Does anyone come into this world bearing original sin?
From a young age, Ye Sibei had pondered this question.
Ever since she could remember, she felt she was always doing something wrong. Her mother said because she was born, they had to have another child, which cost her father—originally an elementary school teacher—his job.
Others said she was too wild, spoke too loudly, disliked housework, and knew how to dress up at a young age.
She would be beaten for wanting a doll, scolded for standing at a street stall watching others make sugar paintings.
As a child, she often thought she must have done something wrong to deserve such punishment.
But now she felt lost. Why was it that for someone who just wanted to live normally, even that was wrong?
Ye Sibei sat on the floor, staring blankly at the liquor bottles before her.
Her mind was filled with Qin Nan's words. She had never imagined that someone's speech could etch itself so deeply into another's mind.
Every word he said, even the expression on his face when he spoke—she could recall it all perfectly.
"You were just working normally, dressing normally, doing your job, coming home—what did you do wrong?"
She wanted to answer that question too.
What had she done wrong?
But in her life tracing, she realized that life never seemed to judge punishment based on right or wrong.
Just like how it was her parents who decided to have Ye Nianwen, yet in the end, everyone said she was the one at fault.
She could never escape the concept of "wrong."
Giving money to Nianwen was wrong; not giving it was wrong. Getting into trouble after drinking was wrong; not drinking was wrong. Getting pregnant was wrong for the company; not having children was wrong for her husband.
She felt like she was walking on a dead-end road—no path ahead, the way behind collapsed. Every direction was wrong.
Loans, divorce, sexual assault, unemployment, alcoholism, smoking...
Ye Sibei looked at the table covered in liquor bottles, barely recognizing it as her own home.
Qin Nan was right. In the future, just as he said, she would spend her whole life healing this wound, enduring endless pain, only to end up with others saying, "Ye Sibei is a terrible person."
Just like in the past, no matter how hard she tried, no one ever liked her.
When she struggled fiercely, her parents called her rebellious and disobedient; society said she aimed too high.
When she gave up and became despondent, her parents called her weak and incompetent; society said she was pitiful.
The rest of her life held no brilliance, no hope.
Only blame, gossip, punishment.
Thinking of the years ahead, Ye Sibei closed her eyes. Something in her heart suddenly burst, and all the suppressed emotions came flooding in, unbearable.
A voice echoed in her mind.
End it.
If everything ended, she wouldn’t have to face or think anymore.
The thought brought her an unexpected sense of relief.
Hugging herself, she took a moment to steady her breathing, wiped her tears, took a deep breath, and stood up.
She thought she shouldn’t leave in a mess. If she was going, she should at least depart with dignity.
She picked up all the liquor bottles, cleaned the house, threw away the cigarettes, put everything back in place, then opened the windows and curtains, letting sunlight pour into the room.
She showered, dried her hair, tied it up neatly, and changed into a clean shirt, looking tidy—almost like she had when she was a high school senior who had just gotten into college.
She studied herself in the mirror. For the first time in years, she saw light in her own eyes. She gazed quietly for a long time, then smiled, thinking this was good.
Then she opened the door and walked up to the rooftop.The sun was setting as she pushed open the fire escape door to the rooftop. A cool breeze swept past, making her shiver involuntarily.
She felt an unusual calm within, an inexplicable lightness emerging from nowhere.
Never before had she realized how weightless her body could feel, how unburdened her heart could be. This sharpened all her senses. As she walked from the fire escape to the rooftop, the world seemed to regain a long-lost richness.
She caught the scents carried by the wind, felt the moisture mingled in the air, heard the distant clamor, and watched as the sun hid behind the mountains, bathing the peaks in a layer of twilight glow.
In the distance were the sounds of cars, the announcements from a convenience store's loudspeaker, a woman scolding her child during homework time...
All of it filled the world with a lingering warmth of everyday life.
She stood by the railing, gazing into the distance.
The sunset bathed the entire city in beauty and tenderness, and suddenly, an indescribable nostalgia welled up inside her.
But this belonged to the city. When she thought of all that might come in the future, she felt she had to bid it farewell.
She climbed onto the railing from a stepped section, crouching there as she looked down. Instinctive fear surged through her.
Her breathing quickened, dizziness creeping in. No matter how much she tried to steel herself, her hands clung desperately to the railing, frozen in place.
She couldn't jump.
She was afraid to die.
At that moment, she clearly recognized this fierce will to live.
Yet she couldn't bring herself to climb down either.
She was afraid to live.
Crouched on the railing, she wrestled with herself—the closest she had ever come to the boundary between life and death. Her body trembled, muscles taut, as tears streamed down her face.
Countless thoughts clashed in her mind, countless memories flashing before her.
"Fate can be changed."
Qin Nan's voice echoed in her head.
"You just need to win once."
Win once, and you'll know life holds endless possibilities.
But what if she lost?
All potential suffering crashed over her like a tsunami. Every harsh comment she'd ever seen online now bore her name.
Fear and pain tightened every muscle in her body. Yet just then, night fell, and the city's streetlights flickered on one by one.
Ye Sibei lifted her head. The city unfolded before her like a gift from the heavens.
Cars streamed endlessly through illuminated streets. Vendors set up stalls along the roads, neon signs glowing brightly against the dark sky.
To lose meant taking one step forward.
But to win?
The wind carried the aroma of home-cooked meals from countless households up to the high-rise. Ye Sibei stared blankly at the city.
To win might mean she could have a good future.
She wanted to win, too. She wanted to live well, to boldly say no to everyone, to tell the world she wasn't wrong.
Who was born wanting to grovel through life? It was only because their spines had been broken that they crawled.
In that moment, she realized with perfect clarity—
She didn't want to die. She wanted to live well.
Her life had always chased the dazzling sun, whether in pursuit of survival or death.
To face death was, in itself, to seek life.
As night descended, the Ye household buzzed with activity.
In their small two-bedroom ground-floor apartment, Mr. and Mrs. Ye bustled about the kitchen, chopping and stir-frying, while Zhao Chuchu helped nearby. Ye Nianwen sat silently in the living room.After Qin Nan finished scolding him, she parted ways with him, letting him leave on his own. He returned home alone, waiting for Ye Sibei and Qin Nan to arrive.
It was rare for the family to have a meal together, and the elderly Ye couple was very happy. As the dishes were nearly ready, Huang Guifen suddenly remembered: "Why hasn't Sibei arrived yet? Hurry up and call her."
No one responded. Huang Guifen poked her head out from the kitchen and shouted, "Ye Nianwen!"
"Oh," Ye Nianwen snapped out of his daze and quickly took out his phone. "I'll call her right now."
"Who knows what he's been doing all day," Huang Guifen frowned at Ye Nianwen's absent-mindedness. "He's so distracted."
As she spoke, Huang Guifen used her chopsticks to pick up a piece of braised pork from the pot, took a bite, and smiled. "This meat is really good today."
Ye Nianwen called Ye Sibei, but after ringing for a long time, no one answered.
Ye Nianwen froze, suddenly feeling a pang of panic, and quickly dialed again.
He suddenly realized a possibility and hurriedly stood up. "Mom, I'm going to look for her."
Hearing this, Huang Guifen turned her head. "What's the rush? Call her a few more times. She often doesn't answer her phone, as if she's deaf."
Ye Nianwen ignored Huang Guifen and ran out of the yard like a madman. Just as he stepped outside, he saw Ye Sibei walking in the alley.
Ye Nianwen stopped in his tracks. Ye Sibei looked up, and in the brief moment their eyes met, Ye Nianwen saw an indescribable clarity and calmness in her gaze.
"Sis..."
Ye Nianwen hesitated. He wanted to ask if anything had happened, but the fact that Ye Sibei was standing here meant his earlier suspicions hadn't come true.
Relieved yet frustrated, he steadied himself, stepped aside, and forced a smile. "Sis, Mom's made dinner. Hurry inside and eat."
Ye Sibei nodded with a smile, as if nothing had happened that morning, and walked past him.
When they entered the house, Ye Ling was setting the table. Seeing Ye Sibei and Ye Nianwen come in together, he smiled. "Oh, so fast?"
Then he noticed Ye Sibei was alone, and his expression changed. "Where's Qin Nan?"
"Dad," Qin Nan's voice came from the doorway. Everyone turned to look as he nodded at the family. "Mom, Nianwen, Chuchu."
Ye Sibei turned to look at him. Qin Nan walked to her side, as if knowing what she was about to do. "Let's go in."
Zhao Chuchu heard the voices and turned around happily. "Sis, Brother Nan."
She brought out the dishes and urged them, "Sit down quickly. Auntie made a lot of delicious food today."
"Yes, yes," Huang Guifen glanced back at Qin Nan. "I specially made braised pork today, Sibei. It's just for you. Qin Nan, you should sit down too."
Once the seating was arranged and the dishes were served, the family sat down one by one. Zhao Chuchu eagerly poured wine for everyone, and Huang Guifen happily praised her for being sensible and virtuous.
The family was full of joy, appearing extremely harmonious.
After the wine was poured, Huang Guifen glanced at Ye Ling and urged him, "Old Ye, say something first."
As the head of the family and the birthday boy of the day, it was natural for him to start. He looked very happy, patted his thigh, thought for a moment, and then began to speak."Today is my birthday. I never used to like celebrating these things before—I didn’t see the point and thought it was just a waste of money. Besides, getting older isn’t exactly something to celebrate, so I never bothered with it. But now that I’m older and my children have all started their own families, with fewer worries on my mind, I suddenly feel like having a birthday celebration isn’t so bad. It’s a good excuse to bring everyone together."
As he spoke, Ye Ling smiled and raised his glass. "Over the past two years, there have been two things that made me happiest. The first was last year, when Sibei and Qin Nan got married." He turned to Qin Nan, his tone earnest. "Entrusting Sibei to you was the best decision I ever made. I hope you’ll take good care of her from now on, and that the two of you can build a strong future together. Once Sibei marries you, she becomes part of your Qin family. Whatever problems arise, face them together. Whatever difficulties come your way, overcome them as one. In marriage, what matters most is stability. Take care of her, respect her, and cherish her. Don’t let us down—your mother and I are getting older, and we can’t handle any turmoil."
Half admonishing, half pleading, Ye Ling finished speaking and extended his glass toward Qin Nan. Qin Nan quickly picked up his own wine, clinking his cup against Ye Ling’s halfway, and replied softly, "Understood."
Seeing Qin Nan’s attitude, Ye Ling felt reassured. He then turned to Ye Nianwen and Zhao Chuchu. "The second happiest thing was this year, when Nianwen and Chuchu got together. Buying a house, getting engaged, setting a wedding date—now Chuchu will officially become part of our family. For me and Guifen, this means our lives are complete."
Ye Ling raised his glass toward Nianwen and Chuchu. His words made Chuchu blush slightly, and she stole a glance at Nianwen, whose expression remained unreadable. Nianwen picked up his glass, and together with Chuchu, clinked it against Ye Ling’s.
After addressing both his children, Ye Ling cheerfully picked up his chopsticks. "Alright, let’s eat."
The family chatted and laughed as they enjoyed the meal. Halfway through, Zhao Chuchu was the first to raise a toast. "Uncle Ye," she said brightly, "I wish you a long and healthy life, and a happy birthday!" With that, she downed her drink.
Seated at the head of the table, Ye Ling chuckled. "That’s very kind of you. Thank you."
Once Chuchu had set the precedent, everyone else took turns standing to toast Ye Ling.
Qin Nan poured himself a drink and turned to Ye Sibei. Raising his glass, he looked at her and spoke softly but solemnly, "This one’s for you."
Sibei said nothing as Qin Nan drained his cup.
Then it was his turn to toast Ye Ling. He poured another glass, stood up, and said, "Dad, happy birthday. Thank you, and Mom, for bringing Ye Sibei into this world. I won’t say much else—let Sibei speak for herself."
After clinking glasses with Ye Ling and sitting back down, the only one left at the table who hadn’t spoken was Sibei.
All eyes turned to her, waiting for her blessing.
Sibei’s glass was empty. She picked up the bottle beside her and poured her first drink. "This first toast is for Dad’s good health," she said before drinking it down.
"There’s a second one?" Ye Ling, a little tipsy by now, joked. "What’s the second toast for?"
Sibei didn’t respond. She poured a second glass, raised it with both hands, and looked solemnly at Ye Ling. "The second toast is my apology to you and Mom. I’ve always been trouble since I was little. I hope you can forgive me."Hearing this, Huang Guifen had a bad feeling. Watching Ye Sibei down another glass of alcohol, she quickly called out to her: "Aiya, we're not at some formal gathering, why all this ceremony? You've had too much to drink, go rest now."
"Third toast," Ye Sibei said after pouring more wine, but then she looked up at Qin Nan. "This one's for myself. I've made up my mind," she said, her usually reserved face breaking into a slight smile. "I want to win for once."
"Sibei," Ye Ling said, confused, "what are you doing?"
"Dad," Ye Sibei turned to Ye Ling, her voice tinged with apology, "I'm sorry, but I need to tell you in advance that Nianwen's wedding date this year might need to be changed. Of course, it doesn't have to be—it's up to you all to decide."
"Ye Sibei!"
Huang Guifen stood up to pull Ye Sibei back, but Qin Nan stepped in front of her first, blocking her path and soothing her: "Mom, please sit down. Let's hear what Sibei has to say."
"This is something I've been wanting to keep hidden all along. I thought that by hiding it, I could avoid all the gossip, live a good life, and keep following the same path without any disruptions."
She looked at each of them in turn, speaking with solemn seriousness.
"But now I realize—that's impossible."
"I can't get past this hurdle in my heart." Ye Sibei placed a hand on her chest. "I didn't dare speak up, didn't dare report it to the police, because deep down I felt I was at fault, that I deserved punishment. But in truth, that's not what I really believe. So every day, I'm torn—on one hand doubting and blaming myself, on the other feeling it's unfair. I'm the victim, so why couldn't I even bring myself to report it? I'm in pain, I'm suffering, I've made a mess of my life. There's no way I can go on as if nothing happened."
"And I've also realized—the way I was living before wasn't right. I shouldn't have lived like that, and I don't want to keep living that way."
"Sis..." Zhao Chuchu glanced between Ye Sibei and Ye Nianwen, "what exactly..."
"On the night of April 9th, I didn't make it home."
Ye Sibei looked at Zhao Chuchu, who froze in shock.
"That morning, I woke up in the reed field," Ye Sibei said, her voice trembling slightly, but she forced herself to stay composed as she met Ye Ling's gaze. "I was raped."
The moment those words left her mouth, the world seemed to freeze.
Ye Ling stared at her in shock. Ye Nianwen kept his head bowed, unable to look up. Huang Guifen was at a loss. Zhao Chuchu was completely stunned. And Qin Nan stood nearby, watching her intently, his eyes filled with nothing but her.
Ye Sibei looked at them all and spoke firmly, word by word: "I'm going to report it to the police."
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