Keeping Shi Hai single was not an option either.
If Shi Hai remained single, he would inevitably fall for the person closest to him—her.
This could lead to a scenario where Shi Hai might die saving Jian Sichun.
So, while finding a girlfriend to replace herself, Jian Sichun had to maintain a position "more than friends, but not quite lovers."
Love was a tug-of-war!
The future would reveal what would happen.
The ideal situation for her was for Shi Hai to stay safe and for her to avoid death.
Then she could battle for his love again without any worries!
Unexpectedly, the smooth sailing love from her previous life turned into a love war after her reincarnation…
If… if Shi Hai remained loyal…
Then she could only wish them happiness with tears… Not!
If it came to it, she'd have to use drastic measures!
Even if it meant introducing dramatic plot twists, so be it!
Although she felt a bit sorry for the unknown "current girlfriend"…
But love was a cruel war!
Besides, in nine years, she'd still be only twenty-nine, plenty of time to have kids!
In any case, until that day came, she had to endure…
Without anyone to remind her, Jian Sichun's thoughts continued down a misguided path.
Jian Sichun still hadn't graduated from her delusions.
Shi Hai, on the other hand, was completely confused.
"Why though?"
How did this become about him again?
"Because you're my best friend! You didn't get married in the last life until 2021, and I'm worried about your future!"
"Uh… thanks?"
He learned something he didn't want to know…
Shi Hai didn't want to continue this topic, so he took the now dry carpet and went back to the living room to hang it on the balcony clothesline.
The sun was setting, and his mom would be home soon.
But Jian Sichun wasn't giving up.
"So if you find a girl you like, you'll tell me first, okay?"
Jian Sichun patted her chest confidently.
"With my info, you'll definitely win her over!"
"That's really not necessary."
"Why? Don't you want a girlfriend?"
Shi Hai wasn't asexual…
Though he acted like a chaste gentleman before confirming a relationship, after confirmation, he was quite the opposite.
The saying "gentleman equals pervert" was accurate.
"It's not about wanting or not wanting one. I just don't need your help…"
"Why not?!"
"It's just… using your information feels like 'pandering' to me. It makes me uncomfortable."
"Pandering is exactly what you need!"
"My point is, it feels like using a walkthrough in a dating sim. You know exactly what the heroine likes, make all the right choices, and win her over without any problems…"
"Yeah, that's what makes my help valuable."
"But real life isn't a dating sim."
"Huh?"
"In a game, it's fine just to 'win the heroine,' but in real life, wouldn't you feel guilty?"
"Uh…"
Jian Sichun felt he was right.
But Shi Hai was just making excuses.
He wanted her to give up on finding him a girlfriend.
"You have strange principles…"
But that's one of the thing I love you so much about…
Jian Sichun's affection for him only grew.
"Ah, but that's just me."
Shi Hai turned to Jian Sichun.
"You don't need to have such worries. You've been given a second chance at life; make up for regrets and live freely."
"I know what I want to do!"
"That's good."
At that moment, they heard the front door open.
Shi Hai's mom, Liu Zhenshan, was back.
Liu Zhenshan walked in, closed the door, and was about to take off her heels when she noticed unfamiliar women's shoes on the shoe rack.
Puzzled, she saw her son and an unfamiliar girl approaching her.
The lively girl's eyes lit up when she saw her and rushed to hug her.
"Mom! You're back!"
Jian Sichun called out, directly addressing her as 'Mom.'
Shi Hai facepalmed, looking exasperated.
Why are you calling her 'Mom'…
"Huh?"
Liu Zhenshan was stunned.
When she returned home, she didn't expect to be called "Mom" by an unfamiliar girl.
But her mind didn't go to bizarre possibilities like a secret daughter.
She accurately understood that this girl was brought home by her son.
"Are you Shi Hai's, um… friend?"
Actually, she wanted to ask if she was his girlfriend, but Liu Zhenshan noticed her son's helpless expression.
If she were a girlfriend, he wouldn't be looking like that, so she omitted the word "girlfriend" at the last moment.
"Yes!"
Jian Sichun was unusually happy to see Liu Zhenshan.
If Shi Hai was her most important lover, Liu Zhenshan was the family member who filled the motherly love she never received.
In her past life, Liu Zhenshan lost her most precious son and must have been more heartbroken than Jian Sichun, yet she held back her grief to comfort her...
She would never let such a tragedy happen again in this life!
"I'm Shi Hai's 'best friend,' my name is Jian Sichun!"
Wow, she's upgraded herself to a best friend already? Shi Hai mentally scoffed.
Liu Zhenshan, being very adaptable, immediately smiled.
"Welcome to our home. It's just about dinner time, why don't you stay for dinner?"
"Okay! I'll help too!"
"Oh, how could I let you? You're a guest…"
"It's no problem! I'm quite good at cooking!"
Actually, Jian Sichun practiced various dishes to shoot cooking videos.
She must leave a good impression on her new "mom," unlike her first meeting with Shi Hai, which she ruined due to over-excitement and nervousness!
Shi Hai quietly observed her performance… Whether she could persuade his mom to let her move in was up to her skills.
He also wanted to know how much information she had.
During dinner, Liu Zhenshan praised Jian Sichun's cooking skills, but she did notice one thing.
"By the way… why was the carpet washed?"
As expected, nothing could escape his mom's eyes.
Just as Shi Hai thought this, he felt a piercing glare from the other side.
Jian Sichun's eyes seemed to say, 'If you dare to tell, I'll X you!'
Shi Hai naturally chose not to expose her past blunders and stayed silent.
Jian Sichun, feeling embarrassed, explained.
"I accidentally spilled a cup of tea…"
"Oh, but there was no need to wash it, just a wipe would do… but it's okay since it's already washed."
Fortunately, Shi Hai's mom was laid-back and didn't pursue the matter further, allowing Jian Sichun to breathe a sigh of relief.
"I'm sorry, making you cook and even clean the carpet when you're a guest…"
She then cast a reproachful look at her son for not taking better care of the guest.
"No, no, it was just a little thing… Actually, I have something to ask you."
Jian Sichun seized the moment to shift the topic to her request.
"Of course, go ahead."
Shi Hai continued to watch her performance.
"Well, um… can I live here?"
A direct attack?!
Shi Hai didn't expect her to be so straightforward.
No, she must know his mom's personality very well, which is why she didn't beat around the bush!
"Do you mean just for tonight?"
Liu Zhenshan thought Jian Sichun only wanted to stay for a night and readily agreed.
"Yes, we have a spare room."
"No, I mean… I want to move out of the dorm and live here…"
"Hmm… can I ask why?"
"It's because I have a bad relationship with my roommate and got kicked out…"
It wasn't entirely a lie; this did happen in her past life.
"I see… well…"
Shi Hai knew his mom's reaction meant Jian Sichun was likely to succeed.
She truly understood his mom's character.
This woman, whose name literally means 'true goodness,' was a downright good person.
With a genuine 'Saint' personality, she would always lend a helping hand within her means.
Shi Hai had encountered trouble several times due to his mom's nature.
However, this time, Liu Zhenshan didn't agree immediately.
Instead, she looked at her son, somewhat troubled.
"But… you're a girl, living under the same roof as Shi Hai, wouldn't it be inconvenient?"
Jian Sichun instantly understood, placing her hands on the table and declaring.
"It's okay! Shi Hai would never do anything to me!"
"Oh, really…"
While her son being trusted was a good thing, being trusted to such an extent seemed odd to Liu Zhenshan.
She then cast a peculiar glance at Shi Hai.
Despite not saying a word, Shi Hai felt he was being blamed unjustly, and he felt like spitting blood in his heart.
In the end, Liu Zhenshan agreed.
There was no reason to refuse.
"Alright, you can stay."
"Yay! Love you, Mom! Mwah!"
"Oh dear~~"
Liu Zhenshan hadn't expected an additional "daughter" to suddenly appear out of nowhere.
Originally thinking this girl might be her son's girlfriend, but there seemed to be more to the story?
Liu Zhenshan knew her son well.
If it were his girlfriend, he would be upfront, not secretive.
Though she still had doubts, since her son didn't say anything, it at least meant 'Jian Sichun wasn't a bad girl.'
Liu Zhenshan, though kind, was wary of deception.
When uncertain, she would consult her son for analysis.
While Jian Sichun, hugging Liu Zhenshan from behind and acting spoiled, shot a triumphant smile and a peace sign towards Shi Hai.
Hehe~~
She got to live together with him again!