Chapter 41 p1
The early autumn air was still stifling, only cooling down slightly as night fell.
Xin Yao, freshly showered and dressed in a white nightgown, rolled around on the comfortable hotel bed, the temperature just right.
She rolled back and forth, a mix of laughter and tears escaping her lips.
Having cried her heart out, releasing all her pent-up emotions, she was now filled with an overwhelming joy.
No one could understand the sheer happiness and excitement of finding Xu Jingyu again.
As she rolled around on the bed, wrapped in her blanket like a happy little worm, Liu Nuan Nuan’s voice echoed in her mind, a jarring interruption.
[While I understand your excitement, Xu Jingyu lives next door. She’s not going anywhere. Don’t forget about your mission.]
“Tsk,” Xin Yao pouted, sitting up in bed.
“Of course I haven’t forgotten. But you haven’t finished repairing the camera yet. What’s the progress?”
[80%]
Xin Yao kicked the blanket aside, hugging a pillow as she leaned against the headboard.
“That’s slow.”
[Don’t even start. The tech department’s been down. Some idiot launched a massive attack on the system, and they’ve been paralyzed for days.]
“Your little black-market operation is falling apart!”
[Shut up and eat your sunflower seeds.]
[The tech department finally managed to get back online tonight, so I immediately took the camera to them.]
[Anyway, you have the evidence. It’s not going anywhere. And you’re not planning to release it yet, are you?]
Indeed.
While she had taken the camera to be repaired, she hadn’t planned on releasing the video immediately.
Why suffer the online abuse and accusations when she had the evidence to clear her name?
Xin Yao wasn’t being masochistic. She had a plan.
The evidence wasn’t strong enough.
While it seemed like a powerful blow, enough to clear her name and restore her image, the public was already prejudiced against her, thanks to Li Xu’s manipulation.
Some would accuse her of creating drama for publicity, others would simply enjoy the spectacle, taking neither side.
And Li Xu’s devoted fans would undoubtedly attack her, claiming the video was fake, accusing her of trying to deflect blame and revive her flagging career.
Another round of online bullying and endless arguments with Li Xu wasn’t what Xin Yao wanted.
And what would Li Xu lose?
A bit of reputation, some online hate. But once the dust settled, he could easily win back his wealthy girlfriend, or find another one.
The original owner had died because of him. Xin Yao wouldn’t let him off so easily.
So, for now, she would keep the video hidden, a small bomb waiting to be detonated, while she gathered more ammunition.
She would wait for Li Xu to reach the peak of his arrogance, his confidence at its highest.
Then, on his happiest day, she would unleash her arsenal, catching him completely off guard.
Falling from the ground wasn’t painful.
But falling from a great height was fatal.
According to the original owner’s memories, Li Xu and his wealthy girlfriend were about to get engaged.
The best time to strike was when he was most vulnerable, most confident. It would be a spectacular downfall.
She would make sure he never recovered.
But Xin Yao was too excited, too happy to wait.
She sat up abruptly.
“Nuan Nuan, replay Li Xu’s activities for today. I want to see what he’s been up to.”
[As you wish.]
A translucent blue screen appeared before Xin Yao, displaying Li Xu’s day, fast-forwarded like a movie.
Li Xu, having secured his position with the wealthy heiress, was living the high life.
Despite the ongoing online drama, his name and Xin Yao’s trending daily, he was currently on vacation abroad with his girlfriend, Mo Yuwei, completely oblivious to Xin Yao’s existence.
Mo Yuwei, generous and easily swayed by his charm, had even bought him an apartment overseas.
She would pick him up from his new apartment every morning, take him out for shopping or a day at the beach, then drop him off, returning the next day to pick him up again.
Only occasionally did she stay the night.
So, most of the time, Li Xu simply waited at the villa for his wealthy benefactress to arrive.
The sight made Xin Yao’s stomach churn. He was like a kept man, waiting to be summoned. Disgusting!
The scene shifted, showing the present moment.
The country they were visiting was far from China, the time difference significant. While it was night in China, it was still afternoon there.
Li Xu, dressed in a white T-shirt, a blue floral shirt, and designer slippers, looked relaxed and carefree.
Having achieved fame with his debut role, his popularity still strong, and having successfully charmed Mo Yuwei, he was undeniably handsome, even beautiful.
Especially his alluring eyes, their gaze seemingly filled with a deep, unwavering affection.
Like a flower in full bloom, vibrant and captivating.
But Xin Yao knew that flowers in full bloom quickly withered.
And she knew that beneath his charming exterior lurked a venomous heart, filled with greed and malice.
Li Xu and Mo Yuwei, also dressed in summer attire, were on a cruise, enjoying the ocean breeze.
They stood by the railing, sipping cocktails, their laughter echoing through the air, seemingly carefree and happy.
Just a few days ago, they had driven the original owner to suicide.
Xin Yao, remembering the blood in the bathtub, the deep scar on her wrist, her eyes hardened, then a smile touched her lips.
It wasn’t right for them to be so happy while she was suffering. Someone had to be unhappy.
She opened the system shop, her finger scrolling through the items.
“I saw it somewhere… ah, there it is!”
Liu Nuan Nuan, seeing the gleam in Xin Yao’s eyes, leaned closer, curious.
Xin Yao had selected an item:
[Tool: Make You Puke Your Guts Out (10 points)]
The little system, always eager for mischief, instantly understood Xin Yao’s intentions, her eyes fixed on the screen.
[Wait! I’ll tell you when the time is right. They’re about to kiss!]
On the screen, Li Xu and Mo Yuwei were getting closer, their conversation more intimate.
Li Xu leaned closer, his alluring eyes gazing at Mo Yuwei’s profile.
Then, he paused, the sea breeze carrying their laughter, the atmosphere romantic, his head lowering for a kiss.
Just then, Liu Nuan Nuan barked excitedly.
[Now!]
Xin Yao clicked the “use” button.
Thousands of miles away, Li Xu suddenly frowned, his face turning pale, a wave of nausea washing over him.
He couldn’t help it. A loud retching sound escaped his lips.
“Ugh!”
Fortunately, he hadn’t actually vomited. Yet.
But even the sound was enough to make Mo Yuwei, who prided herself on her elegance and refinement, recoil in disgust.
Just as their lips were about to meet, he had opened his mouth and made that disgusting sound, his breath hot and unpleasant against her face.
She also felt a wave of nausea, her face darkening as she pushed him away.
Li Xu, about to apologize, opened his mouth, and another retching sound escaped his lips.
“Ugh!”
This time, he wasn’t so lucky. He vomited, the contents of his stomach landing squarely on Mo Yuwei.
And Mo Yuwei, enjoying the ocean breeze, was wearing a bikini.
The scene was… unpleasant.
Xin Yao’s stomach churned, and even Liu Nuan Nuan, in the system space, closed her eyes, not wanting to see.
Mo Yuwei, having never experienced anything like this before, looked down at herself, then at Li Xu, who was still retching, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Then, she screamed.
“Li Xu!”
Li Xu, panicked, reached out to her, but another wave of nausea overwhelmed him.
And just then, the boat rocked slightly, sending him tumbling to the deck, his clothes stained with vomit, his appearance pathetic and disgusting.
Mo Yuwei was furious.
She had a temper, and she wasn’t one to be trifled with. She threw her cocktail glass onto the deck and kicked Li Xu hard.
Even Xin Yao, watching from afar, winced at the force of the blow.
Li Xu landed in a heap, his body covered in vomit.
Xin Yao couldn’t help but smile, a touch of schadenfreude in her eyes.
So, their love wasn’t so perfect after all.
[If you keep this up, they might not get engaged.]
Xin Yao leaned against the headboard.
“You underestimate Li Xu. He’s greedy and vain, desperate for wealth and status. He won’t let go of Mo Yuwei so easily.”
But causing them a little trouble was still satisfying.
Their unhappiness made Xin Yao happy. Consider it a small welcome gift.
She closed the screen, then leaned back against the pillows, glancing at the clock.
It was still early.
According to her original plan, she should be studying the script, preparing for the next scene.
But she had met Xu Jingyu today, and Xu Jingyu was just next door. She couldn’t focus.
She wanted to see her.
She had bitten her lip during their kiss. She wondered if it had healed.
A few minutes later, Xin Yao stood outside Xu Jingyu’s door, holding a tube of ointment she had purchased from the system shop.
She self-consciously adjusted her sleeve, covering the bandage on her wrist, then took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
The door opened.
Xu Jingyu, freshly showered, her glasses off, her dark eyes clear and bright, stood in the doorway.
She was dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and pants, her skin mostly covered.
Her hair was still damp, a few droplets of water clinging to her strands, her demeanor cool and relaxed as she leaned against the doorframe.
Her aura, however, was still intense and slightly intimidating, making Xin Yao blush, her gaze falling to the ointment in her hand.
“I… I’m so sorry about today. I’ve been thinking about it, and I still feel terrible. I didn’t know if you had any ointment, so I brought some.”
Xu Jingyu’s gaze softened as she looked at the small figure before her, dressed in a thin white nightgown, her head bowed slightly, her neck flushed pink, her demeanor shy and flustered.
Like a timid little rabbit, easily startled.
Her eyes darkening slightly, Xu Jingyu stepped aside.
“Come in.”
The nervous little rabbit, under the watchful gaze of the predator, stepped into the room.
The hotel rooms were all identical, Xu Jingyu’s no different from Xin Yao’s.
Except that Xu Jingyu had turned off most of the lights, the room dim and shadowy.
Xin Yao entered the room, her gaze falling on the neatly made bed, then turned to look at Xu Jingyu.
Xu Jingyu stood in the dim light, her tall, slender figure clad in black, her posture relaxed.
The small cut on her lip had formed a scab, a tiny red dot that somehow made her look even more alluring.
Xin Yao held up the ointment, her voice soft.
“Does your lip still hurt, Ms. Xu?”
Xu Jingyu looked down at her, nodding slightly. “A little.”
“Then,” Xin Yao stepped closer, “can I apply some ointment for you?”
“Okay,” Xu Jingyu readily agreed.
She walked over to the bed and sat down, not bothering with the chairs.
Xin Yao followed her, her footsteps soft against the carpet, her heart pounding as she approached the aloof and intimidating figure.
She stopped inches away, her bare legs almost brushing against Xu Jingyu’s knees.
She looked down at Xu Jingyu’s face, her gaze lingering on her long, dark eyelashes, like butterfly wings about to take flight.
Then, her gaze drifted to her elegant nose and her full, red lips.
Sensing Xin Yao’s gaze, Xu Jingyu’s eyelashes fluttered open, her dark eyes meeting Xin Yao’s.
Xin Yao’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly looked away, her lips suddenly dry, and busied herself with opening the tube of ointment.
She squeezed a small amount onto a cotton swab and gently applied it to Xu Jingyu’s lip.
Up close, Xu Jingyu’s lips were even more alluring, their shape delicate and slightly thin, like the rest of her features.
But their color was a vibrant red, the soft flesh yielding beneath Xin Yao’s touch, inviting a kiss.
Xin Yao’s heart raced. She couldn’t keep looking.
She glanced up, her gaze meeting Xu Jingyu’s.
She realized that Xu Jingyu had been watching her all along.
In the dim light, her dark eyes, reflecting the warm glow of the lamp, seemed even darker, more intense.
That gaze had been on Xin Yao all along, silent and unwavering.
And as Xin Yao looked up, those eyes darkened further, their depths unreadable.
Even though Xin Yao was standing and Xu Jingyu was sitting, the other woman’s gaze held a strange power, a subtle dominance that made Xin Yao feel slightly breathless.
They stared at each other in silence, the air between them thick with tension, their breathing becoming more rapid.
Xin Yao thought Xu Jingyu might kiss her.
Just then, the clock chimed, signaling ten o’clock.
The sound startled Xin Yao, snapping her out of her trance. She pulled her hand away, taking a step back, her cheeks slightly flushed.
“All done, Ms. Xu.”
“It’s edible ointment, but try not to lick it off.”
Xu Jingyu didn’t reply immediately, simply looking at her, her gaze steady and unwavering, until Xin Yao shifted uncomfortably, then she finally murmured a soft “mm-hmm.”
As if granting her a reprieve.
Then, she said, “Don’t call me Ms. Xu. Call me Xu Jingyu.”
Xin Yao nodded. “Okay, Ms. Xu.”
Xu Jingyu chuckled, the tension in the room easing slightly.
“Relax. Have a seat. You always seem so nervous, even on set.”
Xin Yao obediently put away the ointment and sat down in the chair opposite Xu Jingyu.
“I am a bit nervous. I want to do a good job, so I tend to overthink things.”
“Is acting… enjoyable for you?” Xu Jingyu asked, her gaze soft.
The question, shifting the focus to work, made Xin Yao relax. She smiled.
“Honestly, it’s quite tedious.”
Filming a single scene often required multiple takes, and even after a successful take, there were close-ups, long shots, and other angles to consider.
It wasn’t just tedious, but also emotionally draining, requiring the actors to repeatedly access and portray the same emotions.
For Xin Yao, a novice, it was challenging.
She thought for a moment, then asked, “What about you, Ms. Xu? Do you find acting enjoyable?”
To her surprise, Xu Jingyu shook her head.
Xin Yao had always wondered why someone like Xu Jingyu, who seemed to dislike crowds and social interactions, had chosen to become an actress, a profession that demanded constant public exposure.
“Then why did you choose this career?” she asked, curious.
It was a question Xu Jingyu had been asked many times.
Her status and wealth made her presence in the entertainment industry a mystery.
No one had ever found a satisfactory answer, simply attributing it to a personal interest or a whim.
But Xu Jingyu didn’t enjoy acting. She even found her own actions slightly baffling.
Until one day, she had seen a scene in a movie where a character said, “If you want someone to find you quickly, stand in the brightest spot. They won’t have to look for you. They’ll see you.”
And the entertainment industry, with its constant media exposure, was the brightest spot of all.
So, she had become an actress.
And then she had realized, with a strange sense of certainty: I’m waiting for someone.
The loneliness and anxiety she had felt, the darkness that threatened to consume her, it was all because she had been waiting.
Waiting for whom? She didn’t know.
She had simply been waiting, her heart filled with a nameless longing.
Xu Jingyu looked at Xin Yao, her voice soft. “Because I was waiting for someone.”
Her words made Xin Yao’s heart skip a beat, her eyes widening slightly. “And did you find them?”
Xu Jingyu, her gaze meeting Xin Yao’s, smiled.
“Yes.”
Right here, right now.
She hadn’t had to search. She had known, from the moment she saw Xin Yao, that this was the person she had been waiting for.
“Oh,” Xin Yao replied, then, her fingers fidgeting, she asked casually, “Is she… someone you like?”
It was a simple question, a yes or no question, but it seemed to stump Xu Jingyu, who paused for a moment before replying, her voice slightly hollow.
“I don’t understand… the emotion of ‘like.’”
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