After leaving the hospital, Claire Green went back to Song Manor and took out all her documents.
She was currently sitting in the bookstore where the original owner used to work part-time, casually flipping through a book on the table with one hand while occasionally picking at a small cake with the other.
The soft lighting fell on her, adding a touch of gentleness.
There weren't many people in the bookstore, and Claire's appearance became a beautiful scenery that attracted everyone's gaze.
"Sister, look, that young lady is so pretty," a girl whispered, tugging at her companion's sleeve, excitedly pointing with her finger.
The girl next to her was seriously looking at a book, suddenly interrupted by her friend's antics, and followed the direction of her pointing with a slight frown.
What greeted her was Claire's stunningly beautiful face.
The love for beauty is inherent in everyone. Seeing this face, the girl's uncomfortable expression turned to excitement, "Such a beautiful young lady really exists."
The two girls completely forgot why they were there, and kept discussing Claire.
Meanwhile, a social media user with the ID "Tomato Quite Sweet" posted a video on Weibo, and the protagonist of the video was Claire Green.
"Tomato Quite Sweet: Look at this treasure I found."
With over a million followers, this big V's post quickly garnered comments.
"Is the treasure the bookstore, or the gorgeous young lady?"
"Betting fifty cents, it's definitely the young lady."
"I don't want to say anything, I just wish I could be that cake right now."
"Ahhhh, how can a young lady look so good even while eating?"
"Thumbs up to the above comment, every time I eat, it's a pitiful sight."
"Blogger, you've changed. You need to know you've matured as a big V, so I give you a minute, I want all the young lady's information."
"Hahaha, the comment above cracked me up."
Of course, some liked the video while others disliked it, and soon a group of snarky comments appeared.
"Looking like that, she must have had plastic surgery."
"That's right, she's a plastic surgery dog."
"A good self-media blogger turned into a bootlicker, disgusting, unfollowed."
Seeing those comments, he laughed angrily and immediately retorted.
"You think a girl had surgery just because you're ugly. Why not blame your mom? And to those saying they're unfollowing, thank you very much, don't let the door hit you on the way out."
Once this Weibo post came out, everyone was liking it, and comments about not sending off were all over, which was genuinely amusing.
Meanwhile, the protagonist at the center of the topic was receiving "loving care" from the store manager.
"Olivia, I'm telling you, you can't do this anymore."
"You were lucky to survive this time, what about next time?"
"You won't always be so lucky, if necessary, go to the police…"
Elaine spoke earnestly, looking like she was worrying herself sick over Olivia.
Claire's hand flipping the book paused, the voice beside her kept on going, with no sign of stopping.
Did she forget this is a bookstore and it should be quiet? Now the whole store was filled with her voice.
Elaine saw that she'd said so much, yet Claire hadn't said a word nor given her a glance, becoming curious about what book could be so captivating.
She reached to take the book, then saw the large letters of the title "On the Making of a Scumbag," and her mouth twitched.
How could her bookstore have such an odd book? It's nothing but a bad influence, this won't do, it must be confiscated.
Claire sat in the chair, calmly watching Elaine take the book away, observing all her expressions, a hint of a smile flashing across her eyes.
"What is this…" she started to say.
She was interrupted by Elaine, "Kids shouldn't be reading this," seeing Claire's innocent look, suddenly feeling even more guilty, "Uh, did you remember everything I just said?"
The change in topic was a bit awkward.
However, Claire didn't expose it, just nodded, indicating she remembered.
"Are you sure you remembered? Then tell me what I just said." Elaine said, a face full of disbelief.
"Kids shouldn't read this," Claire glanced at the book, the meaning obvious.
Seeing the smile on Claire's face, how could Elaine not realize it was intentional? She raised her hand and angrily ruffled Claire's hair until it was a mess before letting go.
With her hair all frizzy, Claire blinked, looking extremely well-behaved.
Seeing this, Elaine felt she might have been a bit too much, starting to condemn herself internally. How could I do this to such a good kid?
Witnessing this scene, the two girls had reddened faces from excitement, "So well-behaved, like a cat."
"Right, look at that hair, I want to ruffle it too."
Hearing this, Elaine glanced at Claire's hair, feeling the urge again.
The texture seemed really nice.
Claire had just tidied her hair when she heard this, looked up to meet Elaine's gaze.
Elaine averted her gaze, awkwardly smiling, "Well, Olivia, do you want more cake?"
Seeing her like this, Claire glanced at the half-eaten cake on the table, choosing not to expose it.
"Yes."
Having gotten the answer she wanted, Elaine unhesitatingly turned and left.
She looked a bit like she was fleeing.
Claire picked up her phone, leisurely following behind her, eyes full of laughter.
At the counter, Elaine patted her chest to calm her nerves, then grabbed a piece of cake ready to go out.
As she turned, she saw Claire standing there, instantly jumping, almost dropping the cake in her hand.
Luckily, Claire reached out to steady it, taking the cake with long fingers, and took a bite, "Thank you, Elaine."
"Ah, I'm glad you like it," Elaine said softly, blushing.
Olivia eating looked quite enticing.
Though Claire found it strange that Elaine's face was suddenly red, she didn't intend to ask.
"Elaine, I won't be coming again."
Facing Elaine, Claire was grateful, after all, she was the only one who gave warmth to the original owner, so she didn't react coldly to her.
Suddenly hearing this, Elaine froze, silently looking at her, not knowing what to say.
The atmosphere instantly became awkward, and as someone who didn't like chatting, Claire nodded and prepared to leave.
Behind her, Elaine's voice came, a bit soft, might not hear if not paying attention, "Why."
Claire didn't turn back, opening the door to see heavy rain pouring outside, and just like that, walked into the rain.
Elaine stood there, watching the back, recalling what she said before leaving, "I need to do what I'm meant to do."
She wasn't foolish, ever since Claire came today, she felt her change; she used to be gentle as water, but now she always carried a sense of distance.
She understood, that gentle girl "died" yesterday, thinking of today's change, Elaine smiled, this might not be a bad thing.
But as she smiled, tears began to flow, it shouldn't be like this.
The bookstore's customers saw the owner both crying and laughing, feeling worried.
"Elaine, are you okay?" asked one of the store's regular customers.
"I'm fine, just really happy," Elaine wiped her tears, unable to hide the joy in her voice.
"Well, as long as you're okay."