I'm Interested In Your Friend - Chapter 36
36: (Catching Bugs)
Beneath the surface of a smiling facade.
Was Yu Mu’s unrelenting vigilance.
Words alone were no proof.
Tangible evidence was the real deal.
Yu Lili’s expression remained unchanged: “Alright, wait for me a moment.”
Yu Lili stepped up the stairs to the second floor. As a photographer, she had plenty of cameras and SD cards.
She had glanced at the camera in Yu Mu’s house earlier—it was a Sony D33, and the most commonly used memory card for this model was…
Found it.
Yu Lili removed an SD card from the camera and held it in her palm.
The sound of slippers tapping against the wooden stairs echoed as she descended.
Standing at the top of the spiral staircase, Yu Lili looked down at Yu Mu, who was fidgeting uneasily on the sofa.
Yu Lili was gambling.
Betting that Yu Mu wouldn’t even notice the model of the SD card in the camera.
Either way, she was betting that the SD card in Yu Mu’s camera was the same type as this one.
Yu Mu glanced at the SD card Yu Lili held out, her smile growing more genuine as she reached out to take it.
But Yu Lili dodged, pulling it back.
Yu Lili sat back on the sofa, playing with the SD card in her hand: “I’ll give it to you after you finish talking.”
Yu Mu’s phone vibrated.
She looked down at it.
Yu Lili picked up a glass of water and took a sip.
Listening to Yu Mu talk was quite thirsty work.
When Yu Mu looked up again, her expression had changed: “You’re lying to me.”
“The SD card was never with you.”
Yu Lili raised an eyebrow: “Believe what you want.”
Yu Mu held up her phone.
The photos of the incident had been bought by her agency to suppress the scandal. On the screen were some candid shots her manager had just sent her.
In the photos.
A person was being carried into an ambulance on a stretcher.
Half of their tightly closed face was visible.
It was unmistakably Yu Lili.
Yu Lili sighed inwardly.
If she had the photos, why not show them earlier?
Making her spin a story for so long.
Yu Lili: “Do you believe me if I say I pried out the SD card before passing out?”
Yu Mu: “Put it in a similar one and test it, then I’ll believe you.”
Yu Lili: “Too much trouble. Don’t believe me? Fine.”
The manager sent another set of photos.
These were snapshots of the doorway taken by a neighbor.
Yu Mu swiped through them one by one. Besides the police and strangers…
There was also a familiar face.
“Tan—Tan Suran? Tan Suran was there too?” Yu Mu muttered at her phone screen.
Yu Mu looked up, meeting Yu Lili’s gaze: “The SD card is with Tan Suran.”
“She must have taken it, right?”
Yu Lili turned her head away.
By evening.
The sky outside the window was dyed ink-black.
Strong winds rustled the poplar leaves loudly.
Listening to Yu Mu’s voice, so elated it cracked.
Yu Lili’s mood plummeted.
She was so happy.
Because she was certain that if the memory card was with Tan Suran, it meant her safety was assured.
Because she was certain that between Yu Lili and Yu Mu, Tan Suran would inevitably side with the latter?
Yu Lili leaned back against the wall, placing the teacup on the table with a “clack,” her slender fingers brushing the leaves of the lucky bamboo.
Yu Mu hurriedly left the Yu residence.
So anxious that she stood at the front gate and called Tan Suran.
Yu Lili stood on the second-floor balcony, listening to the “beep—beep—” of the call below.
Her fingers tapped impatiently on the railing.
Just as she was about to turn and go back to her room, her patience worn thin.
The call connected.
“What is it?”
Tan Suran’s indifferent voice came through the phone, across the three-meter height, from someone else’s device.
She sounded busy, with noise in the background, her speech hurried.
“It’s me, Yu Mu,” Yu Mu said urgently. “Did you go to my place earlier today?”
Tan Suran’s voice remained cold: “What do you want?”
“Did you see the SD card in the camera next to my TV?”
Before Tan Suran could answer, Yu Mu continued: “I—I have some evidence about that CEO Su. Give me the SD card, and I’ll give you the evidence.”
Tan Suran paused for two seconds: “I’ll have Assistant Lin contact you.”
The call ended.
Yu Mu walked away in high spirits.
On the balcony, Yu Lili leaned against the wall, her lips curling downward uncontrollably.
Late at night, news about Yu Mu exploded online.
First, a small group of deeply involved fans began posting ambiguous, tearful emojis.
Leaving younger fans confused, spamming question marks in the fan club.
Messages flooded the fan group.
@The moderators asked what was going on.
Once the rumors had spread enough.
The studio released a statement about Yu Mu’s injury.
The hashtag [#YuMuInjured] shot to the top of the trending list.
Gossip accounts started spreading vague rumors.
Claiming that a delusional fan had stalked the photographer who had interfered in the Xiang-Yu relationship, intending to harm her, and Yu Mu had been injured while rationally trying to dissuade the fan.
This rumor spread like wildfire on forums and anonymous platforms.
The obsessive fan was cursed out by solo fans, expelled from the fan club, and labeled a stalker.
Yu Mu made a surprise appearance in the fan club late at night, posting a message: [“Everything’s fine, but please remember to be rational when supporting idols. It’s not good if you hurt yourself, okay?”]
For the Xiang-Yu fans, Zhu Jingxiang was the buzzkill who liked posts bashing the ship, while Yu Mu was the sweet older sister who protected the fans.
Some fans were heartbroken.
Others were being converted.
Yu Mu’s fan club historically topped the rankings that day.
Several hashtags dominated the trends.
Business inquiries flooded the manager’s phone.
[Wuwu, our sister is so pitiful.]
[How serious are her injuries? Damn these stalkers.]
[God, Yu Mu is seriously the kindest celebrity I’ve ever seen. I remember those leaked photos where the photographer was shooing Yu Mu away, giving her the cold shoulder. Our Mumu got hurt protecting her, even though she’s a huge star.]
This comment, buried among the sea of sympathy for Yu Mu, wasn’t particularly noticeable.
But two hours later, it shot to the top of the trending page.
Because a Weibo user named [Lili, Me] replied and reposted it:
[“1. She was the one who went to great lengths to arrange a meeting with me.”
“2. After I helped her escape, she left me alone to face that lunatic.”
“3. No cold shoulder, no targeting, because she’s not worth it.”]
…
This post caused an uproar.
Those who believed it, those who didn’t.
Trolls and genuine fans alike.
The hype doubled, then tripled.
This twist set the entire internet ablaze.
—
But Zhushan Retreat was quiet.
The leaves of Longjing tea swirled in the pot.
Yu Lili poured tea with one hand, the fragrant liquid streaming from the spout into the cup.
She bent down slowly.
And took a sniff.
Mmm.
Fragrant.
Her phone on the wooden tea table buzzed incessantly with calls.
Yu Mu was calling her like a madwoman.
Yu Lili hesitated between silencing it or enabling “Do Not Disturb.”
She chose the more torturous option.
The owner of Zhushan Retreat, dressed in a Suzhou embroidered cheongsam, gracefully sat across from Yu Lili. She picked up a cup, took a sip, and nodded approvingly: “What? Hiding from the noise here?”
Yu Lili: “Yeah, this place is like a paradise. Surrounded by mountains and water, it purifies the soul. Right now, I’m just full of negativity.”
The cheongsam beauty waved a round fan, chuckling softly.
Du Tanyu, who had come here with Yu Lili for the first time, was instantly starstruck by the beautiful woman.
Looking at the fair-skinned, delicate beauty, Du Tanyu said warmly, “Wow, sis, you’re so gentle.”
The cheongsam beauty covered her mouth with the fan, her cat-like eyes curving slightly: “This is the first time someone’s said that to me.”
“Really? Then they must be…”
Before Du Tanyu could finish her compliment, a series of crashing noises came from what was probably the utility room behind them.
The cheongsam beauty’s brows shot up, and she slammed the fan onto the table: “Chi Qinxue! Did you break my equipment again?”
After a few more loud bangs, a dust-covered girl emerged from the utility room, her nose smudged with dirt. She raised her hand pitifully, pointing at the equipment inside: “Sister Man, they started it.”
Li Qianman sighed helplessly, tossing a handkerchief to Bian Qinxue to wipe off the dust.
Once the two had walked away.
Du Tanyu turned back slowly: “Really… you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Du Tanyu chatted idly with Yu Lili for a while.
A flash of light caught her eye.
She glanced back.
A guest at the next table had their phone held up in front of their face.
Possibly taking a selfie.
Or maybe… taking a photo of Yu Lili.
Du Tanyu frowned, observing for a moment, but the guest left after sitting for a while.
Not long after.
The wind chime at the door jingled.
Heavy, hurried footsteps entered the room.
The person who strode in looked around and, without hesitation, shouted: “Yu Lili, have you lost your mind?”
It was Yu Mu.
After Yu Lili posted that Weibo update, the company’s CEO called Yu Mu directly, asking for the truth about what had happened that day.
Even with Yu Mu’s best efforts to whitewash the situation, the CEO understood the gist of it.
Not that the CEO cared about the artists’ personal morals or grudges, but he asked one question: “Do you have proof?”
Before Yu Mu could stammer out a “Yes”—
The CEO cut in: “Whether you do or not, the outcome has to be that you don’t. Otherwise, you can forget about staying in this industry.”
With that, he hung up.
At Zhushan Retreat, an enraged Yu Mu swept Yu Lili’s teacup off the table.
The porcelain shattered loudly on the floor.
“Yu Lili, why would you post those things online?” Yu Mu grabbed Yu Lili’s sleeve, demanding angrily.
Yu Lili turned her head calmly: “Why not?”
Du Tanyu tried to intervene: “Let go of her first, Yu Mu.”
Yu Mu: “You just want to ruin me, don’t you? Yu Lili, do you hate me that much?”
Yu Lili raised an eyebrow: “Hate you? Are you worth it?”
Yu Mu yanked Yu Lili back violently.
Then—
Slap!
A crisp sound.
Yu Mu clutched her face.
Stunned, she looked up.
Du Tanyu stared at her outstretched hand, her palm burning.
She clicked her tongue. That hurt.
Oh well.
Newton’s third law and all.
If her hand hurt.
Yu Mu’s thin-skinned face must hurt even more.
…Wait.
Since when was Yu Mu thin-skinned?
Her face was thicker than a brick wall.
But even so.
It must’ve stung.
“How dare you, Du Tanyu!”
Du Tanyu helped Yu Lili up: “What’s wrong with slapping you? Say another word, and I’ll give you another one.”
Yu Mu stormed forward, raising her hand—
Only for it to be caught by a slender but strong grip.
Yu Lili twisted Yu Mu’s wrist and shoved her back.
Give her a break.
As someone who lugged cameras around all day.
She was way stronger than this pampered celebrity.
Yu Lili’s eyes were icy: “If you’re going to throw a tantrum, pick the right place.”
Yu Mu scoffed: “Oh, you think you can take me down?”
“You think your vague little comments will make people believe you?”
“Do you have proof?”
“Yu Lili, without proof, you’re nothing. What you’re saying now will come back to bite you. Understand?”
Yu Lili: “I’m stating facts.”
After her outburst, Yu Mu cooled down. She had so much leverage—she refused to believe Tan Suran wouldn’t side with her. Tipping her chin up arrogantly, she said, “Who can vouch for you? Who’d believe you!”
“Tan Suran? Would she speak up for you?”
Yu Lili’s long lashes trembled.
A verbal kill shot.
Yu Mu had accidentally struck the one thing Yu Lili didn’t want to face.
Right.
Would Tan Suran stand by her?
“Looking for me?”
A cool voice rang out.
Yu Lili and Yu Mu froze mid-argument, turning toward the sound.
The wind chime tinkled.
Golden sunlight spilled through the flower-covered glass door.
A stunningly elegant woman walked in.
Beautiful from skin to bone.
Tan Suran was tall, her chestnut hair tied back, wearing a soft pink rose-patterned blazer dress that made her skin glow.
In her hand was a plastic bag containing the SD card.
“Right, you’re here to give this to me.”
Under Yu Mu’s hopeful gaze.
Yu Lili lowered her eyes, turning away dejectedly.
Tan Suran’s steps drew nearer.
Yu Mu quickly stepped forward, reaching out toward Tan Suran.
But—
Tan Suran brushed past Yu Mu’s shoulder and stopped in front of Yu Lili.
She extended her hand slowly.
The sealed SD card was right within Yu Lili’s reach: “For you.”
Yu Lili blinked, looking up.
This was the first time they’d seen each other since that day.
Yu Lili didn’t move.
Tan Suran asked calmly, “Hmm? Don’t want it?”
For some reason.
Yu Lili’s eyes stung. She turned her head away, pouting: “No.”
“Okay.”
Tan Suran withdrew her hand.
Yu Lili’s mood sank even lower.
But a second later, that same hand slipped into her jeans pocket.
Through the fabric.
A brief, warm touch.
Thud.
Something dropped inside.
“But I want you to have it.”
Yu Lili bit her lip.
Their lovers’-quarrel-like exchange was interrupted by Yu Mu’s shocked cry: “Tan Suran!”
Tan Suran’s gaze lingered on Yu Lili as she replied indifferently, “Hmm?”
“CEO Su—those documents about CEO Su, don’t you want them anymore?” Yu Mu knew Tan Suran had been worn ragged lately by that woman from Nan City, Susan.
Yu Mu didn’t know why that woman had approached her, or why she’d targeted Yu Lili, but killing two birds with one stone was never something she’d turn down.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
“I have something that could affect Su Group’s stock price. Just give me back the SD card.” Yu Mu tried every angle to persuade Tan Suran.
Tan Suran glanced at Yu Lili, who stayed silent, and lazily replied, “Not interested.”
Three simple words.
Shattered Yu Mu’s hopes.
Yu Mu was baffled: “How—why would you do this?”
For a businesswoman, the pros and cons were crystal clear. She couldn’t believe Tan Suran would refuse.
Not being chosen meant the stakes weren’t high enough. Yu Mu clenched her fists. If that footage got out, she wouldn’t need anyone to blacklist her—the online backlash alone would destroy her.
Yu Mu went all in: “That thing you want—I’ll give it to you if you hand over the SD card. Otherwise, I’d rather destroy it than let you have it.”
That thing?
What were Yu Mu and Tan Suran talking about?
Yu Lili frowned.
She reached into her pocket, where Tan Suran had tucked the SD card.
Seriously, couldn’t Yu Mu get it through her head? The person who decided the SD card’s fate wasn’t Tan Suran anymore.
If she wanted to beg, she should be begging Yu Lili.
Yu Mu clearly hadn’t grasped this crucial point, still staring intently at Tan Suran.
And Tan Suran—her brow furrowed slightly, as if considering Yu Mu’s offer of “that thing.”
Yu Lili steeled herself and took a step back.
Even if Tan Suran was swayed by Yu Mu and knelt down to sing her praises, she wouldn’t hand over the SD card.
Silence stretched between them.
Yu Lili parted her lips, about to speak.
Tan Suran lifted her gaze to Yu Mu: “I don’t like being threatened.”
“So… do as you please.”
“Tan Suran…” Yu Mu gasped out the name.
Tan Suran waved a hand.
An assistant stepped in from outside.
“Escort Miss Yu out.”
Yu Mu: “Aren’t you afraid I’ll destroy that thing?”
Tan Suran looked up, her eyes cold: “Before you destroy anything, you might want to consider whether you—drowning and desperate—can handle my wrath.”
Once Yu Mu had been dragged away.
The cheongsam-clad owner, Li Qianman, reappeared.
Seeing the mess, she cursed inelegantly: “What the hell! Who broke this?”
Du Tanyu seized the moment: “Sis, some nasty woman was here earlier. Here’s her number—make sure she pays for the damages. Several times over.”
Du Tanyu chatted with Li Qianman, while the freshly cleaned Chi Qinxue trailed behind her like an adorable duckling.
Only Yu Lili and Tan Suran remained in the main hall.
Yu Lili looked up.
Zhushan Retreat nestled deep in the Qingyong Mountains.
Midsummer.
The hills were lush, dotted with unnamed red blossoms.
A green vine wind chime tinkled melodiously by the door.
Tan Suran stood at the entrance, her cool gaze meeting Yu Lili’s.
Their eyes locked across the bustling room.
Sudden.
Beneath the calm.
Something wordless and electrifying shimmered between them.
“Lili.” Tan Suran approached Yu Lili. “Are you okay?”
“Who’s ‘Lili’?” Du Tanyu, spotting Tan Suran moving closer, quickly wedged herself between them.
She glared at Tan Suran: “Are you two that close? Why the sweet talk?”
Yu Lili pursed her lips, thinking of how Tan Suran hadn’t sent a single message after the incident. She exhaled quietly, her expression blank: “We’re not close.”
Du Tanyu snorted.
Pulling Yu Lili aside.
Putting distance between her and Tan Suran.
“Mm.” Tan Suran’s voice was light. “Not close.”
Hearing this, Yu Lili’s fingers, resting on the table, curled slightly, absentmindedly scratching the wood.
Her gaze drifted listlessly to the window.
Even though she’d started it.
Her heart still felt like it had been filled with bitter coffee.
Aching and heavy.
“Except…”
Tan Suran stepped closer again.
The familiar scent of bitter lemon enveloped Yu Lili, mingling with the mountain breeze—fresh and unique.
“We’ve slept in the same bed.”
Du Tanyu: “…”
Li Qianman immediately covered Chi Qinxue’s ears: “Not for young ears, not for young ears…”
Yu Lili: “…”