Chapter 12: The Truth of the Accident

“I’m not entirely sure either. After I woke up, I realized I had no memory of what happened before. I only recall receiving a car as a gift at a birthday party. Everything after that is a blank, no matter how hard I try to remember. When I was taken to the hospital, doctors found traces of sleeping pills and hallucinogens in my system.”

“So, it was an attempted murder?”

“Perhaps. My father runs a big business, and he’s made quite a few enemies.”

As Ji Wenyan spoke these words, a slight unease stirred within him.

While his words were true, he suspected the attacker wasn’t targeting his father, but him directly.

In other words, the culprit simply wanted him dead.

Back when he attended private high school, his former circle of ‘friends’ had engaged in plenty of reckless behavior. Though Ji Wenyan hadn’t actively participated, he had been present, watching it all unfold.

He had accumulated his own share of enemies, which made him hesitant to reveal the truth now.

It was clear that Bai Mengze’s attitude towards him had significantly improved.

If she knew about his past, she would likely raise an eyebrow at him once more.

Still, his past actions had been driven by a desire to fit in.

Now, having already died once, Ji Wenyan no longer cared about fitting in.

His top priority was to quickly cultivate Bai Mengze’s attributes.

Upon learning that Ji Wenyan’s accident wasn’t due to street racing, Bai Mengze’s demeanor softened slightly. She was no longer prickly and defensive as she had been initially.

‘If Ji Wenyan was telling the truth, then he was quite unfortunate, targeted for murder in his early teens.’

“I’m truly grateful for your help on both occasions. But last night at the party, why did you kiss me?”

As Bai Mengze recalled the events of the previous night, she instinctively scooted her chair back a little.

Bai Mengze had already pondered this question yesterday.

‘She had assumed Ji Wenyan was merely trying to tease her.’

However, after their current conversation, she found herself unsure once more.

‘Ji Wenyan didn’t seem like such a bad person.’

“Well… yesterday, I was trying to stop you from calling the police. Director Mo’s behavior is arrogant, so he likely has significant backing. While I don’t fear him, you’re not in a position to cross him.”

Upon hearing Bai Mengze press him about the kiss from last night, a faint blush crept up Ji Wenyan’s cheeks, and he quickly fumbled for another excuse.

Even after experiencing the unfair treatment following her parents’ deaths, Bai Mengze had matured considerably. Her personality had also undergone some changes as a result.

Yet, she was still inexperienced in the ways of the world, not inherently cold, and thus remained a naive young girl.

‘Otherwise, Ji Wenyan felt he wouldn’t have been able to deceive her at all.’

‘If it had been a more seasoned individual, setting aside whether they’d believe Ji Wenyan’s words, the matter of the kiss itself wouldn’t have been so easily dismissed.’

However, seeing Bai Mengze’s trusting expression now made Ji Wenyan realize he needed to impart more worldly wisdom to her in the future.

‘She couldn’t be allowed to be led astray by a mere lollipop.’

‘Despite both being academic slackers, he was far more capable than Bai Mengze!’

“I see. But we’re not close, so if something like that happens again, you don’t need to get involved.”

“Why refuse someone’s good intentions?”

“Only you can truly resolve your own difficulties. Relying on others will ultimately lead to dependence.”

As she spoke, Bai Mengze shook her head with a hint of bitterness.

While her opinion of Ji Wenyan had shifted slightly, Bai Mengze had no desire to continue interacting with him.

Even if Ji Wenyan’s intentions were good, she simply didn’t want to forge connections with anyone else.

Her past experiences with relatives and friends had shown her the harsh realities of the world.

Having already endured one blow, there was no need to repeat the experience.

“No! You can rely on me without worry! If anyone dares to bully you, I’ll help you get revenge.”

However, Ji Wenyan was far from satisfied with this outcome.

He reached out and took Bai Mengze’s hand directly. His expression was sincere.

Despite having significantly improved their relationship, her continued refusal to let him get closer frustrated Ji Wenyan, who was already pressed for time and unwilling to waste any more.

Time was life!

“Classmate Ji, your injuries…”

No sooner had the dismissal bell rung than the girls in the class, having primped themselves, flocked to the infirmary in groups. They hoped to impress Ji Wenyan, vying to win over the handsome, wealthy second-generation heir as soon as possible.

Then, they witnessed the scene unfolding.

They also heard Ji Wenyan’s heartfelt words.

Unfortunately, they weren’t directed at them, but at a similarly stunned Bai Mengze.

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