Tang Tang sat up from the bed, "You little brat, why haven't you contacted me after so long? I called you internationally and you didn't pick up, not even WeChat or video calls connected. You went to America and became unreachable."
Shi Xinxin, on the other end of the video call, looked pale and weak, as if she was forcing herself to stay upright. "I was sick."
Upon hearing this, Tang Tang became even more worried, "You were sick? A cold and fever?"
Shi Xinxin nodded, "For three days. I'm finally better today."
"Three days? Don't tell me your constitution is so weak that you caught a cold and fever as soon as you got to America." Tang Tang gave Shi Xinxin a disdainful look.
Shi Xinxin nodded, "It's exactly as you said. I was just pathetically sick."
Tang Tang sounded helpless, "You're all alone in a foreign land, with no one to accompany you or take care of you. You have to be careful and look after yourself. Don't make others worry."
Shi Xinxin blew her nose, "I know. It's just that I'm not used to it yet. I'll be fine once I adapt. Don't worry. In a year, you'll see a lively and energetic Shi Xinxin."
"I hope so," Tang Tang replied unceremoniously.
Looking at Tang Tang, Shi Xinxin felt that something about her seemed different. "Why do I feel like you've changed?"
Tang Tang touched her face, "I've changed? How?"
Shi Xinxin had a feeling, but if she really had to pinpoint what was different about Tang Tang, she would need some time to think.
So, Shi Xinxin stared intently at Tang Tang for a long time, but still couldn't figure out what to say.
"I actually can't quite explain it, but I just feel like you're a bit different." As she spoke, Shi Xinxin coughed twice.
Hearing Shi Xinxin's cough, Tang Tang worried even more, "Did you see a doctor? Don't just keep pushing it; it's bad for your health. You're alone abroad with no one to care for you. You need to know how to take care of yourself."
Shi Xinxin sounded exasperated, "My dear sister, we're discussing you right now. Why are you shifting the focus to me?"
"My changes don't matter. I have plenty of people to take care of me and watch over me back home. You're different, silly girl. If you can't cope, come back home quickly. Don't end up being sick and dying alone in a foreign land; that would be truly miserable."
Sometimes, Tang Tang could be quite blunt.
Shi Xinxin showed a melancholic smile, "If that's how it's meant to be, then so be it."
Hearing Shi Xinxin say that, Tang Tang's worried heart started to flutter again. After all, this girl used to be optimistic and positive, and to hear her say such things now was truly concerning.
"Shi Xinxin, that doesn't sound like you. What exactly happened? Tell me quickly," Tang Tang frowned and pressed Shi Xinxin.
But Shi Xinxin easily steered the conversation away, "Tell me, is your change somehow related to Xiao Feng?"
"I'm asking you a question," Tang Tang clearly didn't want to bring up that topic. Her current concern was solely for Shi Xinxin.
Shi Xinxin was equally stubborn, "I'm asking you too."
Tang Tang knew she couldn't win against Shi Xinxin, so she could only nod, "Yes, Xiao Feng said goodbye to me, and he wants to propose."
Upon hearing this explosive news, Shi Xinxin's previously poor complexion instantly brightened with a smile, "Really? Did you accept? Did you agree right away? Tang Tang, I actually know that you have some feelings for Xiao Feng too."
"Yes, I can't deny that. When I first learned I had a fiancé I'd never met, I just thought it was incredible and absurd. After all, what era are we in?" Tang Tang said this with disbelief on her face.
But after a moment, Tang Tang's expression turned blissful, "Even when I saw Xiao Feng for the first time, I still didn't think he was the right man for me. But his persistent pursuit started to change my opinion of him."
Hearing Tang Tang say this, Shi Xinxin was also very happy for her good friend, "So, Tang Tang, are you accepting Xiao Feng now?"
"I suppose so," Tang Tang nodded, her happy expression still evident, "But I haven't accepted his proposal. I think it's too soon. We still need to get to know each other better. I can't just dive in headfirst. I'm not as foolish as you."
When this topic was brought up, Shi Xinxin's eyes dimmed slightly, "Yes, I was foolish. But give me this year, and I will definitely put Sheng Chenjin completely out of my mind. Absolutely."
Tang Tang looked at Shi Xinxin's serious expression every time she mentioned forgetting Sheng Chenjin, yet her eyes held a hint of reluctance.
Tang Tang didn't believe that Shi Xinxin could truly forget Sheng Chenjin by staying away.
"Tang Tang," Shi Xinxin's voice pulled Tang Tang back from her thoughts.
"What?" Tang Tang asked.
Shi Xinxin showed an appreciative expression, "I finally understand why I said you were different just now."
Tang Tang looked at Shi Xinxin, still a bit confused, "Then tell me, why am I different?"
Shi Xinxin propped her chin on her hands, "The taste of love. Indeed, love can make a woman different. You are more vibrant now, and your expression clearly shows your happiness."
Hearing Shi Xinxin say this, Tang Tang felt a bit shy, even though Shi Xinxin was her best friend.
"Alright, alright, let's not talk about all this. Since you've finally connected the video, let's talk about our own lives. Let's not talk about men." Tang Tang was more interested in knowing how Shi Xinxin was doing in America.
But every time these things were brought up, aside from mentioning her cold and illness, Shi Xinxin couldn't hide anything else. She always put on a cheerful facade to tell Tang Tang about her recent life in America.
However, would Tang Tang, who knew Shi Xinxin so well, believe her?
In the same cafe where she last spoke with Xu Jiayi, Tang Tang sat by the window, seemingly waiting for someone.
A moment later, a handsome young man wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses walked into the cafe and sat down in front of Tang Tang.