup of cold tea. She glanced at Mu Xiaoxiao with indifference, as if nothing had happened. The toy piano? Nowhere in sight.

[What do you want?]

Mu Xiaoxiao couldn't help but smile secretly but kept a straight face. "I'm here to enjoy the moon with you."