Star Eyes Beyond the Shores of Time - Chapter 9

Tong Youxun rushed to Qi Yuwei’s door and knocked hard.

The door opened. The man who appeared looked strangely familiar. Tong Youxun racked her brain but couldn’t remember where she’d seen him before. The man, however, blurted out, “You’re the neighbor across the hall, right? Tong Youxun?”

“Uh… yes. Do I know you?” she asked, puzzled. Could he be someone from before she lost her memory?

“I’m Achen. I saw you that day when Yuwei confessed during her livestream—got kicked, fell flat on my back!” Achen said bluntly, and Tong Youxun’s face flushed in embarrassment.

No wonder he remembered her so clearly.

“How is Qi Yuwei now? She was dead drunk just now—like a puddle of mud!”

“None of your business!”

Achen’s expression turned cold as he slammed the door shut.

Just before it closed, a half-sober Qi Yuwei pushed it open again. She glared at Achen angrily, then turned toward Tong Youxun. “You… you saw him? What did he say?”

“You must listen carefully to what I’m about to say, Qi Yuwei!” Tong Youxun’s tone turned fierce. “He wants you dead. He’ll never accept your confession. He’s not the perfect man you imagine. He wears a human-skin mask—his real face is horribly burned. If you saw it, you’d stop loving him instantly. And he’s got top lawyers behind him—you’ll lose everything. Please, don’t kill yourself…”

As she spoke, Tong Youxun silently prayed: Guan Nuoyin, I’m so sorry. Saving a life is worth more than seven temples. I can only slander you now… I’ll make it up to you later…

Qi Yuwei let out a bitter, fragile laugh. “Do you find it fun to lie to me? I’ve waited by his side for over a year and never even gotten close to him. You’ve just arrived and somehow know all his secrets? Ridiculous.”

But Achen cut in, “Maybe this girl’s telling the truth.”

Qi Yuwei’s eyes widened in fury. She raised her hand to slap him but put it down again. “Who asked you to come here? Get out! If Nuoyin sees you, he’ll misunderstand everything!”

Achen’s jaw clenched, disbelief twisting his face. “So that’s what I am to you? Just now, who was it crying about being fragile and begging me to come? And now you’re telling me to get lost? You think I’m some disposable trash you can call and toss away at will? You’ll pay for this…”

“What?” Qi Yuwei frowned impatiently.

“I kept the livestream running while you two were talking. Let’s see how the internet reacts when they rip you both apart online,” Achen said through gritted teeth, his tone full of venom.

Tong Youxun froze. So much for well-meant words—talking recklessly really can kill.

She didn’t care what the netizens thought, but if those slanderous words about Guan Nuoyin spread to his ears, she’d be doomed! They were neighbors, after all—how could she ever face him again? Worse, Gu Xihen might even accuse her of defamation!

She panicked. “Achen, you can’t record things like that! Please delete it… I’ll be ruined!”

“Why should I?” he snapped, his anger flaring again. Turning to Qi Yuwei, he spat, “You fake saint! You want to die? Then go ahead! I curse you never to find peace in any lifetime!”

With that, Achen stormed out and vanished down the corridor.

“…” Tong Youxun still wanted to persuade him otherwise, but Qi Yuwei’s glare was so venomous she swallowed her words. Feeling wronged, she returned to her tiny rented room.

Was it true that caring too much only leads to chaos? she wondered. Maybe she really was too nosy, too softhearted—always meddling, exhausting herself, and never appreciated.

She tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

The next morning on her way to work, she was still yawning, dark circles heavy beneath her eyes. The whole night she’d been tormented by guilt and worry. She wanted to ignore it all—but how could she, when someone’s life was hanging by a thread? And now, with the Qixi Festival approaching, the streets were filled with couples—holding hands, whispering, laughing.

Passing a large banner, she read: Grand Opening of Beihai Marine Aquarium – Star Sea Lion “Bubu” Shines Bright! Qixi Festival Invitation – Celebrate Love in Pink!

A cheerful voice called out by the entrance, “New aquarium opening—free entry for three days!”

Though she was shy around strangers, Tong Youxun mustered her courage and stepped forward to take a flyer. “Thank you!” she said earnestly.

The name “Bubu” tugged at her heart. It reminded her of Bu Bu, the dolphin she once knew on Xingying Island. The dolphin had been intelligent, playful, always greeting her when she called its name across the waves.

“Bu Bu, hello!”

And it would leap out of the water, singing its unique whistle in response. Those had been carefree, tranquil days—so simple, so beautiful. All she ever wanted was to live an ordinary, peaceful life…

But life never went the way she wished.

Crossing the bridge, she saw the green lake stretching far into the distance. On the stone railing sat a slender woman in tight sportswear, legs dangling above the water. Her brows were furrowed deeply, her whole figure steeped in despair.

Tong Youxun’s heart jumped. She hurried closer and recognized the face.

“Qi Yuwei? It’s you?”

“Damn, you again,” Qi Yuwei groaned.

“It’s not even the date you mentioned. Don’t tell me you’re planning something stupid!”

“Mind your own business! Stay away!”

“You’re thinking of jumping?”

“So what if I am?”

“It’s late summer—the water’s still warm. When they fish your body out, it’ll be swollen, decomposed, probably unrecognizable. I grew up by the sea. I’ve seen it before—it’s… not pretty.”

Qi Yuwei paused.

“And look over there,” Tong Youxun pointed toward the skyline. “See that skyscraper? It’s the city’s pride, right? If you jump from up there, you’ll make headlines—your body shattered, bl00d everywhere. And people will take photos, livestream it, gossip over your corpse. Is that really how you want to be remembered?”

Qi Yuwei’s lips trembled. “Then I’ll go hang myself in some remote forest.”

“You’re not afraid of the wild animals? The snakes, the rats, the insects? Your body will rot, ooze, swarm with flies for days until you’re nothing but bones.”

Qi Yuwei’s voice broke. “Is dying really that hard? How can I die without it being ugly or painful?”

“Yes,” Tong Youxun said softly. “That’s why you must, again and again, endlessly, without hesitation—save yourself from the fire of this world. Everything besides life and death is just a scratch.”

Qi Yuwei trembled, tears spilling down her cheeks. After a long silence, she whispered, “Thank you…”

Then, as if suddenly lighter, she jumped down from the railing.

“Promise me you’ll live well—eat, play, and be happy for the rest of your life.”

“Mm-hmm. I’ll go home now.”

Qi Yuwei’s eyes shimmered as she glanced at Tong Youxun, that untainted, ordinary girl. There was envy in her gaze… and a trace of sorrow.

Tong Youxun felt an enormous weight lift from her chest. Glancing at the time, she hurried away toward the Tuo residence.

The Tuo household was shrouded in an oppressive silence. The master of the house had returned. Zuo Shiyun was dead—buried hastily, as if he had never existed. The bright decorations had been removed; everything returned to grim normalcy.

As usual, Guan Nuoyin came to deliver seafood. But today, he handed it directly to Tong Youxun. Her heart skipped. She didn’t dare meet his eyes, only muttered thanks. Guan Nuoyin smiled faintly, saying nothing.

After a flurry of preparations, she set the dishes neatly on the table—sixteen plates in total, beautifully arranged. At the head sat Tuo Wuyang, the patriarch. His calm presence alone carried authority. Beside him were Zuo Xiaotao, Zuo Shihan, their relatives, and—astonishingly—an unexpected guest: Guan Nuoyin.

What? Since when is he close to the Tuo family? Tong Youxun wondered.

Before she could make sense of it, Tuo Wuyang spoke. “This young girl’s new? What’s your name?”

“Tong Youxun.”

“Come closer. Let me take a look.”

She obeyed. Their eyes met—and for a fleeting moment, Tuo Wuyang’s hardened expression faltered. His gaze wavered between shock, regret, and disbelief, though he quickly masked it.

“How old are you?”

“Eighteen, sir.”

“You’re working at such a young age? Where are your parents?”

“I don’t know. I was adopted. Grandpa Xing never mentioned my parents.”

“You never asked? Don’t you want to know?”

“I did. But losing and finding—it’s not up to me. I’ve learned to go with the flow.”

“You look… a lot like my daughter,” he murmured, lost in thought. “If only…”

Zuo Xiaotao’s face tightened. Pregnant and showing off her belly, she pouted sweetly, though her tone was sharp. “Tuo-ge, let’s not bring up the past, hmm? We’re all here to enjoy a happy meal together.”

“Happy?” Tuo Wuyang slammed the table. “How can anyone be happy? You’re a mother—don’t you feel any grief? Even if a dog died, you’d mourn it!”

The table fell silent.

Zuo Xiaotao’s smile vanished. She snapped back, “What do you want me to do, cry and scream? Shihan and Shiyun were both your flesh and bl00d. Why couldn’t they bear your surname? Now you’re acting like it’s my fault? You’re being ridiculous!”

Her words cut deep. Tuo Wuyang’s anger deflated instantly. For all his power in business, this was the one woman who could cow him. Years ago, he had insisted those illegitimate sons couldn’t carry his name, though he still provided for them after a DNA test proved they were indeed his.

But fate had been cruel. Both boys were deformed—twisted limbs, slurred speech. The “healthier” one could barely talk and needed help to eat and move. If the world knew, he’d be humiliated beyond measure.

Now one son was dead, and Zuo Xiaotao, determined to secure her position, was carrying another—thankfully a single, healthy boy.

“Enough,” Tuo Wuyang sighed. “You’re pregnant—don’t make a scene. After the baby’s born, you’ll go to the capital to recover.”

“And Shihan? You’re just going to leave him here, hidden away like a shameful secret? He’s still your son!” she shot back.

“Not now. Eat.”

At that, the sensitive Zuo Shihan dropped his spoon. His uncoordinated fingers trembled.

Guan Nuoyin quietly picked it up for him.

“Mom, who… is that man?” Zuo Shihan stammered, his voice rough and strange.

Tuo Wuyang frowned, displeased.

“The fish delivery boy,” Zuo Xiaotao replied hastily. “I invited him to eat since he hadn’t had lunch. It’s just a meal, right? We can spare a pair of chopsticks.”

In truth, Guan Nuoyin had always declined before. But today, inexplicably, he’d accepted.

“Oh…” Zuo Shihan muttered, eyes dark and wary as he stared at Guan Nuoyin. A flicker of fear crossed his face. “I want to eat in my room.”

Knowing Tuo Wuyang’s distaste for his son, Zuo Xiaotao ordered curtly, “You—come here. Stop serving. Take the young master to his room and feed him.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Tong Youxun had learned to obey without question. She wheeled Zuo Shihan toward his room.

Passing by Guan Nuoyin, she noticed his plate piled high with food, and how he ate—focused, silent, devoutly. Just like when he slept—serious and composed, as if even eating was a ritual.

Inside the room, the layout was the same as before: two beds, two wheelchairs, two nightstands—except one side now stood empty. Zuo Shiyun’s bed.

“Th-that wheelchair,” Zuo Shihan mumbled, “you can sit… there.”

She picked up the bowl that Yu-jie had prepared and brought it to him. But the moment she leaned closer, his gloomy eyes locked on hers, and he smiled—strangely, chillingly.

“Will you… stay with me… forever?”

“…”

“Like… Shiyun did?”

A shiver ran down her spine. She ignored him.

Then, without warning, as she lifted the spoon to his mouth, he lunged forward and sank his teeth deep into her hand.

“Ah! Let go, you—are you a dog?!” she screamed, pain bursting through her arm. The bowl shattered on the floor.

Zuo Shihan’s jaw was iron-strong, his teeth digging into her flesh. Between clenched teeth, he hissed, “Shiyun’s bed… is yours too…”

Tears stung her eyes. “Fine! Fine, it’s mine! Just let go!”

He finally released her—and smiled.

But before she could escape, the “crippled” boy suddenly pushed his wheelchair, blocking the doorway in one smooth motion.

Tong Youxun froze. Wasn’t he supposed to be paralyzed?

Zuo Shihan slumped lazily in his chair, eyes glinting with madness. His twisted voice came again, soft and eerie—

“Stay… and die… with me.”

The words slithered through the room like cold mist.