From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of life

The two of us stood facing each other silently for a few seconds before I broke the silence: "You came here because you wanted to ask about Su Qing's situation, right?"

She neither admitted nor denied it; she simply stood there silently.

I could only say to myself, "Don't worry, she's feeling much better today. She's much more energetic than she was a couple of days ago, and she seems to be fine."

Su Wan raised her hand and gently tucked the stray hairs that had been ruffled by the evening breeze behind her ear. Her clear, cool voice carried a hint of depth:

"She has been physically weak and has a poor digestive system since she was a child. Her parents were more worried than anyone else about her going into the no-man's land this time."

"If they were worried, why did they agree to let her come?" I asked, puzzled.

Su Wan said calmly, "You know her personality. Once she's made up her mind, nothing can change it. Your parents can't stop her at all."

I paused for a moment, then asked, "So, do you think your parents truly love her?"

This question plunged Su Wan into a long silence.

A few seconds later, she slowly spoke: "I know they are busy with their careers all year round, and they have very little time to spend with and care for me and Su Qing, but they are not bad people at heart."

"I didn't say they were bad people. I just wanted to ask you, is the kind of love they give the kind of love that Su Qing or you want?"

This time, Su Wan was completely speechless and could no longer respond.

She remained silent and lost in thought, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes, clearly unable to offer an answer.

I slowly took a drag of my cigarette, looked at the night sky, chuckled softly, and continued:

"Actually, both of your personalities stem from the shortcomings of your original families. If you had grown up in a warm, harmonious, and supportive home, you wouldn't have the personalities you have now."

Su Wan remained silent, her gaze fixed on the lights of the distant streets, lost in thought.

I gave a self-deprecating smile: "I'm not qualified to judge your family affairs, much less to lecture you. Just take it as me saying whatever comes to mind. Get some rest."

After saying that, I stubbed out my cigarette and turned to go back to my room.

"Linye."

Suddenly, her clear, cold voice came from behind me, stopping me.

I stopped and looked back at her, my eyes full of confusion.

Su Wan withdrew her gaze from the distance, her cold face devoid of any warmth, her tone exceptionally serious:

"Su Qing's current physical condition simply cannot support her crossing the no-man's land. Do you understand what I mean?"

My heart skipped a beat, and I was stunned for a moment: "So you came along here to stop her from entering the no-man's-land?"

"Of course not. This is based on my understanding of her physical condition. If we forcibly enter the no-man's-land, do you think you'd feel comfortable with her in her current state?"

Su Wan's words reminded me.

Yes, Su Qing's energy tonight was all forced.

He looked radiant after recovering from a serious illness, but his body was far from fully recovered from its weakness.

Even if the follow-up examination at the hospital tomorrow is normal, I still won't feel at ease.

Seeing my silence, Su Wan continued in a deep voice, "I don't care what your relationship with her is, or how much you indulge her. But you are in charge of this trip to the no-man's-land. Ensuring the safety of the entire team is your most basic responsibility, and you cannot let any personal feelings interfere."

My heart skipped a beat.

She's right, safety is paramount, and it's my job responsibility.

I nodded solemnly, then looked at her again and changed the subject, asking, "Why didn't you come in at the barbecue restaurant earlier?"

She said in a flat, almost indifferent tone, "It's too noisy inside, not suitable for me."

These words made my heart sink suddenly, and a complex mix of emotions surged within me.

Tonight, Su Qing is the one everyone favors.

Everyone could see her radiance, and the gentleness and favor she possessed with ease.

But Su Wan will always be the bystander standing outside the hustle and bustle.

I sighed softly: "It's not that you're not suitable, you're just used to standing outside alone."

Is there a difference between the two?

She asked indifferently, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

I was speechless for a moment.

She was too cold and restrained, yet I could see an unconcealable loneliness and grievance in her clear, cold eyes.

After a moment of silence, I spoke again: "Su Qing often tells me that from childhood to adulthood, her parents always compare you to her, saying that you are better and more sensible than her in every way."

"I know," Su Wan replied, her tone completely flat.

I thought the conversation was over, but then she suddenly uttered a self-deprecating remark:

"But do you know that everyone likes her more?"

That sentence made me pause for a moment.

I frowned slightly: "That doesn't seem right. You're better than her in every way—knowledge, ability, and character. Judging from what Su Qing said, it seems your parents prefer you because you're more outstanding."

Su Wan didn't argue, but just tugged at the corner of her mouth, revealing a very faint self-deprecating smile.

After a few seconds of silence, she slowly spoke: "I admit that I am better than her in many ways. But there is no denying that she is much more likable than me."

"Because she is real, vibrant, and passionate," I replied.

"That's right." Su Wan nodded gently. "She's lively and vibrant, while I'm quiet and reserved. She needs to be pampered and cared for, while I've always been independent and sensible. She can be willful and playful, and easily be favored by everyone."

"It's always been like this since she was little. Whenever she has even the slightest emotional outburst, everyone will cater to her and accommodate her. As for me, no matter how much I suffer or how many hardships I endure, I can only silently bear it all."

"In everyone's perception, I am mature and steady, so I take it for granted that I don't need anyone's care or favoritism."

Every word was calm and even, yet it concealed years of pent-up grievances, leaving one feeling suffocated.

Looking at her cold and lonely eyes, I felt a mix of emotions.

After a moment of silence, he said, "No one is forcing you to do this. You can be a little more willful and relaxed, just like Su Qing."

Do you think a person's personality is something they decide for themselves?

That question stumped me.

At that moment, I finally understood the stark contrast in the fates of these two sisters.

Su Qing's endearing qualities are innate, a pure quality that makes people want to protect her.

She doesn't have to do anything; just standing there with a smile is enough to win everyone's kindness.

Su Wan's tragedy is that she is too sensible, too calm, and too mature.

Everyone assumed that she didn't need to be pitied, accommodated, or favored.

including me.

I remained silent for a long time before saying in a low voice, "She was unusually happy tonight; she was simply relaxing."

"I know, I didn't mean to blame her," Su Wan replied immediately, without a trace of malice towards Su Qing.

"She's great, has a good personality, and is popular. Who wouldn't like her?"

She even objectively and soberly acknowledged everything about Su Qing.

There was no jealousy, no resentment.

They wouldn't let herself off the hook.

She looked up at me, her gaze fixed on me, and suddenly gave a self-deprecating laugh: "I just feel envious sometimes."

My Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and I was momentarily speechless.

The evening breeze was chilly in the courtyard, and the lights were dim and cold.

We sat facing each other in silence; this was the first time she had opened up to me since joining the team.

It was only at this moment that I realized that Su Wan, who seemed invincible, was not as strong and indifferent as she appeared.

She also has weaknesses, regrets, and a heart full of grievances.

But people's hearts are always biased.

At first glance, everyone will always prefer the bright, passionate, and harmless Su Qing.

She can only be seen when the excitement has subsided and everyone needs stability and support.

As night deepened, the guesthouse fell completely silent.

She took a step back, creating distance, and reverted to the aloof and restrained Su Wan.

Get some rest.

Four simple words, both distant and polite.

After saying that, she turned and went back to her room.

The door closed gently, separating two completely different worlds.

I stood alone in the courtyard, staring at the two tightly closed doors in front of me.

Inside the room, there is the warmth of everyday life, and the white moonlight that everyone cherishes.

Inside the room, there was only silent suffering, a thorn in the heart that no one cared about.