Clarice, learning of Veronica's tragic family history, felt her eyes slightly redden, "No wonder she has so few friends and only Vivi can open her heart. So that's what it was all about. I've always thought it was Aunt Hefei's constant absence from home that made her so proud and aloof."
Wake up, that's called tsundere.
And you're not mistaken, it's indeed because of her parents' long-term separation that Veronica has a gloomy face all day.
"So, Veronica is the fiancée that Aunt Hefei and Mister Lando picked for you, betrothed from childhood?" Clarice asked, tilting her head.
"No, there's no betrothal."
"Then it's no concern of mine."
Clarice humphed softly, holding Wayne tightly. Other things could be left unclaimed, yielded to a good friend, but not love. She said she wouldn't give up halfway through, no matter what.
She was there first!
"Clarice, don't you want to know what happened on this trip?"
"No, I don't."