159 Best Friends

"Really?" Shen Jiayi asked.

When she saw Gu Yan nod, Shen Jiayi's face didn't look too good.

She was well aware that prior to Gu Yan's arrival at the capital, the latter wasn't acquainted with Shen Nana. The conflict between them probably arose during the incident at the book shop.

If it weren't for Shen Nana's constant ill-treatment, Gu Yan might not have involved herself with her troubles. Then, perhaps no seed of discord would grow between Gu Yan and Shen Nana.

A sense of guilt got the better of Shen Jiayi. "Gu Yan, sorry…"

"That is why you can't remain timid for the rest of your life. You need to become strong. That way, if Shen Nana wants to bully me again, you can protect me too." Gu Yan let out a warm smile. Her eyes were dazzling like the sun.

Shen Jiayi was stunned. "M-me? Protect you?"

"Yes, aren't we friends already?" Gu Yan suddenly put on an angry expression. "Wait, did you not consider us friends?"

"No! No," Shen Jiayi denied it immediately and declared, "Gu Yan, you're my first friend and my best friend!"

"Then, are you willing to protect me?" Gu Yan looked at her patiently.

Shen Jiayi knew she was cowardly and soft. She couldn't protect Gu Yan right now. However, after being seared by Gu Yan's trusting eyes, she couldn't reject it.

A childhood memory struck Shen Jiayi. Back then, she just stepped foot on the capital as she carried a broken doll, which was sewn by her mom stitch by stitch.

Later on, her precious toy was snatched away by Shen Nana. It was then lost thereafter.

Shen Jiayi was crestfallen. When she tried asking Shen Nana to return it, the latter shoved her, causing her to knock over her grandfather's favorite vase. Naturally, the porcelain shattered. It left Shen Jiayi dumbfounded.

By the time the adults arrived, Shen Nana claimed it was Shen Jiayi who broke it. Even though their grandfather didn't say anything, Shen Jiayi could clearly see the blatant disappointment in his eyes.

Unfortunately, even her mother scolded her for something she didn't do.

Shen Jiayi was too young back then. She was thrown in an unfamiliar environment for the first time. Even though the people around her were said to be her kin, they were practically strangers.

Not to mention, that vase did really end up breaking due to her fall in their eyes...

Shen Jiayi clenched her fists.

She couldn't even protect her doll. Could she dare to protect her friend?

Shen Jiayi looked up and noticed Gu Yan's bandaged right hand…

If Gu Yan didn't react quickly, that scalding water was enough to ruin Gu Yan's face!

In that instant, Shen Jiayi felt as though courage was being injected in her heart. She looked up excitedly. "I-I will try hard. I…"

"Mhm, I know." Gu Yan was a doctor. She knew about Shen Jiayi's situation. A change in mentality required patience and opportunity.

Hence, she was in no rush. But still, she wasn't going to give up either.

She patted Shen Jiayi's shoulder and said, "I believe you, Jiayi, take it slow. By the way, if you have time, go learn subjugation techniques with Guo Rou. It's better to learn something else."

If she was equipped with those, she would be able to protect herself in special circumstances.

Shen Jiayi nodded heavily.

Even with an anxious voice, she exclaimed, "I'll go ask Guo Rou now and see whether she has the time to teach me!"