"Did you just smile?." Chen Lihua asked in surprise as she took the photograph from her.

Within seconds, Chynna's facial expression returned to normal.

​​

"Are you the one there, because she looks just like you?." Chynna asked as she gazed at her.

Chen Lihua took a look at the photograph, and an emotional smile appeared on her face.

She was currently staring at their picture of more than ten years ago.

"Of course I'm the one. I can't believe you still have this picture." Chen Lihua replied with her eyes glued to the photograph in her hands.

Chynna remained quiet as she moved her gaze to the surroundings. It was so peaceful, as she liked it that way.

"Did I change so much?." Chen Lihua asked as she returned the picture to her.

Chynna took the photograph and returned it to her pocket. "You look quite different. Maybe it's because you are pregnant."

"Yeah, you are right. I can't see my youthful look anymore." Chen Lihua replied.

"No matter the years that have gone by, you still look as beautiful as before," Chynna commented as she stared into the distance.

Chen Lihua wanted to say that she was beautiful just like before, but that word seems to fit her look.

Someone that jas been mentally deranged for years, will not be as beautiful as she was when she was normal.

"You didn't change a lot as well." Chen Lihua replied.

There was a sudden silence again. They conversed as if they were strangers who didn't have anything in common to talk about.

But Chen Lihua tried to mar small talks.

"You have changed a lot, this is the first time I'm seeing this version of you." Chen Lihua said as she gazed at her.

Chynna returned the gaze without saying anything. Her gaze was already asking a question, 'How did I change?.'

"You've become quieter, you used to be a vibrant and cheerful young teenager." Chen Lihua continued.

"You don't expect me to be the same as my old self after being crazy and locked up for years," Chennai said as she stole a glance at her.

"I'm sorry." Chen Lihua replied in guilt. For a moment, she forgot that situations change people.

"Don't be sorry," Chynna replied with a smile on her face.

"You know, I missed our times in high school." Chynna continued as she was lost in thought.

"I missed those times as well. Do you remember that time in class you sent a book flying and it hit Suzy? The book was aimed for my face, but you kicked it away on time. Can you remember how the class reacted when the book hit the sassy Suzy?." Chen Lihua asked with a smile on her face.

"Yes, I remember. That day turned Suzy into our enemy. Surprisingly, I can not remember the faces of our classmates anymore. You are the only exception." Chynna revealed as she gazed at Chen Lihua with a smile on her face.

"I think it's because I already earned a place in your heart." Chen Lihua replied as they gazed at each other.

"Thinking about it, you did earn a place in my heart. You are the only person that earned a place in my heart that is still alive. The rest, are all gone." Chynna said with a smile on her face.

Chen Lihua suddenly felt guilty as she stared at her friend. Chynna noticed her change in mood, so she said to her.

"Don't feel bad, it's not your fault. What had happened has happened? It's just that I don't have joy in my heart anymore, I can not remember what it feels like to be happy. I don't feel any reason to live because my life is worthless. No family."

"Chynna please don't talk that way. Your life is not worthless. You have a purpose in life. I will give you a reason to smile again. And please don't say you don't have any family when you still have me." Chen Lihua from the depths of her heart.

Chynna sighed without saying anything. She had lost all hope. It would not be easy for her to have hope once again.

Chen Lihua suddenly held her hands. "Chynna, look I'm sorry. I am so sorry for abandoning you for so many years."

Chynna glanced at their hands, before moving her gaze to her face.

"You are here now, and that is what matters."

"Thank you." Chen Lihua said as she smiled with gladness in her heart.

They had small talks, before Chen Lihua on to say as she handed the second bottle of water to her.

"Let us go for a little shopping. You haven't seen the world in years, let me take show you around." Chen Lihua said to her with a smile.

"There is no need to trouble you. I live in a little prison, so your gifts will not fit in there." Chynna replied.

She appreciated her effort, but she couldn't accept it.

"You are not troubling me, this is what is believed to be done, so please allow me to do it. Some gifts can, especially the edibles, while I keep the rest for you. Your doctor said you are recovering and showing fast improvement in your health, and will soon be free to leave. When you leave this place, I will help you start a new life, at least I owe you that."

Chen Lihua said, not ready to no for an answer.

Chynna exchanged glances with her. Seeing that stubborn look on her face, She finally nodded in agreement.

"Good! That's more like it! Before we leave, you need to eat first." Chen Lihua said to her before turning to look at her bodyguards she abandoned for the past one hour.

She gestured to them to bring the food from the car.

Within minutes, the food was served, and the delicious aroma of the food filled the place.

Chynna stared at the food in surprise.

Chen Lihua handed a pair of chopsticks to her as she asked, "Why are you staring at the food instead of eating it?."

Chynna took the chopsticks 🥢 from her before picking some vegetables and sending them to her mouth.

Recognizing the taste of the food, Chynna glanced at her in surprise. "You've been the one sending me food for the past year?."

"Yes." Chen Lihua confirmed without denying it.

"Hurry up and eat while the food is still warm." Chen Lihua ushered her.