Chapter 2 Hot Pot Restaurant

The interview was held in the school's largest lecture hall. Every seat was filled with students, and a group of city officials sat in the front row.

During the interview, Rose tearfully shared her story of fighting against illness.

"It's really hard to keep going. Every time I want to give up, I think of my family, my friends... As long as I remember there are still so many children suffering from illness in this world, I muster the courage. I can't give up hope-I have to live! I want to be a role model for them!"

The audience erupted into applause several times, and online viewers flooded the comments with encouragement,

"Pat pat Baby Rose!"

"Don't cry, Baby Rose, mommy loves you!"

From behind the stage curtain, Snow stood off to the side, watching her with a blank expression.

There are many people with hemophilia in the world, yet Rose was the one who got famous, became an inspirational influencer with millions of followers.

Not just because of her young age, but because she knew how to market herself-filming unique, short videos on TikTok where she sang, danced, and carefully crafted her sunny, positive public image.

Snow quietly took out her phone and snapped a picture of her sister during the interview.

Just then, a TV staffer waved at her, "Come touch up your makeup-it's almost your turn!"

Several makeup artists swarmed her with powder puffs. The host said, "Next, we're inviting Rose's younger sister to the stage. Let's hear what she has to say about her sister's battle with illness."

Snow was pushed onto the bright stage by the crew, the intense lights making it hard for her to keep her eyes open. She instinctively shielded her face.

The host gestured for her to sit next to her sister.

Unlike the composed and charming Rose, Snow was clearly a bit overwhelmed by the spotlight. She looked nervously out at the audience of hundreds, taking deep breaths again and again, appearing a bit awkward-but rather adorable.

The host casually asked, "We heard the little sister donates blood to her big sister?"

Before Snow could answer, Rose jumped in, "She does, but only occasionally. And every time, she cries and makes a fuss like a little kid."

The host chuckled, "Oh, looks like our little sister hasn't grown up yet-still throwing tantrums. So tell us, were you willing to donate blood to your sister?"

Here it was-the question.

In her previous life, Snow had told the truth. She said no, she wasn't willing. The result? She was viciously attacked by netizens, called cold and heartless, unworthy of being Rose's sister.

Even her classmates had banded together to ostracize her.

Snow looked into her sister's tearful eyes and calmly said-

"No, I don't want to give her blood."

As expected, the crowd broke into gasps and murmurs. Her parents, seated in the front, gestured at her frantically, signaling her to "say it right."

"I don't want to donate blood because it really hurts. Every time they draw my blood, I get dizzy-sometimes for the whole afternoon, sometimes all night. I feel weak even the next day."

In the corner of the auditorium, Richard was dozing in his seat.

His homeroom teacher had forced him to attend, hoping the kids would be inspired by Rose's emotional story-but instead, some were gaming, others sleeping.

Just as Snow spoke, Richard roused slightly, and his gaze settled on her.

The girl had sharp features and skin as pale as fresh snow, reminding him of a seemingly harmless little animal from the forest. But her dark eyes held a hint of something sharper.

He perked up, watching her intently.

Snow continued, "If I could, I'd rather take on the illness myself. I think I'd face it head-on and try to overcome it."

Rose's smile wavered.

Snow added, "When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you. When you fight monsters, you must be careful not to become one. I hope things get better. I also hope my sister becomes a better person."

The city officials nodded approvingly.

Students whispered,

"I don't really get it all, but it sounds... kind of deep?"

"Snow usually doesn't talk much. Turns out she's not that dumb."

Rose heard Snow's meaningful words, and her expression darkened.

The host said, "What a kind little sister, willing to share her sister's pain. I believe if they stick together, they'll overcome anything. Oh, by the way, you're your sister's biggest fan, right? Why don't we see you in public much..."

Sensing the momentum shift, Rose quickly interrupted, "My sister's pretty shy and doesn't like the spotlight. She didn't even want to come on stage today. Let's not push her. I actually have another inspiring story I'd love to share."

She successfully redirected the attention. Snow was ushered offstage by staff.

The moment was short, but she wasn't in a rush. The future was long.

Snow took out her phone and opened Rose's tweet. Her latest post was a backstage selfie.

In the photo, Rose pouted and smiled sweetly, her makeup making her look lively and fresh.

"About to go on air, feeling a bit nervous. Wish me luck! Love you guys! [heart hands emoji]"

Naturally, the comments were full of praise,

"Love your optimism and cheerfulness!"

"Baby Rose is so cute!"

"Fighting, Baby Rose! We're your solid support!"

Snow scrolled down to the less prominent comments,

"When you fight monsters, be careful not to become one. I feel like Rose's sister was hinting at something deeper."

"Are you overthinking it?"

"Maybe I'm being paranoid, but something feels off."

"shrug"

...

That night, her besties insisted on celebrating Snow's first appearance on camera.

They all wore Snow-style dresses, looking like delicate fairies. But Snow knew better-these girls could roll up their sleeves and destroy a hot pot, chomping chili peppers until they cried, with zero regard for appearances.

The group entered the most popular hot pot restaurant near campus.

They were late-it was packed, with no tables left.

This place was legendary, impossible to replace, and everyone looked disappointed.

Just then, Ann nudged Snow. "Look at the table by the wall. It's Richard and his gang."

Snow looked up and saw him.

He was wearing a thin black crewneck sweater, pouring sesame oil into his bowl with one hand, exposing a slender, pale arm.

On his left index finger was a silver ring shaped like a leaf.

Richard was wild at heart, but he always wore refined little accessories-like that silver ring. Or his earrings, his keychain... always unique, always tasteful.

He had an obsessive love for delicate things, paired with an extreme sense of pickiness.

In short, a moody, hard-to-please guy.

The boys noticed Snow too.

"Isn't she the girl from the interview today?"

"Weren't you on your phone the whole time?"

"Who doesn't look up for a pretty girl? She's stunning, of course I remember."

The boys whispered. So did the girls.

Both sides were full of teenage pride and awkwardness.

Richard's friend Adam broke the silence, "No seats? Wanna sit with us?"

Normally, the girls feared nothing-but now, they huddled around Snow like a flock of pigeons.

"What do we do! They invited us!"

"No way! Those guys are scary! I... I'm scared."

"But if we say no, will they beat us up?"

Richard slowly stirred his garlic sauce, then glanced at the girls.

Amidst the group, he spotted Snow. She wore a neatly buttoned white blouse, fastened all the way up to her neck, exposing a stretch of pale skin.

She was so fair, it looked like even a gentle pinch would leave a mark.

The shirt was thin, and slightly damp with sweat, subtly revealing the color beneath.

Snow kept her head down, clearly avoiding his gaze-not shy, but deliberately dodging him.

That only piqued Richard's interest.

He smirked and asked, "Hey, little classmate-ignoring me?"

Snow could feel the dangerous glint in his light brown eyes. She replied softly, "It's not that..."

"Then come sit."

He hadn't asked-it was a command.

He was always like that. Strong desires, stubborn temper, domineering and selfish. No one dared defy him.

Seeing the girls nearly in tears, Adam tried to lighten the mood. "Come on, we're all from the same school. Just sit down. It's hot pot, not a death match."

Snow muttered, "They... they're scared you'll beat them up."

Behind her, the girls wanted to kick her.

What are you made of, truth serum?! Now we will get beat up!

Richard glanced at his eager crew, then tilted his head.

Snow rolled her neck and finally said-

"Come sit down. Don't make me say it twice."

Though he was smiling, his voice was cold as ice.