Chapter 117 Return
After chatting with Lin Xiaocan for a while, Shen Jingqi returned to his room to rest.
The first ray of morning light shone through the gap in the curtains, casting dappled shadows beside Shen Jingqi's bed.
He slowly opened his eyes, stretched lazily, and planned to start a new day. However, when he turned his head to look at the bedside, he suddenly froze.
Originally, Lin Xiaocan should have been lying there, but now it had become Li Baiyu.
Shen Jingqi rubbed his eyes, thinking he was mistaken, but the scene before him did not change. Li Baiyu was quietly lying on the bed, her breathing even and steady, as if everything was normal.
A sense of inexplicable doubt and unease surged through Shen Jingqi's heart.
Overnight, Li Baiyu's sub-personality, Lin Xiaocan, had disappeared again.
Even though Li Baiyu and Cong Nanxue looked similar, their temperament and demeanor were completely different. Shen Jingqi didn't know Cong Nanxue well, but having been with Li Baiyu for so long, he could easily tell them apart.
Between Li Baiyu's eyebrows, there was a calmness and restraint, with a gleam of wisdom in her eyes. Whereas Cong Nanxue, although he hadn't interacted with her much, he could feel her unique liveliness and playfulness.
The sunlight streamed through the curtains, illuminating every corner of the room and brightening Li Baiyu's slightly cold face. She sat quietly at the bedside, her eyes deep, as if pondering something. Lin Xiaocan was always a girl full of vitality and enthusiasm, and if she appeared at this moment, she would greet the new day in a completely different manner.
Li Baiyu's long hair gently draped over her shoulders, dressed in a simple and elegant manner, yet with details that revealed her unique taste and temperament.
In contrast, Lin Xiaocan was like a spring breeze, filled with endless energy and surprises. Her smile was always so bright, as if no worries could trouble her. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and exploration, full of an infinite longing and love for the world. Her hair was often casually tied in a ponytail or loosely draped over her shoulders, and this casualness revealed her unique charm. Her clothing style varied, sometimes sweet and lovely, sometimes cool and unrestrained, always bringing unexpected surprises.
In terms of personality, the differences between Li Baiyu and Lin Xiaocan were even more evident. Li Baiyu was introverted and deep, she was adept at observing and thinking, with unique insights into people and things. She didn't easily express her feelings, but once she spoke, every word was valuable and striking. She was sincere and loyal to her friends, always silently providing support and encouragement behind the scenes. In contrast, Lin Xiaocan was outgoing and lively, her enthusiasm was infectious, always able to use her vitality to influence those around her. She was good at socializing, always easily building bridges of friendship with strangers. She faced life with optimism and positivity, and even when encountering difficulties, she approached them with a broad mindset.
In terms of interests and hobbies, the two also had distinctly different pursuits. Li Baiyu loved reading and thinking, she enjoyed searching for spiritual solace and sparks of wisdom in the sea of books. She favored literary works that could touch the heart and provoke deep thought, and she also enjoyed exploring the mysteries of psychology, trying to unravel the enigma of the human mind. On the other hand, Lin Xiaocan was passionate about sports and art. She loved running, swimming, and other sports, enjoying the exhilaration and satisfaction after sweating it out. She also liked painting, singing, and other art forms, using these ways to express her inner emotions and thoughts.
In interpersonal interactions, Li Baiyu and Lin Xiaocan had different ways of expression. Li Baiyu was a good listener, always patiently listening to others' stories before offering pertinent suggestions and comfort. She didn't judge others easily, but rather approached each person with a tolerant and understanding attitude. In contrast, Lin Xiaocan was more proactive and direct, and she was adept at using humor and wit to defuse awkwardness and tension. She always communicated with people in a relaxed and pleasant manner, making them feel her sincerity and enthusiasm.
However, despite their many differences in personality, interests, and interpersonal styles, together they formed the complex and rich inner world of Li Baiyu. Lin Xiaocan, as a sub-personality of Li Baiyu, not only added color and vitality to Li Baiyu's life but also offered more options and possibilities when facing difficulties.
"Good morning, senior."
"You were with Lin Xiaocan yesterday, right?"
"Senior, you already knew?"
"Yes," Li Baiyu nodded, "Sometimes, I envy Lin Xiaocan's carefree and free-spirited attitude towards life. I wish I could pursue my dreams and happiness as bravely as Lin Xiaocan. But at the same time, I am well aware that I cannot completely become like Lin Xiaocan. Although we share the same body and soul, their thoughts and emotions are independent and irreplaceable."
Shen Jingqi also fell into contemplation.
Currently, Lin Xiaocan has appeared twice, and Shen Jingqi's heart is filled with more and more questions. Why does Lin Xiaocan appear? What does her existence mean? Is it to help Li Baiyu face inner conflicts? Or is there a deeper meaning?
"Senior, I feel that Lin Xiaocan's appearance is to help you better face inner fears and anxieties. She represents the suppressed passion and courage deep within you, she is your strongest support when facing difficulties."
Shen Jingqi walked to the window, drew the curtains, and let the sunlight fill the entire room. Then, he returned to the bedside and gently nudged Li Baiyu.
Li Baiyu was trying to recall what happened last night.
"Even if I returned, why am I here?" Li Baiyu's voice carried a hint of doubt.
Shen Jingqi shrugged helplessly: "I don't know either. Last night before I went to bed, Lin Xiaocan was in her own room. I'm not sure how you came over!"
Li Baiyu furrowed her eyebrows, evidently also puzzled by this issue. She sat up and rubbed her temples, trying to remember the bits and pieces.
"Senior, did you notice anything unusual?" Shen Jingqi cautiously asked.
Li Baiyu shook her head: "No, everything was normal. It wasn't until you woke me up just now that I realized I was here."
Shen Jingqi was silent for a moment, then said: "Senior, I think there's something off about this situation. Lin Xiaocan's sudden appearance was strange enough, and now she has suddenly disappeared, … there must be a reason behind this."
Li Baiyu nodded in agreement: "I think so too. But what should we do now?"
"Senior, do you think Lin Xiaocan's disappearance could be related to her inner world?" Shen Jingqi suddenly asked.
Li Baiyu paused for a moment, then nodded: "It's possible. Lin Xiaocan's inner world is full of unknowns and mysteries, perhaps she encountered something she couldn't solve, and chose to avoid."