I'm Interested In Your Friend - Chapter 56
56
“Why did you say that? You didn’t even see the look in Sijia’s eyes at the end!” Once home, Yu Lili began settling accounts.
Tan Suran pulled Yu Lili onto her lap, burying her face in her. “To make her persuade my wife to run away.”
Yu Lili shook her head, never expecting Tan Suran to have such a mischievous side.
But then again, she pushed Tan Suran’s head away and moved to sit on the sofa, keeping her distance. “Run away? Who knows when you’ll reconnect with your first love and cheat on me?”
“What first love?”
“Your little ‘f.'” Yu Lili glanced away, refusing to look at her. “You seemed pretty happy with her today.”
Tan Suran paused for a moment, as if processing her words.
Then she laughed, leaning forward to rest her chin on Yu Lili’s shoulder, coaxing softly, “She’s not my ‘little f.’ We have no relationship—not even each other’s contact info. The event was an invitation from a friend. I helped her because she said she wasn’t used to high heels and her feet were numb, so she asked me to support her for a bit.”
Tan Suran explained everything clearly, addressing every point that might have upset Yu Lili.
Yu Lili let out an “Oh,” then shrugged her shoulder to push Tan Suran’s head away, trying to maintain the seriousness of the conversation. “How do I know you’re not lying? You say you’re not close, but why were you so proactive with her before? First, you arranged a magazine cover for her, then you took her to the bathroom.”
“You remember such small things?” Tan Suran chuckled.
“Yeah, I have a great memory.”
“Or just a petty heart.”
Yu Lili shot her a look.
Tan Suran corrected herself, “Right, a great memory.”
Wrapping her arms around Yu Lili’s waist, Tan Suran explained, “I just didn’t want you to have any contact with her.”
“Why?” Yu Lili was puzzled.
“Isn’t she… your first love?”
Yu Lili’s mouth fell open in surprise.
She blinked.
“How do you know everything?”
“I know a lot, so ask away.”
There was one question that had been lingering in Yu Lili’s heart for a long time.
Seizing the opportunity, she asked:
“When did you realize I was… Anna?” She hesitated, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Tan Suran lifted her head. “From the beginning.”
Yu Lili’s eyes widened in disbelief.
But Tan Suran’s expression showed no hint of joking.
“Then why did you keep playing along with me?”
Tan Suran propped her chin on her hand, tilting her body slightly, her tone teasing. “Guess.”
…
The next day was the birthday banquet of Du Tanyu’s mother.
“Don’t you have work today?” Tan Suran, who had been looking at her phone, glanced up. “I do.”
“Then go handle your work. You don’t need to accompany me.”
Yu Lili changed her clothes and picked up the gift.
She noticed Tan Suran seemed ready to leave with her.
She really didn’t know how to face Jian Sijia.
She could still vividly recall the look Jian Sijia had given her yesterday—filled with “Lili, you’re making a huge mistake.”
And the barrage of WeChat messages that had been flooding in since last night:
[Being lovestruck is a disease that needs treatment.]
[How harmful are people who two-time?]
[How do unhappy marriages lead to ruin?]
[Falling for someone unfaithful is destined to be a tragedy.]
Jian Sijia even dragged Du Tanyu into it, teaming up to brainwash her.
They were determined to rescue her from her delusions.
In Jian Sijia’s mind, Yu Lili was now a hopelessly lovestruck fool.
…
Du Tanyu, ever the instigator, chimed in:
[Down with lovestruck fools, starting with me.]
[As her sisters, we can’t watch her fall like this.]
…
“If my presence will cause you trouble, then I won’t go.” Tan Suran lowered her eyes, her tone calm but laced with a hint of pitifulness.
A faint scent of tea lingered in the air.
“No, it’s not that… Fine, you can come. But behave normally when we get there. Don’t say those kinds of things again. I’ve already been bombarded by Sijia all day. They think I’ve lost my mind.” Yu Lili pouted, seriously warning her.
“No problem.” Tan Suran grabbed the car keys and took the gift from Yu Lili’s hands. “Though, you’re the first person to tell me to ‘behave normally.'”
…
The two of them arriving side by side at the venue immediately became the center of attention.
After all, these two people, who had previously seemed unrelated, had suddenly announced their marriage.
And they’d done so explosively, telling the whole world at once.
It was only natural for people to be curious.
This was also the first time the two had appeared together in public since announcing their marriage.
Yu Lili’s parents introduced them to some elders.
But as they mingled, more and more people gathered around.
“Ah, I have a bit of a headache. You go ahead.” Three minutes in, Yu’s mother excused herself.
“There’s an urgent call I need to take.” Five minutes later, Yu’s father also found an excuse to slip away.
“I’ll go check on my mom.” Eight minutes in, Yu Lili smiled, put down her glass, and bid farewell to the elders.
Once free from the crowd, she immediately sprinted away, escaping the overwhelming attention.
When only Tan Suran remained, the atmosphere wasn’t as lively as before.
The noblewomen exchanged glances, making small talk under Tan Suran’s cool, detached gaze.
Just as someone was about to speak—
“Excuse me.” Tan Suran nodded slightly, holding her glass, and walked away, following Yu Lili’s path.
…
In the Du family’s backyard, Du Tanyu’s mother brought out an album of Du Tanyu’s childhood photos.
She flipped through it with Yu’s mother, who had successfully escaped earlier.
There were even pictures of Yu Lili and Du Tanyu playing together as kids.
“It feels like just yesterday they were this small. Now Lili’s already married, and you didn’t even give us a heads-up.” Du’s mother gave Yu’s mother a reproachful look.
“Honestly,” Yu’s mother whispered, discreetly pointing at the two figures standing by the door, “we didn’t know much earlier than you.”
Du’s mother glanced over and sighed. “Young people these days, I just don’t get them. But the two of them do look good together.”
Yu Lili, noticing her mother’s gaze, tugged Tan Suran over.
“Talking about me behind my back?”
She rested her head between the two elders’ shoulders.
“Wow, what kind of rare photos are these?”
In the album on Du’s mother’s lap was a picture of an extremely chubby child.
“Guess who?” Yu’s mother teased.
She then waved at Tan Suran. “Come here, Xiao Tan. You guess too.”
Tan Suran glanced at the photo, then looked at Yu Lili. “You were adorable as a child too.”
Du’s mother marveled, “Oh, Xiao Tan has a sharp eye.”
“This is me?” The child in the photo was about four or five years old. Yu Lili couldn’t even recognize her younger self.
Yu’s mother laughed. “Yes, you were a little meatball as a kid. You look nothing like that now. How did Xiao Tan recognize you?”
Before Tan Suran could answer, Yu Lili interjected, “You made me guess from a wide range of options, but for her, it was obvious you were talking about me!”
“Mom, you should probably go greet the guests. After all, today’s your birthday.” Du Tanyu, who had been turned into a greeting machine, pushed open the door with a lifeless expression and dragged her mother away.
She also took Yu’s mother with her, refusing to let her slack off.
Now, only Yu Lili and Tan Suran remained in the backyard, with the photo album in their hands.
They sat side by side on a white swing chair, their legs swaying gently.
Beside them, tall holly trees stood lush and green.
The clouds hung low in the sky.
Yu Lili slowly flipped through the photos.
Many of them were of her chubby childhood self.
She pointed at one. “How could I have been this exaggerated? My arms didn’t even look like arms—more like lotus roots.”
“You don’t like them?”
Yu Lili shook her head. “No.”
Tan Suran tilted her head.
The wind carried her soft voice.
“I like them.”
“I like all of them.”
“What kind of answer is that?” Yu Lili’s gaze shifted from the photos as she looked up, as if she’d caught her in something.
Tan Suran smiled, leaning forward and pointing at the photos. “This one.”
“And this one.”
Suddenly—
She kissed her.
It was a simple kiss.
Like a strawberry-flavored marshmallow.
Like the first flower of spring in a gentle breeze.
And indeed, winter was almost over.
Spring was coming.
…
“Lili,” Du Tanyu called out as Yu Lili passed through the garden gate into the hall. “Why is your face so red?”
“A little hot.”
As soon as she said this, a chilly breeze blew in, raising goosebumps on her arms.
Du Tanyu smirked, unconvinced.
“Tap, tap, tap.”
Another set of footsteps sounded behind Yu Lili.
Seeing who it was, Du Tanyu let out a meaningful “Ohhh.”
The banquet should have been lively, but at this moment, the crowd quieted down.
On stage, Du Tanyu picked up the microphone to deliver a birthday speech for her mother.
“Creak—”
Just then, the main door opened again.
An uninvited guest walked in.
“Did you invite them?” Yu’s mother whispered to Du’s mother.
“No.”
The newcomers were none other than Tan Minghao and his mother, Madame Tan.
Noticing the stares, Madame Tan calmly nodded at everyone.
Despite the interruption, the event continued smoothly.
During the free-mingling portion, Tan Minghao stayed by his mother’s side, but his gaze kept drifting toward Yu Lili and Tan Suran.
Madame Tan explained their sudden appearance: “Ah, Suran is always so busy—it’s hard to find time to meet. When we heard she was here, we rushed over.”
One of the ladies chimed in, “She is busy, but marriage is such a big deal. You can’t skip the formalities—the guests, the ceremonies. You should pay more attention to your child.”
Madame Tan waved her hand dismissively, joking, “This child never consults us about anything. If it weren’t for the news, we wouldn’t even have known.”
The moment these words left her mouth, the expressions around her turned awkward.
People murmured and exchanged glances.
The older generation held more traditional views.
Getting married without even informing one’s parents was beyond unacceptable.
Even if it was a blended family, this was too much.
Now, the way people looked at Yu Lili and Tan Suran had changed.
No wonder there was no wedding, no announcements.
Madame Tan smiled contentedly at the reactions before gracefully approaching Tan Suran.
Seeing her approach, Yu Lili and the others fell silent, unsure of her intentions.
Du Tanyu excused herself, leaving them to talk.
Madame Tan spoke warmly, “Suran, when will you bring Lili home to meet your father and me? It’s only proper.”
“Unnecessary.” Tan Suran glanced at her indifferently.
“How can you say that? Marriage isn’t just between the two of you.”
“Are you done?” Without waiting for a response, Tan Suran took Yu Lili’s hand and turned to leave.
Madame Tan stopped her. “Suran, your father is waiting in the car outside. Come out with me—let’s settle this today. Or do you want to have this conversation here, where no one saves face?”
“That’s your problem.” Tan Suran remained unmoved.
Madame Tan lowered her voice. “Even if you don’t care, think about the Yu family.”
Tan Suran paused, glancing at Yu Lili, her parents, and the crowd watching them.
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she coldly scrutinized Madame Tan.
Finally, she nodded.
…
A black Porsche was parked outside the Du residence.
As they approached, the chauffeur opened the rear door.
Tan Suran’s father stepped out, dressed in a suit, his expression stern.
Madame Tan and Tan Minghao stood to the side, keeping their distance.
“Married?” After a moment of silence, Tan’s father spoke heavily.
“Yes.” Tan Suran matched his tone, showing no warmth.
“Such an important matter, and you didn’t discuss it with me?”
“Discuss?” Tan Suran repeated, as if amused. “Why should I?”
The cold wind rustled the sparse branches.
The sky was a dull gray, oppressive and gloomy.
“I am your father. By law and by bl00d, you must listen to me.” Tan’s father took a step forward.
“Save those words for a child.”
“Is this your attitude? Do you want to cut ties with me?”
No matter how heated their past arguments had been, Tan’s father had never uttered such harsh words.
“Gladly.” Tan Suran replied.
Clearly, she was even harsher.
Tan’s father clutched his chest, angered. Tan Minghao quickly supported him, patting his back.
Madame Tan stepped in to mediate. “Suran, don’t say things in anger. There’s no grudge between father and daughter that lasts overnight. Your father is only upset because you didn’t give him any warning about this. When we were out with friends and they asked, we were completely in the dark. It was very embarrassing.”
“Embarrassing? Get used to it. And it’s not just marriage—nothing I do has anything to do with you, nor do I have any obligation to inform you.”
“Are you abandoning your family?” Tan’s father roared.
A warm hand squeezed hers.
Tan Suran glanced at Yu Lili beside her, their intertwined fingers, then looked back at her father. “You don’t count as family.”
Tan’s father pointed at them. “Don’t think marriage makes you family. Marriage can end in divorce. Bl00d is unbreakable—we are family, bound by flesh and bl00d.”
Tan Suran said nothing, refusing to look at him.
This kind of circular argument, this emotional blackmail—it was all so tiresome.
A brief silence fell.
Then Yu Lili spoke up.
“Just because you lack the ability and integrity to uphold a marriage doesn’t mean others do.”
Her words, though not vulgar, were a scathing rebuke to the adulterous man and the homewrecker.
“Do you know what family really means? It’s not just giving birth to someone and then treating them however you like. It’s about loving them, caring for them, valuing them. Have you done any of that?”
“I don’t know if you’re shameless or just don’t understand human language. It’s been made so clear, yet you cling like parasites. Does age really thicken one’s skin?”
Madame Tan snapped, “How dare you speak to your elders like that?”
Yu Lili ignored her. “And who said she has no family besides you? She does—I am her family.”
The desire to become Tan Suran’s family, to take care of her, had first sprouted during Tan’s father’s birthday, when she’d overheard their argument.
But back then, she hadn’t had the right.
She refused to let Tan Suran live in endless coldness. She would stand by her, cutting off these ugly, greedy relatives.
She would give her a new home, a warm one.
And now, she could.
Rightfully so.
“Not just me.”
“My parents will love her as they love me.”
“My friends will become her friends.”
“My family is her family.”
“Clap, clap, clap.”
A slow applause broke out.
Tan Minghao clapped, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Nice speech.”
“Your family was in such a mess not long ago—Suran must have spent a fortune bailing you out. Suran, don’t be a fool. Her family is worse than ours. They’re just using you as an ATM.”
“An ATM?”
A deep male voice sounded behind them.
It was Yu’s father.
He and Yu’s mother stepped forward, standing before them.
Yu’s father pulled a check from his pocket. “Here, this month’s allowance. Xiao Tan, take it.”
Tan’s father and mother, too proud to look, kept their eyes averted.
Tan Minghao, however, shamelessly leaned in.
He had meant to mock them further.
But the number on the check stunned him. “200 million?!”
His eyes clearly said, “Are you insane?”
Yu’s mother added, “That’s from Yu’s father. I have one too.” She pulled another check from Yu’s father’s pocket.
Yu’s father’s pupils dilated slightly.
Ignoring him, Yu’s mother continued, “From the day they married, we didn’t just gain a daughter-in-law—Xiao Tan became our daughter too.”
Madame Tan smiled ingratiatingly. “Yes, since they’re married, our families are now connected. We should work together in business and social circles.”
Yu’s mother smiled. “Indeed. When the time comes, we’ll pay our respects to Suran’s late mother. The rest is none of your concern.”
“…”
This family’s words were truly lethal.
The Tan family’s expressions froze.
Checkmate.
…
After the Tan family left, Tan Suran looked down at the checks in her hand.
She stepped forward and handed them to Yu’s parents. “Thank you, Uncle and Aunt. Please take this money back.”
“This money is for you. We were just joking earlier. As elders, how could we take your money?” Yu’s mother smiled.
“Yes, yes. The first check really is for you. But the second one was just for show—I’ll transfer the money later…” Yu’s father clasped his hands together, stopping mid-sentence as Yu’s mother pinched him. Under her glare, he reluctantly added, “It’s all yours. Keep it.”
…
Back home, Tan Suran placed both checks in front of Yu Lili.
“Give them to your parents.”
Remembering Yu’s father’s pained expression, Yu Lili laughed. “I’ll take one. The other is truly yours to keep. They told me yesterday.”
“Alright. Give him one, and the other is yours.”
“So much money? What would I do with it?”
“Dowry,” Tan Suran propped herself up on the bed, raising an eyebrow. “Or bride price. Call it whatever you want.”
“Tan Suran.” Yu Lili rubbed the check between her fingers. “You think this is enough to buy me off?”
Tan Suran didn’t reply. Instead, she sat up, took out her wallet, and laid out a stack of cards.
“The password is ff12”
“Stop, stop—” Yu Lili cut her off, stuffing the cards back into the wallet. “I was joking. Are you really this easy to fool? Aren’t you afraid I’ll take the money and run tomorrow?”
Tan Suran was certain. “You won’t.”
“Oh? So confident in me? You have no idea the power of money.”
Tan Suran smiled. “If it were about money, a smart person would stay by my side forever.”
Was that a backhanded compliment?
“Ohhh, look at the big shot who makes money.” Yu Lili gave her a thumbs-up.
…
That night, Yu Lili thought about the Tan family’s behavior earlier.
It was hard to imagine how Tan Suran had grown up in such a household.
She turned over and hugged Tan Suran. “Did you have a hard childhood?”
“Yes.” Tan Suran’s voice was soft.
Yu Lili gently patted her back. “First bitter, then sweet. I’ll treat you well from now on.”
“Mm.”
Yu Lili, carried away, began painting a rosy picture. “From now on, if you want to eat something delicious, I’ll take you. If you want to play, I’ll take you. If you’re tired from work, I’ll massage your shoulders. If you’re unhappy, I’ll be your emotional trash can. If you don’t like someone, just tell me, and I’ll scold them for you.”
Tan Suran turned over, facing her. They lay close, noses almost touching. “Mm. Actually, just one thing is enough.”
“What?”
“That you love me.”
Yu Lili’s heart fluttered with emotion.
Then Tan Suran spoke again.
“And actually, it wasn’t that hard, because… there was little ‘f.'”
Thud.
The deer in Yu Lili’s heart dropped dead.
Her internal alarms blared.
The warm atmosphere shattered instantly.
She let go, turned away, and presented her back to Tan Suran.
Heh.
Who wanted to hear about “little f” at a time like this?
Tan Suran seemed oblivious to Yu Lili’s sudden anger. She snuggled closer, resting her face against Yu Lili’s neck. “What’s wrong?”
Yu Lili scoffed. “Nothing. I just suddenly realized… little ‘f’ is such a great person.”
“Yes, she really is.” One compliment wasn’t enough. After a pause, Tan Suran added dreamily, “So, so great.”
“…”
The urge to murder could no longer be suppressed.
Yu Lili, suppressing her rage, said sarcastically, “Since she’s so great, why don’t you go sleep with her?”
“Can I?” Tan Suran asked.
“Yes, you can!” Yu Lili gritted her teeth.
“Okay.”
Okay what okay?!
Yu Lili wanted to scream.
And maybe kick this heartless woman out of bed.
But before she could lift her foot—
A scorching kiss landed on her lips.
Sealing all protests.