Lin Sunji stood frozen, her usual bravado stripped away by the weight of those words.
Bei Sangyun's response hit her like a cold bucket of water, jolting her awake to the harsh reality of how cruelly she had treated Bei Sangyun when she first became part of the family.
A rush of guilt, shame, and frustration surged through her. Why had she been so spiteful back then?
Lin Sunji crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, attempting to mask her vulnerability with a casual tone.
"I was just a spoiled child back then, with the whole world revolving around me. I hated you before—and maybe I still do now. But... I don't hate you as much as I used to. I sincerely hope we can bond—like cousins, or maybe even friends."
Bei Sangyun studied Lin Sunji silently, her expression unreadable.
