Originally, Ye Chang’an and Jiang Jixue were both supposed to be taken to the police station to explain what happened and undergo questioning.

But thanks to Ye Xiaoxian’s guarantee, they were allowed to stay.

Jiang Jixue had kept her head bowed the entire time. The tear tracks on her face had dried, along with faint smears of blood—yet the wound in her heart would never heal.

She’d avenged her sister, in a brutally cathartic way… through beating. Improper? Perhaps. But the culprit deserved it.

Even so—could anyone claim she’d truly moved on?

No… Because no matter what she did, her sister was gone forever.

For a year, a raw fissure had torn open inside her: scabbing over, ripped apart again, bleeding, scabbing—until today, when fresh blood seeped faintly once more.

That scar would never fade.

But Jiang Jixue had done everything she could for her sister.

She could rest with a clear conscience.

Ye Xiaoxian watched the purple-haired girl, a flicker of memory stirring in her mind.

After a long silence, she murmured softly,

“I’m sorry…”

She’d said those words a year ago too—after Jiang Jixue’s sister died at her school.

Xiaoxian never shirked responsibility. Back then, she’d insisted on a full investigation.

But the police closed the case: insufficient evidence, ruled suicide due to depression.

Jiang Jixue finally stirred from her daze, looked at Ye Xiaoxian, and shook her head.

“No… *I* should thank *you*, Chairwoman.”

She’d said the same thing a year ago.

Not just for protecting her now—but because after her sister’s passing, almost no one stood by her… except the Chairwoman, who believed her and spared no effort or resources to investigate.

Even though it ended in vain, Jiang Jixue’s respect remained unwavering.

She left unsteadily. At the door, she glanced back at Chang’an.

Who should thank whom? It was hard to say.

If he hadn’t run into her… Chang’an couldn’t imagine what might have happened to Qianqian.

And if he’d been late… regret would have haunted him forever.

Before stepping out, Jiang Jixue silently mouthed two words.

Ye Chang’an froze slightly. *So she already noticed…*

“Chang’an.”

The first time since his reincarnation that someone outside his inner circle had seen through his identity.

*Will we meet again?* he wondered.

Ye Xiaoxian frowned slightly, voice turning earnest.

“Alright. Time to tell me exactly what happened. And Qianqian—you’ve had enough. If you can stand, stop clinging to your brother!” Her tone sharpened on the last part.

Qianqian’s cheeks flushed. She stayed silent, nestled deeper in Chang’an’s arms, nuzzling his chest with a deliberately frail expression.

*Leaving Brother’s side? Impossible… Not in this lifetime…*

*Sigh.* Let the little girl have her way—she was a victim too.

*Drugged?*

*That teacher… really asking for it.*

Gu Qianqian was Xiaoxian’s friend. They’d all been close once…

Xiaoxian dismissed everyone except Xiyan.

Ye Chang’an began recounting his encounter with Jiang Jixue.

He told it vividly. Slowly, Qianqian perked up in his arms, listening like it was a story, gazing at him with starry-eyed wonder.

“N-no! It’s not a story—it’s true!” Chang’an hurriedly added, sensing the shift.

A twitch tugged at Xiaoxian’s lips. If it weren’t her brother speaking, she’d have sworn it was fiction.

*Brother seeing scenes from the past?* Unbelievable…

But then—*he did reincarnate.* Strange things around him weren’t so surprising after all.

Her doubts eased slightly.

“Still, that won’t hold up in court. But don’t worry—the teacher got what she deserved. This time, we’ll leave no stone unturned for conclusive evidence.”

“I’ll handle everything. She *will* face punishment.”

Chang’an nodded, warmth blooming in his chest.

Five years… Xiaoxian’s figure unchanged, yet so much more capable. Truly reliable now.

Qianqian shivered with belated fear, especially hearing the truth behind that girl’s suicide a year ago.

*If it had been me… I might’ve chosen the same path.*

But—thankfully—Brother was back. He saved her.

Happiness flooded her. Eyes half-closed, she breathed in his scent, clinging tight, ears burning crimson.

Watching them, Xiaoxian suppressed a faint pang of jealousy.

“That’s enough, Qianqian. I’ll get you leave for this afternoon. Rest at home.”

“I… I want Brother to stay with me…”

Finally brave, Qianqian spoke up.

*Shamelessly spoiled!* Xiaoxian bit back a scold—Qianqian was still healing.

“Then I’ll take her home. Pick me up later, Xiaoxian.”

“…Fine. But no funny business, okay?”

“No way!” Chang’an’s face flushed. He knew *exactly* what impure thoughts danced in his sister’s head.

Qianqian’s expression suddenly dimmed.