Summer also noticed something was wrong. The distance wasn't that great; Clara shouldn't have failed to see her.

For a moment, she thought she had misidentified her.

But as Clara walked past her step by step, Summer’s heart sank.

She was absolutely certain: this was Clara Tang.

But she was blind!

Summer couldn't describe the feeling in her heart. In the past, she had pursued Ethan Shaw like one possessed.

Later, after meeting her current husband, she had slowly moved on.

It was only then she truly understood that what she had felt before wasn't love.

Perhaps she had truly loved Ethan once, but after discovering the history between him and Clara, that love turned into an obsession that shackled her.

Back in their school days, she couldn't compare to Clara.

And in love, she had also been defeated by her.

Was it love? It was likely more about resentment.

Once she finally fought her way out of that cycle, she realized how ridiculous she had been—much like a villainess in a novel.

But the world shouldn't revolve around them. Summer Sheng deserved to be the protagonist of her own life.

Looking back at Ethan and Clara now, Summer actually felt a touch of pity.

Ethan had lost his love and could never escape the cycle of guilt and regret.

And now, seeing the blind Clara, she felt only sorrow.

Clara Tang was a good person, both as a doctor and as a friend.

It was just a pity that they had missed so much along the way.

As Summer watched Clara’s back disappear at the end of the road, the owner of the tailor shop noticed her gaze and spoke up: "You know the Tang girl?"

Chapter 21

Summer snapped back to her senses and turned toward the kindly old woman.

"I do. We were former colleagues."

The old woman waved her cattail fan, her tone full of regret. "Such a pity. Such a good girl, and now she can't see."

Summer’s heart stirred. "Have they lived here long?"

The old woman suddenly grew animated. "You didn't know? The Tangs have been here for decades. Thirteenth Alley is full of old residents. The Tang girl didn't come by much before; it’s only since she lost her sight these last few years that she’s lived here permanently."

"Everyone in this alley is an old acquaintance. The Tangs feel safe here; we look out for her whenever we see her."

Summer nodded in understanding.

"Look at the end of that lane." The old woman pointed with her fan toward the end of the alley leading to the main road.

Summer followed her gaze. That was the direction Clara had just come from.

"The Tang family flower shop is right there. The girl has been working there lately."

"She’s a wonderful girl—polite, sweet, not a bit lazy, and very strong. Truly a pity."

The old woman’s voice became increasingly sympathetic.

Summer felt a pang of sadness. Just then, her mother-in-law came out, cheerfully calling her to go home.

She had no choice but to keep this shocking encounter to herself for the moment.

...

When Clara arrived home, her mother hadn't returned yet, but Marcus was there.

"Marcus Tang," Clara called out, somewhat exasperated. "Is something burning on the stove?"

Hearing her, Marcus jumped up in a hurry, but he accidentally slammed into the table leg.

The heavy impact made him let out a muffled groan.

Clara instinctively wanted to step forward, but then remembered her blindness and halted abruptly.

Her voice, however, was full of concern: "Are you okay? Is it serious?"

Marcus gave a low "I'm fine" and turned to the kitchen.

As he brushed past Clara standing in the doorway, despite being unable to see him, Clara could feel that his mood was off.

The atmosphere remained somber even as they sat down to dinner.

In truth, every time she ate with Marcus, he didn't say much.

Marcus had always been mature and serious, looking after Clara like a father since they were children.

But he had never allowed his emotions to show so clearly before her like this.

Clara ate in silence. When she was nearly finished, she set down her utensils.

"Marcus, what’s wrong with you today?" Clara’s voice was soft.

Marcus’s hand, which was about to clear the table, paused. "What could be wrong? Don't be so sensitive, kid."

"You're unhappy."

Her certain tone piqued Marcus’s interest. He stopped his movement to stand and sat back down.

"Oh? And why is that?"

Hearing his tone—as if he were teasing a child—Clara felt a spark of anger. She was direct: "It’s because of Professor Song Qinghe, isn't it?"

Marcus’s face darkened instantly. His mind worked quickly, and he immediately realized the connection.

"The day you brought me those documents... you heard?" Marcus’s voice was serious.

Clara’s heart tightened, but she didn't deny it.

"So that's why you said you wanted to help Mom at the shop after you came back. It was because of me."

"I didn't..." Listening to the anger in Marcus’s voice, Clara instinctively tried to explain.

"Clara Tang, you don't need to do these things. Even if you stay blind for the rest of your life, I will support you. If you want to stay home, stay home; it doesn't matter."

"I am your brother. I will never abandon you. No matter what happens, I will protect you."

Clara’s nose stung. She bit her lip and whispered, "I know, Brother."

"But you have your own life, too!"

Clara’s eyes were red, still devoid of any light, but she faced Marcus with conviction: "Besides, you clearly love Professor Song so much."

Chapter 22

Marcus hadn't expected her to say that. He was completely stunned.

"You and Professor Song have known each other for a long time, haven't you? I saw her name in one of your old books."

"That time you two fought—even if you didn't say anything, I knew. You were devastated."

"And if it weren't for me, you could have been with her..."

Before Clara could finish, Marcus cut her off sharply: "Clara Tang, the reason I'm not with her is between me and her. It has nothing to do with you. Do you hear me?"

Marcus’s tone was exceptionally stern, his voice so loud it actually startled Clara for a moment.

Mr. and Mrs. Tang, who had just returned and were outside the door, were also startled by Marcus’s shouting.

Mrs. Tang hurried forward to embrace Clara. Her eyes were full of rebuke as she looked at Marcus. "Marcus Tang, what do you think you're doing? Even if the sky is falling, you don't shout at Cece like that! Get out, go back to your university! Don't let me see you here!"

Mrs. Tang didn't know the specifics, but seeing a tearful Clara and a Marcus with an unusually terrible expression, she was furious.

Mr. Tang wasn't as angry and acted as the peacemaker: "Alright, alright, we're all family. It’s over, it’s over."

With that, he pulled a fluffy plush toy from a bag and handed it to Clara. "Look at this. Dad bought it for you today. It’s very cute and soft."

With Mr. Tang’s distraction, the tense atmosphere passed.

Mr. Tang gave Marcus a look, and Marcus picked up his jacket and walked out.

He wouldn't be angry with his mother, of course. Since Clara lost her sight, his mother had been in a state of constant agitation, ready to explode at any moment.

Marcus looked down the dark alley. Thinking of that person, a bitter smile couldn't help but surface on his face.

There were so many things beyond one's control. After all, loving someone didn't necessarily mean being together.

...

Chen noticed it early on: something was wrong with Clara today.

After wondering for a long time, she finally asked, "Sister Cece, what exactly is going on with you?"

Only then did Clara snap out of it. "Is something wrong?"

"You've been distracted so many times today, and you've even grabbed the wrong flowers a few times." Chen counted her abnormalities one by one.

Hearing this, Clara’s pale face flushed instantly. "I’m sorry, I didn't mean to."

Chen patted her shoulder. "It’s okay, I'm not blaming you. I’m just worried. Did something happen?"

Clara bit her lower lip and hesitated for a long time before saying to Chen, "Chen, could you do me a favor?"

"What favor?" Chen looked serious.

"Could you go to Q University and ask for Professor Song Qinghe from the English Department? I have something to talk to her about. Just say it's Clara Tang. Ask if she can meet at the tea house in the alley." Clara was nervous, her hands clenched tightly.

Chen didn't understand, but she saw Clara’s unease. She didn't ask further and agreed immediately.

Q University wasn't far; it was on her way home.

"When?" Chen confirmed the details with her seriously.

Once Clara had arranged everything, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.