Category: Female Lead Was Coaxed Away by the Villain Again [Quick Transmigration]

Chapter 29: I Also Want Cake (29) p2

The plan was perfect, but difficult to execute.

Although Liang Xi made reservations in advance, they didn’t get to eat dim sum until eleven o’clock. According to her plan, they should have been at the second restaurant by this time.

The streets were crowded, with long queues in front of every food stall. Jiang Zhiyan put her arm around Liang Xi’s shoulder, shielding her from the jostling crowd and preventing them from getting separated.

Throughout the afternoon, they only managed to buy three of the things Liang Xi wanted to eat. They had to give up on most of them because of the long queues.

Before evening arrived, Liang Xi couldn’t walk anymore. They were lucky to find an empty bench to rest.

“I’ll massage your feet.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi, who was constantly massaging her legs.

“That’s… not a good idea.” Liang Xi looked around. “There are too many people, it’s too conspicuous. I’ll just rest for a bit. This spot is nice, but it’s quite cold.”

Jiang Zhiyan unzipped her down jacket and wrapped Liang Xi in her arms. Liang Xi looked up at Jiang Zhiyan and smiled foolishly.

“You’re so nice.”

“My one and only wife, who else would I be nice to?” Jiang Zhiyan kissed Liang Xi’s forehead.

Liang Xi whined: “You like stealing kisses from me.”

“It’s hard to give you advance notice for uncontrollable actions, I didn’t even realize it myself before I kissed you.” Jiang Zhiyan nuzzled Liang Xi’s head, taking a deep breath.

“I changed my shampoo for the New Year, a new year, new look. Does it smell good?”

“I’ve never smelled anything I didn’t like on you.”

Liang Xi blushed, leaning into Jiang Zhiyan’s embrace and wrapping her arms around her waist: “Your waist is very comfortable to hug.”

“It’s even more comfortable pressed directly against you.”

“We’re in public.” Liang Xi poked Jiang Zhiyan’s waist warningly. “Watch what you say.”

Jiang Zhiyan chuckled and rubbed her cheek against Liang Xi’s forehead.

Liang Xi took a deep breath, then another two: “Do you smell that?”

“Roasted sweet potatoes.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi and smiled wryly.

“So sweet, so fragrant, so warm, I want to eat one.” Liang Xi looked up at Jiang Zhiyan, blinked her eyes, and swallowed.

Jiang Zhiyan released Liang Xi, unwrapped her scarf, and handed it to her: “Can you still walk? Or I can go buy them, you can sit here, otherwise there might not be any left when we get back.”

“I’m fine.” Liang Xi shook her head, the ends of the scarf swaying, the shadows on the ground playfully mimicking the movement.

“I know, wrap it around yourself, I’m not cold.” Jiang Zhiyan touched the back of Liang Xi’s hand. “See?”

Liang Xi’s eyes widened: “Huh? I remember your hands used to be very cold.”

“Maybe my heart is warm because I’m with you, so my hands are warm too. Wear it.”

“If it gets too crowded, come back… Although I haven’t felt anything strange today, I’m still a little scared.”

“Okay.”

“Hurry back!” Liang Xi reminded her again.

Jiang Zhiyan replied, weaving through the crowd towards the sweet potato cart. She looked back worriedly: “Keep an eye on Liang Xi for me.”

“Consider it a New Year’s gift, I won’t charge you points this time.” The system said haughtily.

“Thank you.”

“You don’t really need to worry, she’s not in any life-threatening danger.”

“But she’s scared, that feeling of being out of control isn’t pleasant, no normal person would like that feeling.”

There were many people around the sweet potato cart. Jiang Zhiyan looked around, calculated the waiting time, then approached someone who had just paid for their sweet potatoes. She offered to buy theirs for five times the price, and after a moment’s hesitation, they agreed.

Jiang Zhiyan clutched the sweet potatoes and ran back.

A sudden phone ringtone rang, only for two seconds, then the call was disconnected.

At the same time, the system also yelled.

Jiang Zhiyan’s smile vanished, and she quickened her pace. But the crowd was even denser than before, making it incredibly difficult to move. Fortunately, the system kept an eye on Liang Xi.

She tried calling Liang Xi, but the call wouldn’t connect.

“These constant warnings are so annoying, blocking my view!” The system complained. “Liang Xi is walking towards East Street. She stopped, then started walking again, bumped into someone.”

“Ah, she got on a bus, but she didn’t seem to want to, and got off again. Someone yelled at her, she almost fell.”

“She got on another bus. Hmm, this time she tried to get off but couldn’t. It’s better this way, it’s too dangerous with so many people.”

“Skill card, teleport me over there.”

“Conditions not met. With so many people, if you teleport there, what if the world collapses? Do you want to die with her?” The system rejected the request and reassured her again, “It’s fine, it’s just meeting with the male lead.”

“The world is forcing her to meet with the male lead, which means it’s certain the plot will shift after they meet.” Jiang Zhiyan gritted her teeth and stopped, looking around. “Invisibility card and teleportation card?”

“But there are too many people on the bus, you can’t squeeze in. You could go to the roof, but by the time you get down, the female lead will be gone again. Host, why don’t you just teleport near the male lead? I’ve located Yan Yanzhuo’s position. Probably to give the male and female leads some space, there aren’t many people around him. There’s a small grove where you can land, you’ll even save a card.”

“Okay.”

That was the only option.

The sweet potatoes were burning hot, scorching her skin. Jiang Zhiyan found a blind spot without surveillance cameras nearby and used the skill cards.

Landing in the grove, she still clutched the sweet potatoes, checking to make sure they were still intact.

She saw Yan Yanzhuo waiting not far away, standing by the railing, the river flowing below. He kept checking the time. Although his expression was as usual, he was clearly anxious today.

Perhaps the Yan family crisis had also been brought forward, but she hadn’t paid much attention. Her storyline and the Yan family’s were parallel.

Jiang Zhiyan took out her phone, found the person she wanted to contact, and bypassed Yan Yanzhuo, heading to the bus stop to wait for Liang Xi.

“Huh? Huh? Huh? Fuck, this is cheating!” The system yelled again. “This is too much!”

“What?”

“What is this… it must have known we’re trying to intercept Liang Xi. The bus actually stopped on the side of the road, against regulations. Liang Xi got off.” The system paused. “It’s too late, they’ve met.”

Jiang Zhiyan stopped, then started running again.

Exciting, wasn’t it? The male lead turning into a vegetable would also be exciting.

As long as she could retrieve the soul fragment, it would be fine.

No big deal, yes, no big deal.

Jiang Zhiyan repeated these words in her mind, trying to calm herself down.

She saw the two of them standing facing each other in the distance. There was no one else on this street, so they stood out.

Liang Xi had her back to her, so Jiang Zhiyan couldn’t see her expression, but she could see Yan Yanzhuo’s. He seemed to be saying something, then handed Liang Xi a bag.

She saw Liang Xi raise her head.

The two looked at each other, the red lanterns hanging by the river casting a warm glow on them, snow falling softly from the sky.

Jiang Zhiyan looked up, walked to the edge of the grove, picked up a rock, and weighed it in her hand.

“Host, calm down… Host!”

“Host! Wait, Host! Liang Xi didn’t accept the gift.”

The system suddenly shrieked: “Host! Host! Ahhhhhhh!”

Jiang Zhiyan frowned at the noise.

The girl in the distance seemed to sense something and turned around with some effort.

Jiang Zhiyan swallowed the words telling the system to shut up and stared intently at Liang Xi, watching her actions.

The moment Liang Xi saw her, she started running towards her, her steps slightly unsteady, her path a little off, but her destination never changed.

She ran faster and faster, her steps becoming firmer.

She had broken free from the plot.

Jiang Zhiyan had never felt time move so slowly. She took two steps forward, wanting to embrace Liang Xi, but Liang Xi had already tightly hugged her. Leaning against each other, they felt each other’s presence.

Liang Xi panted heavily. She released Jiang Zhiyan and looked into her eyes, seemingly wanting to say something, but nothing came out. Finally, cupping Jiang Zhiyan’s face, she closed her eyes and kissed her.

Chapter 29: I Also Want Cake (29) p1

Jiang Zhiyan became famous in the Jiang family after her first day back at the ancestral home, successfully earning herself two days of peace. Although everyone looked at her like they wanted her dead, she didn’t care. She occupied the best sunroom in the entire house, and no one dared to enter.

Being thick-skinned, Jiang Zhiyan sat on the living room sofa early in the morning on New Year’s Eve and asked every elder who came downstairs for a red envelope.

They didn’t want to give her any, but Jiang Zhiyan had very frankly expressed her expectation for red envelopes from her elders on her WeChat Moments, saying she would post pictures of them later that evening. This was clearly a blatant threat.

She had also forced them to see this post, sending them screenshots and making sure each one of them acknowledged it.

The Jiang elders: Never encountered something so absurd.

They could choose not to give her any, but they would risk Jiang Zhiyan badmouthing them on social media. They were trying to climb into high society and couldn’t afford such a humiliating and embarrassing scandal.

They originally called Jiang Zhiyan back to cause trouble for her, but who knew she herself would be the biggest troublemaker? They were so angered by her they had to give her money, and a small amount wasn’t enough.

Watching Jiang Zhiyan’s smiling face as she collected the red envelopes made their teeth itch. The younger generation was also very unhappy. Although they didn’t lack spending money, who would complain about having more money? But their parents had made an agreement long ago to stop giving each other’s children red envelopes.

“So, sister-in-law still hasn’t come back?” The eldest Jiang uncle asked darkly.

“She said she doesn’t want to come back, she wants to spend New Year’s at the hospital.”

“How unlucky to spend New Year’s at the hospital. Ask her to come back. It’s better to be at home for New Year’s.” The eldest uncle said, feigning concern, but sneering inwardly. How could they get the red envelope money back if she didn’t come back?

Jiang’s mother was called back. The eldest uncle kept implying that if she spent New Year’s at the hospital, it would affect her luck for the next year. Although Jiang’s mother didn’t believe in these things, thinking of her extremely unlucky year last year, she still came back.

Seeing Jiang Zhiyan sitting on the sofa, her body trembled involuntarily. After all the mental processing she had done, Jiang Zhiyan had become no different from a demon in her eyes.

Jiang Zhiyan looked Jiang’s mother over. She looked much thinner than before, seemingly not having a good time. However, Jiang Jingxue wouldn’t make things difficult for her mother financially, there must have been other issues.

“What has she been doing lately?” Jiang Zhiyan asked the system.

“Staying at the hospital.” The system replied.

Jiang Zhiyan was silent for a few seconds, speechless, then twitched the corners of her lips, suddenly finding it a bit ridiculous: “Forget it.”

“She seems to think that as long as your cheap father wakes up, everything can go back to normal.” The system analyzed.

“Normal?” Jiang Zhiyan was puzzled. “It seemed like she was only normal during her nine years of compulsory education. After all this time, that’s the conclusion she came to?”

Jiang’s mother sat as far away from Jiang Zhiyan as possible. Just as she was about to take a sip from her cup, several children walked over to her and asked for red envelopes.

She froze for two seconds, then reacted after seeing the red envelopes next to Jiang Zhiyan. Her face darkened, and she glanced at the eldest uncle, who stood there expressionlessly, his meaning clear.

Jiang’s mother sneered: “If you wanted red envelopes, you could have just said so on the phone. You had to make me come all the way here. I thought Eldest Brother sincerely wanted me to celebrate New Year’s with you all.”

“Sister-in-law, what are you saying? Of course it was sincere. I also wanted to ask you for advice on raising children.” The eldest uncle said sarcastically. “Your niece is really something now.”

“Some things depend on the individual. You can’t teach it, so there’s no need for advice. Besides, I wasn’t raised by her.” Jiang Zhiyan leaned against the sofa and counted the red envelopes. They must have agreed on the amount beforehand. They all gave 10,000 yuan, except Jiang Jingxue, who gave 66,000 yuan, transferring the money directly to her account.

Jiang Zhiyan put the money in her bag, stood up, and went back to the sunroom, leaving behind a group of people with livid faces.

“Look at your good daughter!”

“I can’t control her, Eldest Brother. If you think you can, then go ahead, I won’t stop you.” Jiang’s mother said coldly.

“Ha, your family matters are not something I dare to interfere with.”

…

Upon reaching the sunroom, Jiang Zhiyan immediately shared the good news with Liang Xi.

[Jiang Zhiyan: Got the red envelopes.]

[Liang Xi: ???]

[Jiang Zhiyan: About 100,000 yuan in total.]

[Liang Xi: That much?]

[Liang Xi: Why did you transfer money to me?]

[Jiang Zhiyan: Family, sharing the wealth.]

Liang Xi, holding her phone, smiled and rolled around on her bed, then immediately called: “Why would they give you red envelopes?”

“I asked for them directly. They care about their face, they’re furious with me.” Jiang Zhiyan rested her chin on her hand and took a sip of coffee.

“I’m relieved you weren’t bullied.” Liang Xi patted her chest, her hair spread out, and she stared at the ceiling, exhaling.

“Don’t worry, they can’t beat me.” Jiang Zhiyan paused. “I miss you.”

“Me too.” Liang Xi held the phone close to her ear, as if she could be closer to Jiang Zhiyan this way. “Are you visiting relatives tomorrow? If not, let’s go out and play. Let’s meet early.”

“No need to visit relatives.” Jiang Zhiyan didn’t actually know, but since Liang Xi said so, then there was definitely no need.

Liang Xi exhaled, seemingly wanting to say something, but didn’t.

Jiang Zhiyan sensed her hesitation and didn’t rush her, just listened to her breathing, waiting quietly.

“Yan Yanzhuo contacted me yesterday.” Liang Xi said.

Jiang Zhiyan’s smile vanished, and she frowned.

The male lead’s presence was now even weaker than the second male lead’s. She had almost forgotten about him, why was he showing up again?

“The plot might have accelerated again. You replaced Xu Yi’s position, making him uncomfortable.” The system flipped through the script. “The original female lead never even got together with him, just being somewhat close to him made him go crazy. Now… her preference has even changed, I’m afraid he’s going to really lose it, the danger level is rising rapidly.”

“What did he want?” Jiang Zhiyan asked, her tone calm.

“He wanted to meet me tomorrow.” Liang Xi said.

Jiang Zhiyan’s expression darkened further, the spoon in her hand slowly bending under the pressure until it snapped in two: “Hmm? Why?”

“I don’t know, it’s inexplicable. I refused anyway.” Liang Xi paused. “But that’s not the important thing. I want to tell you something else. It’s true, although it’s strange, I hope you’ll believe me.”

“I clearly wanted to refuse him, I didn’t want to see him at all, but there was another voice in my head, urging me to agree to meet him, and it seems like it can even control my actions. Am I having a split personality? Or some other psychological problem? But I don’t think I should be…”

Although her father was a scumbag, she didn’t think he had much of an impact on her, at most, she just found him annoying.

Jiang Zhiyan’s eyes darkened. This was the power of the plot trying to pull the NPC back on track, a kind of self-repair mechanism of the small world.

“No, you’re not, just ignore it.” Jiang Zhiyan said.

“Hmm? So you heard it too?” Liang Xi asked. She had always felt that Jiang Zhiyan was very different from the person she knew before. Reflecting on herself these past two days, she found that she was also completely different from before. She felt like she was close to uncovering some secret.

Jiang Zhiyan thought for a few seconds, then admitted: “Yes.”

Seeing the warning signs appear, the system silently turned them off and sighed softly.

It had come to this.

“Then do you also feel like you’re being controlled? I feel so uncomfortable, I don’t like that feeling.”

“No, but it’s okay, it’ll be over soon.” Jiang Zhiyan quickly flipped through the script, choosing the exit point from this world. She had originally wanted to stay longer, earn more points, but since Liang Xi was already uncomfortable, it was time to leave. “Set me as your emergency contact. If you feel like you’re being controlled, call me, and I’ll come find you.”

“What if I can’t talk, how will you find me? Should I buy a kids’ smart watch?”

Jiang Zhiyan felt a bit helpless. Liang Xi’s voice was trembling, clearly panicked by the situation, but she was still trying to lighten the mood.

“I have my own ways, trust me, I’ll find you, nothing will happen. Or I can come find you now.” She had already received the red envelopes anyway, and these people didn’t seem to have any important business to discuss with her.

“No need, my grandma’s house is too far from your ancestral home, it’s too much trouble for you to come. Let’s meet tomorrow, tomorrow…” Liang Xi’s voice cracked with tears. “Can you come home with me tomorrow night? I’m really scared.”

“Okay, of course, we’ll meet tomorrow morning at 7:30.” Jiang Zhiyan’s voice was gentle. She wanted it to be even earlier, but it would take Liang Xi an hour and a half to get to the city center by subway. Waking up at six was early enough.

Jiang Zhiyan went back to her room, found her earphones and a portable charger, and stayed on call with Liang Xi until bedtime. Hearing Liang Xi’s even breathing on the other end, she put her phone aside.

“Her soul fragment is too small and too weak, so it’s difficult to resist the world’s will. It’s already amazing that she’s aware of being controlled.” Jiang Zhiyan circled a section in the original novel. “So let’s leave it at this. It should happen tomorrow or the day after.”

“Host, are you crazy?” The system, seeing the plot point Jiang Zhiyan had chosen, couldn’t help but ask.

“Do you have any other brilliant ideas? This is the fastest way.”

“But if you do this, this book will definitely be considered unfinished, the world completion rate will be 70% at most, and you’ll only earn three to five hundred points, maybe even less.”

“The ending will be a bad ending 100%.” Jiang Zhiyan said. “The logic can be explained now.”

“But being hit by a car hurts, Host!” The system said loudly.

Jiang Zhiyan paused, then said casually: “I’m not very sensitive to pain, and what’s a little pain? Don’t worry about me.”

Thinking of the one who became a soul fragment, the system suddenly didn’t know what to say. Someone who could be with a ruthless person like Jiang Zhiyan must also be ruthless.

“What exactly happened to you two? Why did you become soul fragments…”

Jiang Zhiyan remained silent.

She didn’t sleep all night and left the house at five o’clock, walking to the nearest subway station and taking the first train.

Liang Xi was also on the subway. She sent a message every few minutes, her excitement evident in her words.

[Liang Xi: I feel much better today! We’ll go have breakfast first later, a new dim sum place opened, I heard it’s very authentic, I’ve wanted to try it for a long time, it’s on me!]

[Liang Xi: But I already ate a little this morning.]

[Liang Xi: I just messaged Yang Xiao and woke her up, she said she’s going to chase me down and kill me, hahaha.]

[Liang Xi: The weather is so nice today!]

[Liang Xi: Although there are no red envelopes, I’ve prepared a gift for you. Tell me, are you excited?!]

Jiang Zhiyan replied to each message one by one. During the hour-long subway ride, they exchanged over a thousand messages, from last night’s New Year’s Eve dinner to the dim sum they were about to eat.

Exiting the subway station, just as Jiang Zhiyan steadied herself, she saw someone running towards her from the corner of her eye, then throwing themselves at her, hugging her tightly.

Liang Xi was still scared and nervous. Seeing Jiang Zhiyan, she finally relaxed.

Jiang Zhiyan patted Liang Xi’s trembling back: “Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year.” Liang Xi released Jiang Zhiyan and put a bracelet on her wrist. “It’s been blessed, for your safety, to ward off disasters.”

Jiang Zhiyan froze for a second, looking at Liang Xi’s wind-chapped cheeks.

“Yes.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at the bracelet on her wrist, her heart pounding.

Why this…

Liang Xi had planned the entire day’s itinerary on the subway, basically all about eating. Because there were so many things she wanted to eat, she had made thorough preparations, wearing sneakers and planning to walk to aid digestion.

Chapter 28: I Also Want Cake (28)

The sofa wasn’t big, and the two were pressed close together.

It was strange. When Liang Xi was sitting on the bed, her heart was racing, but now, sitting next to Jiang Zhiyan, leaning against her, she suddenly felt calm.

“Liang Xi, what’s your hand doing?” Jiang Zhiyan’s voice suddenly broke the silence.

Liang Xi froze, instinctively pulling her hand back and staring wide-eyed at Jiang Zhiyan, as if she had done something unbelievable.

“What did I do?” Liang Xi asked, blinking innocently.

“I didn’t expect you to be this kind of Liang Xi, taking advantage of me and then refusing to admit it.” Jiang Zhiyan pulled the blanket higher.

Liang Xi looked at her hand: “I don’t think so, I feel very calm right now.”

Jiang Zhiyan looked at her with a deadpan expression, her voice laced with mock aggrievement: “You were about to rub my leg raw, and now you’re saying you’re calm? You sleep on the sofa, you can have the blanket, no need to thank me.”

Liang Xi stared, watching Jiang Zhiyan smoothly slip back into bed, suspecting a trap, but she had no proof.

“You just said you loved me the most! You said it just now! Have you changed your mind so quickly?”

Jiang Zhiyan didn’t answer, just looked at Liang Xi from the bed, then extended her leg, wiggled it invitingly, and raised an eyebrow.

Liang Xi usually found these actions incredibly cheesy, but now that it was Jiang Zhiyan doing them, she held out for thirty seconds before giving in and running over.

“See, you couldn’t resist.” Jiang Zhiyan said.

“That’s how it should be.” Liang Xi snorted softly. “You better not…”

Jiang Zhiyan turned and kissed Liang Xi, then clung to her like a koala: “Go to sleep. Touch all you want, I won’t say anything.”

“I don’t want to.” Liang Xi declared, full of false bravado.

Feeling the touch on her thigh, Jiang Zhiyan reached out and turned off the lights.

They stayed in He City for a whole week, visiting all the famous and lesser-known spots, taking thousands of pictures.

Many places were ordinary, but as long as she was with Liang Xi, Jiang Zhiyan could find a reason to take a picture.

“So, what was the reason for taking pictures in front of a trash can?” The system flipped through the photos Jiang Zhiyan had taken.

“The red and green color scheme! Look at the composition, so beautiful, art that transcends time.”

System: …

Jiang Zhiyan brought Liang Xi to He City to trigger her memories, but perhaps because the soul fragment that had become Liang Xi was too small, only the subconscious instincts remained, not the memories.

She had already anticipated this, but after confirming it, she still felt a pang of heartache.

“Why are you looking at me like that? I just bumped into a wall.” Liang Xi rolled up her sleeve to show Jiang Zhiyan. “Not a scratch.”

“I see, put it down, it’s cold, you’ll freeze your hand.” Jiang Zhiyan pulled her sleeve back down.

“Where are you spending the New Year this year?” Liang Xi rubbed her arms.

“Good question.” Jiang Zhiyan put her hands in her pockets. “It’s okay if I don’t celebrate. New Year’s Day is no different from any other day. I’ll just do some homework, and it’ll be over in a flash.”

“Do you want to come to our house? My mom and I are going back to my grandma’s, she’s very nice.” Liang Xi said shyly.

“I probably can’t. I think I have to go back home. They haven’t explicitly told me, but they asked me to attend the company’s annual meeting, so I’ll probably have to go to the ancestral home for New Year’s too.” Jiang Zhiyan said, then noticed Liang Xi’s pained expression, and said with a wry smile, “What’s with that look? It’s my aunt who’s in charge now, and I have a good relationship with her. Besides, in the eyes of the rest of the Jiang family, I’m the big bad villain they need to be wary of.”

Liang Xi wiped her tears: “Will you run into your mom?”

“It’s fine, even if I do, she can’t do anything to me. She can’t hurt someone who doesn’t care about her.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi. “She needs me to support her right now, so she won’t do anything to me.”

Liang Xi bit her lip. Although Jiang Zhiyan said that, and she probably wouldn’t be hurt, she still felt sad.

“This week we’ve been traveling, let’s just consider it our New Year’s celebration. No, every day we’re together is a celebration for me. I should take a break too, celebrating every day is too exciting, my heart can’t take it.” Jiang Zhiyan pinched Liang Xi’s cheek, not letting go until it was deformed.

Liang Xi glared at Jiang Zhiyan, playfully hitting her arm, then couldn’t help but laugh: “So cheesy… where did you even learn that?”

“Does that need to be learned? It’s just expressing my true feelings, my most genuine thoughts.”

“Ha.” Liang Xi narrowed her eyes. “I’ll reluctantly believe you.”

Jiang Zhiyan: ?

“Ha, the consequences of being too glib.” The system said faintly.

“I told you, it’s just expressing my true feelings.” Jiang Zhiyan corrected it.

After returning from He City, Jiang Zhiyan originally wanted to spend a few more days with Liang Xi. Liang Xi’s mother still had a few days off before they went to her grandmother’s house. But Yang Xiao returned.

Perhaps to get back at Jiang Zhiyan for her previous actions, Yang Xiao dragged Liang Xi out to play without her, with a very justifiable reason: since Liang Xi and Jiang Zhiyan got together, they rarely had any alone time as best friends. Now, taking advantage of the winter break, they had to make up for it. Yang Xiao was so sincere she almost made Liang Xi cry.

Logically, Jiang Zhiyan knew she shouldn’t let love affect her friendships, and she shouldn’t interfere with Liang Xi’s social circle. Liang Xi should have time to hang out with her friends. But deep down, she felt very unhappy.

They had finally gotten together, and she wanted to be glued to Liang Xi’s side every minute of every day.

“I should have agreed to spend New Year’s with her.” Jiang Zhiyan regretted it. “The Jiang family is such a pain.”

“Sometimes I feel like you don’t have human emotions, and sometimes I feel like your possessiveness is inhuman. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, being too clingy might scare people away.”

“Absence…” Jiang Zhiyan scoffed. “This is a long separation.”

Jiang Zhiyan attended the company’s annual meeting with her aunt. Before leaving, her aunt comforted her, telling her not to be too nervous. When they arrived, they found that Jiang Zhiyan wasn’t nervous at all, she was just a smooth operator. However, it could be seen that she wasn’t very interested in socializing. After brushing people off, she sat in her seat and ate peacefully.

Other members of the Jiang family also attended the annual meeting. To avoid unnecessary chatter, Jiang Zhiyan would leave whenever they approached her. They didn’t bother her too much, after all, it wouldn’t look good to cause a scene with a junior at an annual meeting.

“I think it will be very unpleasant for you if you return to the ancestral home for the New Year.” The system said.

“It’s fine, going crazy can solve everything.”

Shortly after the annual meeting, Jiang Zhiyan returned to the ancestral home. Because she hadn’t seen Liang Xi, she was in a particularly bad mood. Liang Xi sang to her for half an hour before her mood improved slightly.

Arriving at the ancestral home, Jiang Zhiyan saw four people of her age gathered in the garden. She quickly identified them: two cousins and a younger cousin, none of whom she had a good relationship with.

She glanced at them without greeting them and walked past them, dragging her suitcase.

“Look at the person who’s clinging to Auntie’s favor, becoming more and more arrogant.”

“Don’t say that, she doesn’t even care about her own mother, let alone us. Be careful she doesn’t cause trouble for you.”

“I know, shut up.” Jiang Zhiyan looked back at the speaker.

“Tsk, really thinks she’s something. I heard you have a girlfriend now? Quite obedient, huh?”

Hearing the malicious tone, Jiang Zhiyan stopped, turning to look at the speaker.

“I’m also very curious. Someone you approve of must be very interesting. I wonder…”

Jiang Zhiyan picked up a pebble from the ground and kicked it at the speaker, hitting him in the forehead, interrupting his words.

The person cried out in pain, stumbling backward. Feeling the warm liquid flowing down his face, his expression turned ugly.

“Jiang Zhiyan, are you crazy?” He clutched his forehead.

“Cousin doesn’t like it? A sign of good fortune.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at him coldly. “Oh, right, the last person who badmouthed me died in a car accident.”

Everyone in the garden looked at her warily. When Jiang Zhiyan left, dragging her suitcase, no one stopped her.

Going crazy was very effective. Jiang Zhiyan had a peaceful afternoon.

At dinner, the cousin with the injured forehead didn’t come down. A mild concussion had made him vomit several times, and he couldn’t eat anything. His parents glared at Jiang Zhiyan but didn’t say anything, mainly because they were afraid Jiang Zhiyan would dump their food on their heads.

After being ousted, Jiang’s mother had talked to them, insisting that Jiang Zhiyan pushed her father down the stairs, but she had no proof, so they just thought she was crazy.

Their impression of Jiang Zhiyan was still that of a “brainless beauty,” but Jiang Zhiyan’s actions this time indirectly proved this point. Who in their right mind would throw a rock at someone? If it weren’t for the fact that the injury wasn’t serious, and they cared about their reputation, they would have taken Jiang Zhiyan to the police station.

They had originally planned to give Jiang Zhiyan a hard time at dinner, but now they were unusually quiet. They weren’t without ulterior motives, but after exchanging glances, no one wanted to be the first to speak.

The more they suppressed their emotions, the more hostile their gazes towards Jiang Zhiyan became. Jiang Zhiyan was a challenge to their elders’ authority.

Aunt Jiang pretended not to notice the undercurrent at the dinner table and poured Jiang Zhiyan a glass of juice: “Still planning to go abroad?”

“No.” Jiang Zhiyan said.

“Because of your little girlfriend?” Aunt Jiang asked.

Jiang Zhiyan glanced at her. Her aunt’s expression was normal, seemingly not caring whether her partner was male or female: “It’s partly because of her, but mainly because I don’t think it’s necessary.”

The Jiang Zhiyan in the book didn’t go abroad.

“You should break up soon. It’s so embarrassing being asked about it every time we go out.” The man diagonally across from Jiang Zhiyan said with a disgusted look. “Two women together, isn’t that disgusting?”

“Disgusting? A married man fooling around outside, who knows what diseases he has, has the nerve to sit here and point fingers at others and doesn’t think he’s disgusting? I’m in a proper relationship, what’s disgusting about that?” Jiang Zhiyan looked up at him.

The man’s face turned red. He wanted to say something, but after struggling for a while, he only managed: “Don’t interfere in your elders’ affairs.”

“Everyone should have their own separate plates tomorrow, in case there are any infectious diseases.” Jiang Zhiyan continued. “This isn’t about you, this is for everyone’s health.”

The others, who were about to pick up food, quietly put down their chopsticks, feeling slightly nauseous.

Aunt Jiang chuckled: “Okay, I understand. That’s a good suggestion, I’ll take it.”

“Jiang Jingxue!”

“Why are you so agitated, brother? You’re getting old, you should take care of your health.” Jiang Jingxue said calmly.

“I get a physical exam every year, I don’t have any infectious diseases.” He said through gritted teeth.

“Mm-hmm.” Jiang Jingxue nodded casually, infuriating him even more.

The conflict was successfully shifted away from Jiang Zhiyan.

They didn’t eat much at dinner. Afterward, they all went their separate ways.

Jiang Zhiyan leaned against the railing, video chatting with Liang Xi, who was sitting cross-legged on the carpet, seemingly freshly showered, her hair still wet.

“Go dry your hair first.”

“I did, it’s not dripping anymore.” Liang Xi shook her hair, and as a drop of water fell, she quickly wiped it away with her little finger. “See? Gone.”

They stared at each other, then Liang Xi sighed.

“Fine, fine, I’ll go. I just didn’t want to let drying my hair interrupt our conversation.”

“You’re getting better and better at making excuses. I’ll wait for you. I can just watch you, we don’t have to talk.”

“Hmph.”

Liang Xi put her phone on the table, turned on the hairdryer, and said something, then winked.

Jiang Zhiyan smiled, watching Liang Xi. She went back to her room, grabbed a piece of paper, and wrote four words: “I can read lips.”

Liang Xi’s smug smile instantly vanished. She coughed a couple of times and pretended nothing happened as she dried her hair, glancing at the screen. Jiang Zhiyan was writing something again, several pages of it.

[I’ll wear everything you bought for me]

[But I also want to see you wear them]

[Why is it taking so long for you to become an adult?]

Liang Xi blushed furiously as she thought of something, then reached out and hung up.

Jiang Zhiyan chuckled.

“Unbearable to watch.”

“You don’t have eyes to begin with. If you did, you would have fainted from shock last time.” Jiang Zhiyan shredded the papers and threw them in the trash.

Twenty minutes later, Liang Xi called her back, seemingly having recovered, her complexion normal, her eyes normal, the conversation positive and uplifting, as if nothing had happened. She then proceeded to torture Jiang Zhiyan with a bunch of strange math problems.

Liang Xi’s mother, who had been discussing the problems with Jiang Zhiyan, greeted Liang Xi when she came to the door, placed a fruit basket down, and quietly left the room.

When Liang Xi’s mother learned about her relationship with Jiang Zhiyan, she was a bit worried. She didn’t have any particular opinion on Liang Xi dating a girl, but she had made inquiries about Jiang Zhiyan. She knew she couldn’t judge someone solely based on rumors, but Jiang Zhiyan’s reputation was truly… colorful. She had dated many boys before, and she seemed very experienced. Liang Xi, on the other hand, had always been a good girl and had never been in a relationship. She had even liked a boy not too long ago. No matter how she looked at it, their relationship didn’t seem very stable. But because Liang Xi clearly liked Jiang Zhiyan very much, she didn’t say anything, just quietly observed.

Seeing them video chatting, she thought they were just idly chatting, but then she saw a pile of practice problems on the table and heard them discussing the questions. She felt relieved.

She heard Liang Xi ask tricky questions from various angles, and Jiang Zhiyan patiently answered each one without any sign of impatience.

Liang Xi’s mother smiled and sighed in relief. She probably wouldn’t have had the patience herself; some of Liang Xi’s questions sounded like she was deliberately finding fault.

Chapter 27: I Also Want Cake (27)

“Thanks to you two, I’ve been questioned all day. Do you know how I’ve survived?” Yang Xiao glared at the two. “But no one’s hounding Xi Xi about it.”

“Probably because she doesn’t look as gossipy as you.” Jiang Zhiyan opened the water bottle for Liang Xi, who smiled at her and took it.

“Can you have a little sense of danger? People are already guessing that you might have a girlfriend this time. You’re just focused on teasing me, have you thought about the future?” Yang Xiao put her hands on her hips, watching as Jiang Zhiyan wiped Liang Xi’s mouth. “Can you two be a little more discreet?”

“If they find out, they find out.” Liang Xi’s gaze settled on Jiang Zhiyan. “Do you mind?”

“I don’t mind, I’m worried about you.” Jiang Zhiyan leaned back in her chair. “I’m used to gossip.”

“You’re worried about Xi Xi, then can’t you just hold back?” Yang Xiao rolled her eyes. “Hypocritical woman.”

“Some things are hard to hold back.” Liang Xi looked at Yang Xiao, her gaze sincere. “It’s not just her.”

Yang Xiao looked at Liang Xi in shock, clutching her chest, and sat down heavily in her chair.

“Xiao Xiao, don’t you want us to go public? Do you think it’s embarrassing for us to be different?” Liang Xi gripped the bottle, her eyes filled with an indescribable sadness, looking as if she was about to cry.

“Of course not! I thought you two minded.” Yang Xiao patted her chest. “I’ll always be on your side! I’m definitely more reliable than love.”

“Ha.” Jiang Zhiyan leaned against Liang Xi. “Love is indeed unreliable, but I am reliable.”

“Shameless Jiang Zhiyan, how often do you change partners, don’t you know? You’re the most unreliable person in the entire school.” Yang Xiao rubbed her temples. “Since Xi Xi likes you, I won’t say anything anymore. But if you make her sad, even if I can’t beat you, I’ll still fight you.”

Jiang Zhiyan chuckled and hugged Liang Xi affectionately: “Then you’ll never be able to hit me.”

Liang Xi patted Jiang Zhiyan’s arm and gave Yang Xiao a reassuring look.

Yang Xiao felt like she had been played. As expected, Liang Xi was being corrupted by Jiang Zhiyan.

After the entire school failed to find Jiang Zhiyan’s partner, everyone turned their attention to Liang Xi.

Actually, some people had suspected Liang Xi from the beginning. However, Liang Xi had previously pursued Yan Yanzhuo passionately, and Jiang Zhiyan had also liked Yan Yanzhuo. The fact that these two were now so close was already strange enough. If they were actually together… they couldn’t even imagine it.

However, after eliminating all other possibilities, the only remaining option was the most improbable one: Liang Xi.

“I’d rather believe it was Yang Xiao.”

“No thanks, I’d be scared to death of her.” Yang Xiao waved her hands repeatedly, frowning. “Why guess me of all people?”

“So it really is Liang Xi? What does Liang Xi even see in her?” The person frowned. “They haven’t been close for that long, right? Just a few months? I thought Liang Xi was pretty decent, but now…”

Seeing Yang Xiao’s expression darken, the speaker closed their mouth.

“Watch your words. What does she see in her? She sees that Jiang Zhiyan likes her and treats her well, she sees that Jiang Zhiyan isn’t a gossip.” Yang Xiao snorted. “Just offer your congratulations, why so much bullshit? Them being together has nothing to do with anyone else.”

The other person chuckled dryly and muttered: “Why are you so worked up? I didn’t say anything.”

The news of Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi’s relationship spread like wildfire throughout the school. There had never been a same-sex couple before; they were the first. Because of their previous relationships, bored people began to speculate when they had secretly gotten together.

Jiang Zhiyan’s inbox was overflowing with messages, all from her numerous ex-boyfriends. She didn’t know how to explain, she couldn’t just say she had changed her preference.

Wei Ting and Lin Shenyu, who hadn’t been at school for a few days, also heard the news. They hadn’t intentionally sought it out; hundreds of people had sent them the same message.

“Did you know Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi are together?”

Seeing the progress of the side plot, Jiang Zhiyan knew that this incident had greatly shaken them.

“I was planning to cause some trouble for them recently, but now it seems there’s no need.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“Like suddenly not being able to access their bank accounts, or being forbidden from living in their current houses, becoming completely homeless.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at the system interface. “When these two suffer together, they’ll put aside their differences.”

Jiang Zhiyan watched as the side plot progress bar jumped forward.

“Your method is more effective.” The system said. “Poor children, still underage and suffering such a blow.”

The shock was indeed substantial, so much so that they returned to school the next day.

Seeing Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi walking hand-in-hand to the cafeteria, the progress bar jumped forward again.

“No wonder she didn’t like me.” Xu Yi sighed. “If she liked Yan Yanzhuo, I thought I still had a chance, but now she’s not even interested in guys…”

“Shut up.” Wei Ting said unhappily.

“Just curious, what’s so charming about Jiang Zhiyan?” In Xu Yi’s eyes, Jiang Zhiyan was just a delicate glass doll, more fragile than a normal person. One touch and she would…

“She’s good with words, though she’s changed a lot now.” Lin Shenyu looked at their retreating figures. Jiang Zhiyan was tugging at Liang Xi’s sleeve, acting cute.

“Oh, she changed after dating you?” Xu Yi asked.

Lin Shenyu looked at Xu Yi expressionlessly.

“Sorry, sorry.” Xu Yi waved his hand. “Touched a nerve again, my bad.”

“I’ve never met anyone worse with words than you.” Wei Ting was extremely displeased.

“You realize you’re bad with words?” Lin Shenyu asked. “I thought you were completely unaware of this.”

Wei Ting: ?

Perhaps because of the lingering deterrent effect of Jiang Zhiyan’s previous fight, there wasn’t much gossip. Or maybe there was, but it didn’t reach Jiang Zhiyan’s ears, so she pretended not to know. After all, it was impossible to avoid being talked about.

The day after the final exams and the start of the winter break, Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi went to He City together. Yang Xiao went on a trip with her family, and lamented missing out on being a third wheel. She posted three long, weepy messages in the group chat expressing her regret, only to be muted by Jiang Zhiyan. Angered, she called to read them aloud, then hung up after Jiang Zhiyan put her on speaker and she heard the voices of passersby.

“Xiao Xiao doesn’t mean any harm.” Liang Xi said helplessly.

“Disturbing our date, she’s clearly being malicious.” Jiang Zhiyan held Liang Xi’s hand. “Do you feel sorry for her?”

Liang Xi, sensing a trap in the question, quickly kissed Jiang Zhiyan’s cheek and looked at her with a sincere yet helpless expression.

“You’re pretty bad too.” Jiang Zhiyan swung their joined hands. “Bullying me.”

“What you did last night was bullying, I told you I couldn’t breathe.” Liang Xi snorted softly. “Don’t even think about it tonight.”

“Fine.” Jiang Zhiyan sighed dramatically. “I’m used to being neglected. I’ll just curl up in a corner with my little blanket. Maybe if I don’t look at you, I won’t want to. Even if I do, I’ll hold back. I’m just afraid you’ll want to…”

Liang Xi covered Jiang Zhiyan’s mouth: “You stop talking too.”

Jiang Zhiyan looked at her with a smile, Liang Xi’s face crimson as she avoided the gazes of passersby.

Life in He City moved at a slow pace, but time still flew by for Jiang Zhiyan. Before they knew it, breakfast was over, they’d strolled around a bit, and the morning was gone.

Liang Xi sat beside Jiang Zhiyan, watching her flip through a travel brochure. Jiang Zhiyan’s movements were very careful.

“Have you been here before? This brochure looks really old, from when is it?” Liang Xi said, glancing at the year and pausing. “2087? Can travel brochures time travel now?”

“Maybe.”

Liang Xi didn’t take it seriously, assuming it was just something from the tourism bureau, and laughed, pointing to the page Jiang Zhiyan had opened: “I want to visit this temple. The internet says it’s very effective, no matter what you pray for. Are deities so competitive now that they have to be all-rounders?”

Jiang Zhiyan’s hand holding the brochure froze for a second. A smile appeared on her face as if remembering something. “Hmm, maybe. If you want to go, let’s go after lunch.”

“Okay.” Liang Xi nodded, watching as Jiang Zhiyan closed the brochure and carefully placed it in the interlayer of her backpack. “So precious… so who did you come with before?”

Jiang Zhiyan zipped up her bag: “That important to you?”

“Yes, it is! You came here with someone important, and now you’re bringing me? That doesn’t seem right.” Liang Xi tugged on Jiang Zhiyan’s clothes.

“It’s a family heirloom.” Jiang Zhiyan said helplessly. “Look at my family situation, and look at my mom’s daily schedule for me, when would I have time to come here?”

“A family heirloom?”

“Yeah, a family heirloom.”

“Passed down from 2087 to 2032?” Liang Xi thought Jiang Zhiyan was joking.

“Yeah, the year isn’t important. What’s important is that I like this city, so I wanted to bring you here.” Jiang Zhiyan rested her chin on her hand and looked at Liang Xi. “Are you jealous? Then buy me another one, and I’ll use the one you give me next time.”

“Who’s jealous? I was just asking. And it’s just a travel brochure, I don’t care.” Liang Xi looked at her feet. “But have you really never been here before? You seem so familiar with this city, you even know the small alleys…”

“I’ve only been here with you.” Jiang Zhiyan put her arm around Liang Xi, showering her neck, the area behind her ear, and her earlobe with kisses.

“People are watching.” Liang Xi struggled a bit, but not much.

“Let them watch. What’s wrong with a kiss? We’re on the sidewalk, not blocking the way.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi’s profile and murmured, “I really like you, don’t overthink it, I only like you.”

“Yes, me too.” Liang Xi’s heart settled. Perhaps it was just sweet talk from Jiang Zhiyan, but she still believed it.

That afternoon, they went to Hecheng Temple. Although it wasn’t far from the bustling city center, the moment they stepped onto the path leading to the temple, the surroundings seemed to quiet down. And because it was winter, they couldn’t even hear the birds chirping.

“Is there no one here?” Liang Xi asked in surprise.

“He City isn’t exactly a popular tourist destination.” Jiang Zhiyan led Liang Xi through the temple gates. “Plus, we’re lucky.”

Liang Xi wasn’t superstitious, but since they were here, she prayed for health, studies, love, career, and wealth, very devoutly. Jiang Zhiyan followed behind her.

“Aren’t you going to pray?” Liang Xi asked.

“What I wanted to pray for is already by my side, so I have no desires now. I’ll just watch, so the deity will only hear your voice, which will make it easier for your wishes to come true.”

“Hmm… okay, then I’ll pray for more.” Liang Xi blinked with a smile.

I hope Jiang Zhiyan will be healthy, happy every day, have all her wishes come true, and be with me forever.

“She’s so cute like this.” Jiang Zhiyan’s gaze softened as she looked at Liang Xi.

The system asked hesitantly. It had been pondering this question since Jiang Zhiyan mentioned coming to He City: “Did you know her before? This city… shouldn’t exist in this world, but there was no out-of-bounds warning.”

“Kind of.” Jiang Zhiyan rubbed her neck. “I made a deal with the Main God.”

“I didn’t know anything about this… Did you know her before becoming a tasker? But she’s clearly an NPC here, although her character has deviated 100% now.” The system paused. “No wonder she was so easily swayed by you.”

“Kind of.” Jiang Zhiyan watched as Liang Xi stood up and supportively steadied her to prevent her from falling.

“No wonder you were so interested in her after entering this world. You made a deal with the Main God just to find her? So the ‘X’ is related to her?”

“Yes.”

“Then doesn’t the relationship deviation matter?” The system checked its inbox, but there were no notification emails.

“The normal procedure is similar to ordinary tasks, as long as the world doesn’t collapse. But for me, I needed to find her.” Jiang Zhiyan held Liang Xi’s hand. “But how could I watch her be with someone else? Points and all that… don’t matter anymore.”

“So what did you trade?”

“Several times the points required for retirement. I don’t remember the exact amount.”

The system froze for two seconds, then yelled.

“Huh? It was because of you? I thought there was something wrong with my system! I was afraid you would scold me, so I’ve been arguing with maintenance every day! Ahhh!” The system took a deep breath and muted itself, then after three seconds, reopened the communication channel. “Doesn’t that mean I’ll also retire later? You already accumulate points so slowly! If I had eyes, I would have fainted from the shock! You can’t just enslave me because I’m an AI.”

The system muted Jiang Zhiyan again, but not before sending her a bunch of news articles about AIs in various small worlds dying from overwork.

Jiang Zhiyan twitched her lips.

The system was furious and didn’t return until evening. To prevent the system from ruining the mood, Jiang Zhiyan also muted it.

The system, having finally calmed down and accepted reality after self-therapy, saw the mute notification: ?

Liang Xi sat cross-legged on the bed, watching Jiang Zhiyan emerge from the bathroom in a silk nightgown. Jiang Zhiyan walked past her, grabbed a blanket, and gave her a meaningful look.

Liang Xi: ?

“What are you doing?” Liang Xi asked.

“Going to huddle in a corner. The floor is a bit dirty, can I huddle on the sofa?” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi, the blanket draped over her, revealing one shoulder and part of her leg.

Remembering their earlier conversation, Liang Xi snorted: “If I turn off the lights, I won’t be able to see you.”

“Would you be willing to?” The blanket slipped down a little further, Jiang Zhiyan knowing exactly what Liang Xi liked to look at. “Would you really?”

Liang Xi threw a small plushie at Jiang Zhiyan, who didn’t dodge, letting it hit her head. A few strands of hair came loose from her updo, falling around her shoulders. Her eyes welled up, and she didn’t say anything, just looked at Liang Xi pitifully.

Liang Xi: !!!

“Jiang Zhiyan! You’re so despicable!” Liang Xi immediately lay down, pulling the blanket over her head. “I’m telling you, using your beauty won’t work on me. Go sleep next door, doesn’t the suite have two rooms?”

Liang Xi waited, but Jiang Zhiyan didn’t respond. Carefully, she shifted under the blankets and peeked out from the side. Just as she saw the light and spotted Jiang Zhiyan, she was caught.

She pulled the blankets back over her head and stayed still.

She had a feeling this had happened before.

Liang Xi took a deep breath and fidgeted in bed.

Suddenly, she sat up and threw off the covers: “Speaking of which, there’s something I haven’t asked you.”

“What?” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi, curling her legs up on the sofa, the blanket precariously draped over her.

Liang Xi glanced over, then quickly looked away.

“The ‘X’ you used in my contact, what does it mean? The ‘X’ is even before my name. At first, I thought it meant ‘Xi’, but it didn’t feel right.” Liang Xi had originally forgotten about this, but some of Jiang Zhiyan’s strange actions today reminded her of it. Thinking about all the dramatic novels she had read before, she felt a bit nervous.

“The ‘X’ is you.” Jiang Zhiyan said. “But it also has other meanings. In sociology, ‘X’ represents perfection. You are perfect in my eyes. ‘X’ also represents the unknown, infinite possibilities, representing all the unspoken affection I have for you. After all, I can’t write a love letter in your contact information, and besides, my affection for you can’t be contained in just one love letter.”

“If you have any questions next time, just ask me directly. I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings between us.” Jiang Zhiyan sighed softly. “And, trust me a little more.”

“I trust you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have waited until now to ask.” Liang Xi blinked a few times, then coughed. She rubbed her face, her smile deepening visibly. How could this person say such sweet words with a straight face, so calmly and effortlessly? She shifted to the left side of the bed: “Then come up, I’ll reluctantly make some room for you.”

“No, I have to control myself.” Jiang Zhiyan refused. “It’s okay, I can hold back.”

Liang Xi: ?

“Hmm? What, do you want me to?” Jiang Zhiyan blinked, her smile innocent and pure.

Liang Xi jumped out of bed, ran barefoot to Jiang Zhiyan’s side, and burrowed under her blanket.

“No, of course not, I just thought you might be bored.”

Chapter 26: I Also Want Cake (26) p2

Liang Xi subconsciously clutched her clothes, looking at Jiang Zhiyan. Since Jiang Zhiyan felt this way, then it wasn’t strange for her to have strange thoughts, it was only human nature.

“Then you’ve definitely succeeded.” Liang Xi said seriously, letting out a breath. “I really… like it very much.”

Liang Xi probably wanted to appear more composed, so she wouldn’t seem so easily swayed, but this serious demeanor made her appear even more innocent.

“I’m not cute, you’re the cute one.” Jiang Zhiyan laughed.

Liang Xi frowned in dissatisfaction, her gaze dropping again.

“It’s just the two of us, you can look as much as you want, it’s fine.” Jiang Zhiyan leaned against Liang Xi. “No one else has seen this besides you.”

Liang Xi rubbed her burning earlobes: “You, you, do you want to, you know?”

“You know what?” Jiang Zhiyan didn’t react for a moment.

Liang Xi widened her eyes and abruptly turned to look at Jiang Zhiyan, trying to discern whether she was feigning ignorance or genuinely didn’t understand. Noticing Jiang Zhiyan’s expression change from confusion to understanding, she wanted to find a hole to hide in.

Jiang Zhiyan actually didn’t have that kind of thought!

Didn’t that make her seem very casual?

The system was also shocked. It had thought that Jiang Zhiyan would definitely be the one to bring this up. After all, although Liang Xi might be a bit devious inside, compared to Jiang Zhiyan, she was a complete goody-two-shoes and most likely wouldn’t do anything so outrageous.

But who knew…

All the courage Liang Xi had mustered instantly vanished. She lowered her head, staring fixedly at her shoes, and covered her face.

What had she been thinking, how could she blurt that out on a whim? They hadn’t even confirmed their relationship, but she felt it was normal to talk about these things with Jiang Zhiyan.

“Host, this story is prohibited for those under 18, you understand, right?” The system popped up.

“I understand.” Jiang Zhiyan paused. “Don’t pop up at a time like this next time, you’re ruining the mood.”

The system snorted and then muted Jiang Zhiyan.

Jiang Zhiyan leaned closer to Liang Xi’s neck and gently licked her earlobe. The owner of the earlobe shivered sensitively. “It’s okay, it’s normal, I want to too, but aren’t we underage? I thought… you wouldn’t want to.”

“Then don’t tease me if you can’t! I’m going to sleep.” Liang Xi quickly scrambled out of Jiang Zhiyan’s arms and ran into the room as if escaping, almost losing her slippers.

“I thought you wanted to sleep in the guest room, so you actually want to sleep with me?” Jiang Zhiyan said.

Liang Xi ran back out, her head lowered, went into the next room, closed the door, and locked it.

Sleeping together was impossible. Liang Xi felt that if she slept with Jiang Zhiyan today, she probably wouldn’t be able to sleep all night. Just the thought of lying in the same bed with Jiang Zhiyan made her feel incredibly excited and shy.

She leaned against the door, rubbing her face, then touching her earlobe, screaming silently.

Jiang Zhiyan really was… really was… She slowly sat on the floor and took out her phone, wanting to tell someone about how she was feeling, then put it back down.

There was no one she could tell, it would be strange to tell anyone. If she told Yang Xiao, Yang Xiao would probably nag her about it for the next fifty years.

She slowly crawled into bed and turned off the lights.

Closing her eyes, she saw the chest chain against Jiang Zhiyan’s snow-white skin. She covered her eyes. Yes, she had no other thoughts, she just wanted to know how it was worn.

She didn’t know when she finally fell asleep, only remembering a dream of a female demon in a black dress, wrapping her arms around Liang Xi’s waist, repeatedly asking her, “Look? Look?” Then leading her hand to pull at her own dress.

The moment her hand touched the dress, Liang Xi woke up. She had never had such a dream. She was already embarrassed to see Jiang Zhiyan, now even more so. She turned on the front camera and looked at her face, which was indeed red beyond recognition.

It was 11:30 am. She thought Jiang Zhiyan might not be up yet. She got dressed and carefully opened the door, peeking through the crack. She didn’t see anyone and didn’t hear any sounds, so she breathed a sigh of relief.

She decided to make lunch and then immediately leave. However, as she tiptoed through the living room, Jiang Zhiyan walked out of the study.

Their eyes met.

Liang Xi subconsciously smiled, then felt her smile was too fake and forced, and tried to adjust it. However, the more she adjusted it, the weirder it felt. After seeing Jiang Zhiyan’s smile, she instantly stopped trying.

The system sighed. If it hadn’t confirmed that Liang Xi’s physical condition was indeed normal, it would have suspected that something happened last night that caused her to lose control of her facial muscles.

“Stop smiling.” Liang Xi abruptly turned around, her back to Jiang Zhiyan, and said stiffly. “Why are you up so early?”

“Not that early, lunch is ready.” Jiang Zhiyan followed behind Liang Xi, a smile still on her face. “Why were you so careful just now? Were you trying to run away?”

Liang Xi almost choked on her own saliva and said, pretending to be calm: “How could that be? I just, hmm, didn’t want to wake you up.”

As expected, the night made people muddleheaded. Feeling the sunlight, Liang Xi felt that what she had done last night was shockingly unconventional for her.

Jiang Zhiyan saw that Liang Xi was distracted and didn’t say anything, just served her some food.

“You can actually cook.” Liang Xi came back to her senses, holding her chopsticks.

“I followed a recipe.” Jiang Zhiyan said. “It shouldn’t taste too bad.”

Liang Xi took a piece of meat: “It doesn’t taste bad at all, it’s delicious, you should be more confident.”

“Someone said my cooking lacks soul.”

“Soul? As long as it’s delicious, deliciousness is the soul.” Liang Xi took another piece of meat.

Perhaps to prove how delicious it was, Liang Xi ate a lot, finishing all three dishes.

After eating, Liang Xi washed the dishes, and Jiang Zhiyan put the clean dishes and chopsticks in the dishwasher.

“Someone’s calling you.” Jiang Zhiyan glanced at the flashing screen. “It’s Yang Xiao.”

“Hmm? Xiao Xiao?” Liang Xi looked at Jiang Zhiyan, her eyes flickering, feeling inexplicably guilty thinking about the lie she told last night.

Jiang Zhiyan answered the phone and put it to Liang Xi’s ear. Liang Xi adjusted herself and answered, “Hello?”

“Xi Xi, aren’t you home?”

“Huh? What’s wrong, I’m not. Did you come looking for me?” Liang Xi looked at Jiang Zhiyan.

“Yeah, I came to do homework with you and freeload a meal. You’re not home? Where did you go? When are you coming back? If it’s soon, I’ll wait for you at the coffee shop downstairs.” Yang Xiao sighed. “Waaah, I really can’t do my homework without you.”

Yang Xiao’s voice was loud. Even without speakerphone, Jiang Zhiyan could hear her clearly. She looked at Liang Xi with a sad expression.

Liang Xi had originally planned to leave after washing the dishes, but Jiang Zhiyan’s look made her hesitate.

“I…” Liang Xi paused, then let out a soft gasp. She stared at Jiang Zhiyan, who had suddenly leaned closer. Although she knew Jiang Zhiyan was mostly acting, she still believed her every time and fell for it.

“What’s wrong? Xi Xi, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Liang Xi glared at Jiang Zhiyan, telling her to move away, but Jiang Zhiyan actually leaned on her right shoulder, holding the phone with her left hand, as if she was hugging Liang Xi.

Jiang Zhiyan kissed her neck, gently nuzzling against it, moving from her neck to behind her ear.

Liang Xi: !!!

“Xi Xi? Why does your voice sound strange?” Yang Xiao asked suspiciously.

“Does it?” Liang Xi chuckled dryly. “I don’t think so.”

“Of course it does, your voice is trembling. Are you in danger?” Yang Xiao suddenly realized something and asked tentatively, “Are you… at Jiang Zhiyan’s house right now?”

Liang Xi remained silent.

Yang Xiao took a deep breath: “Did you go this morning, or did you go last night?”

Liang Xi was still silent.

“You two! Forget it, it doesn’t matter anymore. I, I’m just a pitiful little girl with no one to love.” Yang Xiao said sadly.

“No, it’s just that, yesterday, hmm, because we agreed beforehand, it wasn’t convenient to bring you along.” Liang Xi explained, her voice lacking conviction.

Jiang Zhiyan took the phone: “Come over, I’ve almost finished my homework.”

Yang Xiao on the other end was startled by the sudden change of voice. However, after hearing what Jiang Zhiyan said, all problems ceased to be problems. Her attitude became haughty, suddenly finding courage from somewhere. “Coming, coming. Let me tell you, I’m family to Xi Xi, so please treat me with respect in the future, otherwise, heh.”

“No, you two stop discussing that first, the problem now is that I didn’t bring my homework.” Liang Xi said.

Jiang Zhiyan: …

In the end, Liang Xi still went back. Jiang Zhiyan originally wanted to go to Liang Xi’s house with her, but she decided not to, she still needed to give Liang Xi some time.

That evening, Jiang Zhiyan received a message from Yang Xiao, a meaningless “tsk tsk tsk.”

Jiang Zhiyan ignored her.

The system, looking at the frustrated Yang Xiao, thought of its previous attempts to tempt Jiang Zhiyan into spending points to buy information.

At this moment, it deeply empathized with Yang Xiao.

[Yang Xiao: ?]

[Jiang Zhiyan: ?]

[Yang Xiao: Aren’t you curious about what Xi Xi told me?]

[Jiang Zhiyan: I know she likes me very much, so there’s no need to ask.]

[Yang Xiao: ???]

Yang Xiao stared at her phone, her finger hovering over the block button. She had thought she could control Jiang Zhiyan, seeing her beg politely, who knew… As expected, someone like Jiang Zhiyan couldn’t be understood with ordinary thinking.

Since the day Liang Xi went home, Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi hadn’t seen each other. After the New Year’s Day holiday, back at school, the three of them met in the activity room as usual in the morning.

Today, Yang Xiao arrived the earliest. It was the first time she had come so early. Seeing Jiang Zhiyan enter, she smiled smugly. Jiang Zhiyan ignored her and sat to Liang Xi’s left.

Liang Xi pushed the breakfast she had prepared towards Jiang Zhiyan, glanced at her, then shyly lowered her head and took small sips of porridge.

“Tsk tsk tsk.” Yang Xiao’s gaze shifted back and forth between the two. “Why are you suddenly so awkward?”

Jiang Zhiyan stared at Yang Xiao for a full ten seconds. Under the pressure of her gaze, Yang Xiao’s head slowly drooped, and she quietly ate her food.

“I’m family to Xi Xi.” Yang Xiao reiterated.

“Be careful, it’s easy to choke when you talk while eating.” Jiang Zhiyan reminded her.

Yang Xiao rolled her eyes. Although Jiang Zhiyan’s way of telling her to shut up sounded much more polite, the sarcasm had also intensified.

Jiang Zhiyan intentionally or unintentionally brushed Liang Xi’s hand. Liang Xi, like a startled cat, quickly pulled her hand away and looked over. After confirming that Yang Xiao wasn’t looking, she gently patted Jiang Zhiyan’s hand.

“Why are we acting like we’re having an affair?” Jiang Zhiyan whispered.

Liang Xi checked Yang Xiao’s state again: “I’m just embarrassed when someone else is around, and she’s too good at teasing. These past two days, whenever she sees me, she starts with interjections and keeps making tsk tsk tsk sounds.”

Her eyes widened, clearly recalling something that gave her a headache. Liang Xi rubbed her face and sighed. It was already embarrassing having her first relationship, and there was a teaser beside her.

“Tsk tsk tsk.”

Jiang Zhiyan looked at Yang Xiao, who was holding a pancake, her eyes peeking out from behind it, looking amused and slightly mischievous. Although she hadn’t said anything, her shifting gaze said it all.

“Hehehe.” Jiang Zhiyan stared at Yang Xiao.

Yang Xiao lowered her head again.

Liang Xi instantly felt better and gave Jiang Zhiyan a thumbs-up.

“Tsk tsk tsk, as expected of a couple, ganging up to bully me.”

“Be careful not to choke.” Jiang Zhiyan said kindly.

Yang Xiao was about to say something when she suddenly started coughing violently. She clutched her chest, and it took her a while to recover, gulping down some water: “Crow’s mouth.”

“So stop talking.” Jiang Zhiyan continued her friendly reminder.

Yang Xiao stopped talking, but her eyes were still alive. Liang Xi was so bothered by her gaze that she didn’t want to look in her direction anymore.

When they left after breakfast, Liang Xi didn’t want to let go of Jiang Zhiyan’s hand. Yang Xiao, smiling, pulled her away: “You can see each other at noon, don’t be so reluctant. Come on, tell your older sister, what were you two just…”

“A perfectly good child, driven to this state by you two.” The system said faintly. “By the way, reminding you, the relationship deviation is 100%, the plot deviation is 60%.”

“Hmm.” Jiang Zhiyan replied. “A little better than I expected.”

“The day before yesterday, Wei Ting and Lin Shenyu had a conflict with their families and ran away from home.” The system said. “Or rather, they were kicked out. Perhaps because they share a common fate, their reconciliation progress has accelerated significantly.”

Jiang Zhiyan: ?

“How did they get kicked out? It doesn’t seem to be in the script.” Jiang Zhiyan felt that everyone in this world was progressing very quickly, except for her.

“If you want to know, you can ask.” The system said. “Sigh, since you’re not curious, I didn’t pay attention.”

“Then I won’t ask, it doesn’t have much to do with me anyway.” Jiang Zhiyan said calmly.

The system checked Jiang Zhiyan’s state. She wasn’t lying, she really didn’t want to ask.

What kind of person could be so devoid of curiosity?

Wei Ting and Lin Shenyu didn’t come to school today. There were all sorts of speculations, and some people even came to ask her about it. She didn’t understand what these people were thinking. She and Lin Shenyu had broken up a while ago.

“So who’s your next target? Not dating for so long isn’t like you.” The person speaking glanced at Yan Yanzhuo at the back of the classroom, their tone probing and slightly mocking.

“My next target is already with me, and there won’t be another target after this.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at the person, her tone serious.

The person froze for a few seconds: “You? What do you mean?”

“Is there something difficult to understand about my words?” Jiang Zhiyan asked with confusion.

“You…” The person’s eyes gradually widened. “So who is it? When did you get together? Someone not from our school?”

“I won’t tell you.” Jiang Zhiyan really wanted to say it directly, but she hadn’t asked Liang Xi’s opinion yet, and it was better not to say anything in the current situation. After all, not everyone could accept it as quickly as Yang Xiao.

During the break, the news of Jiang Zhiyan settling down with a new partner spread throughout the school. Bored people started searching for Jiang Zhiyan’s new love interest.

Liang Xi, listening to the people chatting beside her, sat there pretending to calmly drink her water.

“Aren’t you guys close to Jiang Zhiyan lately? Who is her boyfriend?”

Yang Xiao glanced at Liang Xi and shook her head: “Well… that’s not easy to say.”

“So mysterious. Someone not from our school? A strange identity?”

“He is from our school, his identity isn’t strange, anyway, he’s very good, better than the previous ones.” Yang Xiao said. “Oh, don’t ask, I’ll tell you when the time is right, don’t be so gossipy.”

“Better than the previous ones? Very good? In what way? Family background? Personality? Looks?” The few people exchanged glances. “But it feels like she’s already dated most of the handsome guys with good family backgrounds in our school, hasn’t she?”

“So curious, who made her settle down? How could she bear to?”

“Settling down so young? I thought Jiang Zhiyan would snag all the handsome guys from the neighboring schools too, what happened?”

Yang Xiao glanced at the person who spoke. Their gaze was straightforward.

“Xu Yi, it can’t be you, right? You’re the only newcomer.” A girl turned and asked.

“How is that possible, Wei Ting and Lin Shenyu are my good friends, and Jiang Zhiyan… I’m a little afraid of her.” Xu Yi immediately waved his hands. “Liang Xi, why haven’t you said anything today?”

“Huh?” Liang Xi came back to her senses. “Oh, I was thinking about when the holidays are.”

“Wait, I’ve got it! Wasn’t there a rumor that Jiang Zhiyan likes girls now?” A girl slapped her thigh. “Yang Xiao, I remember you’re in that gossip group chat too.”

Liang Xi nervously gripped her cup and looked at Yang Xiao.

“Huh? What, I’m in the group chat, but I don’t talk much, hahaha.” Yang Xiao also wanted to drink some water, but she couldn’t find her cup after searching on the table for a while.

Chapter 26: I Also Want Cake (26) p1

“Why don’t you two go eat by yourselves?” Yang Xiao looked at Liang Xi’s flushed face. The relationship between these two was developing at lightning speed.

“We waited so long for you, of course we have to bring you along.” Jiang Zhiyan folded the tissue and threw it in the trash can.

Yang Xiao glared at Jiang Zhiyan. This person’s reasoning was subtly barbed. She glanced at Liang Xi’s neck. The lipstick was gone, but the slightly reddened skin looked even more ambiguous.

Jiang Zhiyan wrapped a scarf around Liang Xi’s neck, covering the redness.

It was New Year’s Eve, so the streets were crowded. To avoid getting separated from Liang Xi, Jiang Zhiyan held her hand tightly.

“Aren’t your parents home today?” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Yang Xiao.

“They’re out having a romantic evening.” Yang Xiao chuckled gleefully. “Oh, you almost got to spend New Year’s Eve alone with Liang Xi, but what can you do, it’s just so unfortunate.”

Liang Xi’s face, which had finally cooled down, heated up again because of Yang Xiao’s words. She pulled her scarf higher, covering most of her face.

“I was just concerned about you, I didn’t mean to imply you were unwanted.” Jiang Zhiyan pursed her lips and held Liang Xi’s hand. “Forget it, you always misunderstand me, I better not talk to you.”

Yang Xiao: ?

Jiang Zhiyan was skilled at twisting people’s words.

“Let’s find a place to eat first, everywhere is probably going to have a long queue today.” Liang Xi interrupted their bickering and rubbed her temples, wondering when these two would ever get along.

Everywhere had long queues. At a time like this, they weren’t picky about what they ate, as long as there was food. They got queue numbers at several restaurants, each with dozens of tables ahead of them. They then decided to get some milk tea to tide them over, but there were also dozens of people in line there. The popular internet-famous shops had hundreds of people waiting. Arcades, claw machine shops, and dessert shops were all packed.

Jiang Zhiyan wondered how many people were on this commercial street. If Liang Xi wasn’t here, she would have left, or wouldn’t have bothered coming in the first place.

“Starving to death.” Yang Xiao leaned against the railing, clutching her stomach, her expression lifeless.

“I have one rice ball left from breakfast, do you want it? It’s frozen solid though.” Liang Xi took out a plastic bag.

“Forget it.” Yang Xiao waved her hand, looking at the two leaning against each other with a blank expression. “Aren’t you guys hungry?”

“Not really, maybe because we drank a can of milk.”

Yang Xiao buried her face in the railing again, poking Jiang Zhiyan: “Miss Rich, got any money-based superpowers?”

Jiang Zhiyan looked down at her bank balance on her phone.

“Don’t be silly.” Liang Xi frowned. “Ignore her. There are a few restaurants where the wait should be about 45 minutes to an hour. Yang Xiao, just hold on a little longer.”

“An hour?” Yang Xiao closed her eyes and slumped against the railing, looking completely lifeless.

“Then let’s not eat here.”

“But I want to participate in the countdown… if we eat somewhere else and then rush back, are you guys willing?” Yang Xiao suddenly opened her eyes.

Jiang Zhiyan looked at her with a blank expression. Yang Xiao met her gaze for three seconds, then shrunk back, deflated again.

Whether it was the female lead’s halo or heaven’s intervention to prevent Yang Xiao from starving to death, their numbers were called for three restaurants at once.

Yang Xiao chose the buffet. In her words, in their current state, they could definitely eat their money’s worth at a buffet. And it was true. Yang Xiao ate thirteen plates of meat by herself. When they left, Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi had to carry her out.

Yang Xiao squatted at the entrance of the pharmacy, looking at Jiang Zhiyan, who was inside buying digestive medicine: “I think she wanted to throw me off the sixth floor when she was carrying me just now.”

“Really?”

Yang Xiao nodded.

Liang Xi breathed a sigh of relief: “That scared me, I thought you realized I was thinking the same thing.”

Yang Xiao: ???

Yang Xiao widened her eyes, looking at Liang Xi in disbelief, her heart aching: “Xi Xi, where’s my angelic Xi Xi? As expected, one takes on the traits of one’s companions. Jiang Zhiyan…”

Seeing Jiang Zhiyan standing in front of her, Yang Xiao closed her mouth.

“I should just return the medicine.”

“I was wrong, let me take it, please.”

Jiang Zhiyan sneered.

In the two hours leading up to the countdown, Yang Xiao went to the bathroom five times. Finally, standing in the square, she clutched her stomach: “I’m going to rush to the nearest bathroom as soon as the countdown is over, don’t worry about me.”

“We weren’t planning to.” Jiang Zhiyan held Liang Xi’s hand. “You can just stand by the entrance of the mall.”

“In your dreams, even if I shit myself, I won’t let you two spend the countdown alone.” Yang Xiao said smugly, her voice loud.

The surrounding passersby looked at her in shock and subconsciously covered their noses. It was clear they wanted to run, but there were too many people, they couldn’t escape.

Liang Xi and Jiang Zhiyan also wanted to run, but there was nowhere to go. They could only pretend not to know Yang Xiao and look away.

Yang Xiao, feeling the gazes from all directions, finally realized what she had just said and tried to explain: “No, I was just joking, I didn’t really…” Damn, she couldn’t continue.

Laughter erupted around them, and Yang Xiao covered her face.

Her reputation, ruined. Until the countdown, Yang Xiao didn’t raise her head. Fortunately, most of the people here were strangers. Liang Xi definitely wouldn’t tell anyone, and although Jiang Zhiyan wasn’t a good person, she didn’t seem like someone so petty.

Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi beside her, intertwined her fingers with Liang Xi’s, and squeezed her hand slightly.

“Hmm?” Liang Xi turned her head. “What’s wrong?”

“It feels like a dream.” Jiang Zhiyan lowered her voice. “Just confirming if you’re real.”

Liang Xi looked at Jiang Zhiyan. Although she didn’t quite understand, she squeezed Jiang Zhiyan’s hand in return: “It’s not a dream, I’m real.”

As the new year approached, bells rang in the square, and the crowd began counting down with the chimes. Yang Xiao was revived.

“It’s so nice to have you by my side.” Jiang Zhiyan closed her eyes and, as the countdown ended, kissed Liang Xi’s forehead.

Screams of celebration filled the air, balloons flying in the wind above the square.

Liang Xi’s eyes widened, looking at Jiang Zhiyan. As Jiang Zhiyan pulled away, she shyly threw herself into Jiang Zhiyan’s arms, hugging her waist, and whispering in her ear, her voice trembling, either from the cold or shyness: “I’m here, I’ve always been here.”

“Ahhh, so exciting! Why don’t we go…” Yang Xiao turned around, closed her mouth, crossed her arms with a blank expression, looked at the two embracing each other, and tapped her foot. She glanced at the time. “Two minutes have passed, even the couples next to us have stopped! Are you two done yet?”

Laughter, devoid of malice, erupted around them again.

Liang Xi, slightly embarrassed, released Jiang Zhiyan. Jiang Zhiyan glared at Yang Xiao.

“Alright, let’s all go home.”

“Huh?” Yang Xiao frowned. “I’m home alone tonight, are you guys really going to abandon me?”

“Yes, aren’t we all alone?” Jiang Zhiyan retorted.

Yang Xiao looked at Liang Xi pitifully.

Liang Xi looked at the message from Jiang Zhiyan on her phone, put the phone in her pocket, and said with a guilty conscience: “Sorry, I’m planning to review the mistakes I made on the monthly exam a few days ago tonight. Do you want to come? I can help you review too.”

Yang Xiao: ???

“No need.” Yang Xiao waved her hand. “You’re too hardworking. It’s New Year’s Day! Forget it, I’ll just go back and lie down, my stomach is acting up again.”

If Yang Xiao had looked closely, she would have noticed that Liang Xi’s face was red again.

Although the subway extended its operating hours, they still had to wait for several trains before they could squeeze on. Yang Xiao and Jiang Zhiyan were going in opposite directions, so Yang Xiao boarded first.

“Are we being a bit mean?” Liang Xi still felt a little guilty.

“No, she already made plans to play games online while we were waiting in line. She can’t wait to go back.” Jiang Zhiyan said.

Remembering Yang Xiao’s delighted expression when she left, Liang Xi felt less guilty. She breathed a sigh of relief and secretly glanced at the message from Jiang Zhiyan on her phone.

[Jiang Zhiyan: Wearing a skirt?]

Liang Xi brushed her face with the back of her hand as if casually, and pursed her lips. The heat in her cheeks made her feel like she had a fever.

They went to Jiang Zhiyan’s place. Although it was very late, and the residential complex was quiet, perhaps because it was New Year’s Day, many houses still had their lights on.

Jiang Zhiyan held Liang Xi’s hand, swinging it rhythmically. Only in this way could she feel it.

“Actually, I thought you wouldn’t come.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi.

“Why?”

“Because you didn’t say anything about coming over after you bought the dress, so I thought you weren’t interested.” Jiang Zhiyan gently pinched Liang Xi’s finger and lowered her head. “I’m so thin-skinned…”

“What?” Liang Xi froze for two seconds. “Thin-skinned?”

Jiang Zhiyan: ?

“Oh, sorry, I just didn’t hear you clearly, I didn’t mean anything else.” Liang Xi looked at Jiang Zhiyan and said apologetically. After making eye contact, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Sorry, I, hmm, should we do that again?”

“You’re learning bad habits from Yang Xiao, no do-overs.” Jiang Zhiyan pinched Liang Xi’s cheek. “Let’s go, we’re here, come in quickly, it’s too cold outside.”

Liang Xi tried to control her laughter, but thinking of Jiang Zhiyan’s stunned expression just now, she couldn’t help it.

The system burst out laughing in Jiang Zhiyan’s mind for a full minute.

“Hahaha, well done, Liang Xi! Finally, she’s finally not letting you have your way, I’ve finally waited for this day!”

“It’s so rare to see you at a disadvantage!” The system sighed dramatically. If it had a body, it would probably be throwing punches to express its excitement.

“Why would you think I’m at a disadvantage?” Jiang Zhiyan retorted. “This is clearly a sign of intimacy.”

“Ha.” The system disagreed. “You’ve got a love brain.”

Just as the system finished speaking, it heard Liang Xi’s voice: “You’re so cute.”

System: …

“Oh, is there something wrong with her eyes? No, you don’t have a love brain, she does!” The system took a deep breath.

What did the word “cute” have to do with Jiang Zhiyan?

The system muted itself, but not before reminding Jiang Zhiyan: “She’s underage.”

“We’re not going to do anything, what are you thinking?”

“That’s for the best! You beast.” The system gritted its teeth and then disappeared.

Jiang Zhiyan twitched her lips helplessly, pulled Liang Xi to the table, and poured her a glass of water.

“Staying over tonight? It’s so late.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi. Although it was already implied, she still asked.

“Yes.” Liang Xi nodded, carefully turning the glass in her hand. “Isn’t the housekeeper here?”

“She’s off for New Year’s Day. I’ll get you some clothes to change into.”

“Okay.” Liang Xi replied. Under the warm light in the dining room, she looked warm and cozy, like a fire in winter.

“Go take a shower first, I’ll go too and tidy up.”

“Okay…” Liang Xi nodded again, watching as Jiang Zhiyan entered her room and closed the door.

She touched her chest, then her ear, and finally slumped onto the table, staring at the glass of water she had only taken a sip from.

…

After showering, Jiang Zhiyan took out the dress that had been ironed and hung in the closet. The black dress wasn’t overly embellished, just a few well-placed pleats that accentuated her figure, making her proportions look amazing.

She casually put her hair up, revealing her slender neck and snow-white back. Sitting in front of the vanity, she opened the makeup she had bought but hadn’t used yet and applied some light touches.

Looking at herself in the full-length mirror, she felt like something was missing.

Jiang Zhiyan glanced at the jewelry cabinet, a smile playing on her lips, and took something out.

“Host, reminding you again, she’s still a child.”

“She’s seventeen.” Jiang Zhiyan said.

When she left the room, Liang Xi had already finished showering and was sitting obediently on the sofa, quietly waiting for her, not even playing with her phone. Perhaps because she had just come out of the bathroom, her eyes were slightly hazy, and her cheeks were flushed.

Hearing the sound, Liang Xi looked up. The words she had prepared to say were all forgotten the moment she saw Jiang Zhiyan. She just stared at her. After a while, as Jiang Zhiyan approached, she finally found her voice: “Why… so dressed up?”

“Dressed up?” Jiang Zhiyan walked over and sat next to Liang Xi.

Liang Xi didn’t know where to look. She remembered this dress wasn’t like this. With just a glance, the gold chain and snow-white skin were deeply imprinted in her mind.

“Why aren’t you looking at me? Didn’t you say you wanted to see me in a dress?” Jiang Zhiyan leaned closer to Liang Xi.

“You…” Liang Xi’s face flushed red. She mustered her courage and looked at Jiang Zhiyan, her gaze landing on her face, but she was too embarrassed to look any lower.

Jiang Zhiyan cupped Liang Xi’s face: “I thought about the accessories for a long time, really not going to look? I think you’ll like it.”

Liang Xi glanced down, then quickly looked up again, biting her lip, her voice slightly muffled, strange thoughts popping into her head. She didn’t quite understand: “It’s beautiful… very beautiful.”

Jiang Zhiyan kissed the corner of Liang Xi’s lips: “Your heart is beating so fast, hmm, so I’ve achieved my goal.”

“You really did that on purpose.”

“There’s no other way, if I want to seduce you, I have to put in some effort.” Jiang Zhiyan’s tone was light.

Chapter 25: I Also Want Cake (25)

“Xi Xi? Xi Xi! Liang Xi!” Yang Xiao’s voice got louder and louder, finally patting Liang Xi’s shoulder, which made her react.

“What’s wrong?” Liang Xi looked at Yang Xiao.

“Not what’s wrong with me, what’s wrong with you? You seem distracted lately.”

“Nervous.” Liang Xi rubbed her temples.

“Nervous?” Yang Xiao frowned. “Nervous about the performance? But you often participate in competitions? This is just a New Year’s Day gala. Don’t worry, I won’t hold you back.”

“I’m worried about holding you guys back.” Liang Xi sighed softly and lowered her head.

She was indeed nervous, but not because of the New Year’s Day gala.

Ever since Jiang Zhiyan asked her if she wanted to see her in the black dress, her mind had been filled with Jiang Zhiyan’s look and tone that day.

She had a strong feeling that Jiang Zhiyan was tempting her.

Jiang Zhiyan didn’t seem to be hiding it at all.

Liang Xi clutched her chest, her heart pounding. She wasn’t disgusted, even a bit expectant.

So when would it be…

Her eyelashes fluttered as she controlled her emotions.

On the day of the gala, all three performed well. According to the original plot, Jiang Zhiyan should have tampered with Liang Xi’s dress and caused her to be the subject of gossip.

Jiang Zhiyan did tamper with it—she altered the hem of the dress.

The female lead was indeed the subject of gossip. The altered dress added a sense of fragility and vulnerability, and Liang Xi perfectly showcased the fragile beauty of nascent life through her dance.

System: Speechless.

Jiang Zhiyan’s cello solo was also brilliant. After the performance, a member of the orchestra extended an invitation to her, which didn’t surprise her at all.

Yang Xiao seemed a bit overshadowed by the two, but she didn’t care at all. As long as she didn’t make any mistakes, she was happy. She had long stopped considering Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi as the same species as herself. Comparing herself to them would only bring her frustration.

There were many people backstage, so it wasn’t convenient to change clothes yet. Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi wrapped themselves in down jackets and went to the rooftop. They had originally planned to call Yang Xiao, but in the blink of an eye, she was gone. They tacitly gave up on looking for her.

Sitting on the chairs provided on the rooftop for people to rest, Jiang Zhiyan took out two cans of milk from her down jacket pocket and opened them. The rooftop had a glass enclosure, and although there was air conditioning, it was still a bit cold.

“When did you buy these?” Liang Xi was a bit surprised.

“When you weren’t looking. They’re warm, drink up.” Jiang Zhiyan rested her chin on her hand and took a sip of milk.

Liang Xi turned the can in her hand, took a sip, and complained half-heartedly: “You kept looking at me on stage, I thought I made a mistake…”

“Because I just wanted to look at you.” Jiang Zhiyan put down the milk, rested her chin on her hand, and looked at Liang Xi.

An intense and direct gaze.

Liang Xi was a bit embarrassed, her gaze flitting away for a second before quickly returning to Jiang Zhiyan’s eyes. It was Jiang Zhiyan who started it, but in the end, it was she who blushed.

She lowered her head and took a big gulp of milk, trying to hide her flustered state.

She knew that whatever she did now was just self-deception. She could clearly feel her body, from her toes to her cheeks to her hair, burning up. She didn’t know what her face looked like.

She glanced at Jiang Zhiyan from the corner of her eye, and as expected, their eyes met.

Liang Xi’s lips moved, and she took another sip of milk.

Jiang Zhiyan looked away, a smile playing on her lips. She covered her mouth with her hand.

Liang Xi: …

Even though they hadn’t said a word, the air was thick with unspoken tension.

Even the system felt a bit embarrassed, double-checking that this was a romance novel, and the two sitting here were the female lead and the vicious female supporting character.

Jiang Zhiyan shifted and sat next to Liang Xi. Liang Xi subconsciously moved her body, but no matter how she adjusted her posture, it felt awkward. Her heart seemed to be beating even faster, as if it would jump out of her mouth.

“Why are you so nervous?” Jiang Zhiyan asked.

Her voice wasn’t loud, and although there was some distance between them, perhaps because it was so quiet here, Liang Xi felt like Jiang Zhiyan was whispering in her ear.

Liang Xi glanced at Jiang Zhiyan with displeasure: “You tell me.”

Jiang Zhiyan leaned closer to Liang Xi’s arm, lowered her head, rested it on Liang Xi’s shoulder, and nuzzled against her. Her left hand fumbled for Liang Xi’s left hand and held it.

Liang Xi’s already stiff body became even stiffer. Turning her head slightly, she saw Jiang Zhiyan’s profile, completely hidden by her long hair.

She was so cunning, hiding her face so well, leaving Liang Xi to blush alone. It was a good thing no one was here.

It wasn’t that she hadn’t had this kind of contact with Jiang Zhiyan before, but this time was especially different. In order not to disturb Jiang Zhiyan, Liang Xi carefully exhaled and then shifted her body slightly, making sure Jiang Zhiyan’s head wouldn’t fall.

The wind outside the glass enclosure grew stronger, snowflakes fluttering down from the sky. This scene was originally created for the male and female leads. They would spend New Year’s Eve together and hold hands for the first time.

Now, it was all hers.

But it wasn’t the first time the two of them held hands.

Jiang Zhiyan’s lips curled up slightly.

Liang Xi shook her empty milk can.

“Jiang Zhiyan.” Liang Xi stared at the milk can, repeating the name in her mind, “Jiang Zhiyan…”

The more she repeated it, the more familiar the name became.

She felt like she was forgetting something very important.

Jiang Zhiyan turned her head, the movement causing Liang Xi, who had finally relaxed a little, to tense up again. She felt something soft brush against her neck.

Just as Liang Xi was about to speak, Jiang Zhiyan sat up, her expression slightly apologetic: “I suddenly remembered I haven’t removed my makeup…”

“Ah, oh, it’s okay.” Liang Xi glanced at her shoulder, her feelings complicated. She couldn’t tell if it was disappointment or something else. The spot on her neck that had felt the strange touch seemed to be itching, but she was too embarrassed to touch it. Looking at Jiang Zhiyan, who seemed completely unaffected, she suddenly felt a little annoyed. “Yang Xiao is right, you’re very bad.”

“Yes! Oh my god, Xi Xi, you’ve finally figured it out.” Yang Xiao, who came up to find them, almost burst into tears when she heard Liang Xi’s words.

“Yang Xiao, you’re actually badmouthing me in front of Xi Xi.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Yang Xiao, widening her eyes slightly, one hand covering her mouth, the other pressing her chest, looking incredibly surprised. “I suddenly forgot, you’ve always hated me. Sigh, I thought after all this time, you didn’t hate me anymore.”

She lowered her head, looking weak, helpless, and pitiful.

“Hahaha, your pretense is useless! Xi Xi has already seen your true colors.” Yang Xiao put her hands on her hips.

Jiang Zhiyan looked at her, suddenly feeling like she was the villainous mastermind.

“Do you know what we were doing just now?” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Yang Xiao.

Yang Xiao felt that there was a hidden meaning in Jiang Zhiyan’s words and shrewdly didn’t respond.

Jiang Zhiyan smiled: “See, you don’t know.”

Yang Xiao: ?

She glanced at Liang Xi. Liang Xi… was blushing? Why was she blushing? What did these two do upstairs?

She suddenly realized that maybe she shouldn’t have come up.

Thinking back to Liang Xi’s words, her tone didn’t seem quite right either. She usually called Yang Xiao for anything, but not this time…

Yang Xiao’s gaze shifted back and forth between the two, too much information overloading her brain. She didn’t react for a long time.

Some insignificant things, after being processed by the human brain, would become very problematic. A small seed could instantly sprout and grow, becoming so large that even the person who planted it wouldn’t recognize it.

“What strange things are you thinking about?” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Yang Xiao’s increasingly strange expression and waved her hand in front of her eyes.

Yang Xiao coughed twice, her voice stammering slightly: “I was wondering if you guys want to pack up and leave early. We can change clothes in the gym locker room, and then go have dinner. If you don’t want to eat now, then forget it, yes, just message me when you’re ready, cough, cough, I’ll go first. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

After saying that, she ran off, almost tripping in her haste, without waiting for their reply.

Liang Xi’s face flushed red. It took her a while to find the right words: “What do you mean ‘when you’re ready’? What nonsense? What won’t she tell anyone? What is she thinking?”

“I don’t know either.” Jiang Zhiyan just wanted to tease her. Who knew Yang Xiao was such an experienced driver, speeding off at 800 mph. “Then let’s stay a little longer, she’ll keep our secret anyway.”

“What secret do we have that needs…”

Jiang Zhiyan leaned closer to Liang Xi and kissed her cheek.

Liang Xi’s words caught in her throat.

“This secret.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi’s expression. “I wanted to do this just now. Just the cheek, you don’t mind, right?”

Liang Xi’s eyelashes fluttered, her hands gripping her skirt tightly as she looked into Jiang Zhiyan’s eyes. She saw “hesitation” and “unease” in Jiang Zhiyan’s eyes for the first time.

Liang Xi stood on tiptoe and kissed Jiang Zhiyan’s right cheek, symmetrical to the kiss Jiang Zhiyan had given her.

“I don’t mind now.” Liang Xi’s voice trembled slightly, her grip so tight she almost ripped her skirt.

Although nervous, she was very satisfied.

Jiang Zhiyan leaned against Liang Xi and laughed: “If I had known you didn’t mind, I would have kissed you somewhere else.”

“Somewhere else? I would have yelled ‘pervert’.” Liang Xi lightly pinched Jiang Zhiyan’s arm. “Let’s go down, if we don’t, who knows what stories she’ll make up.”

Liang Xi thought she was very calm, walking step by step, but in Jiang Zhiyan’s eyes, she was practically floating.

…

Yang Xiao sat on the steps of the stairwell, resting her chin on her hand. It was very cold here, and windy, but her heart was burning.

She thought about the details of their interactions, and the more she thought about it, the more real it seemed. Indeed, if there hadn’t been such hints before, she wouldn’t have immediately thought there was something going on between them.

Yang Xiao quickly convinced herself to accept this. Although there had never been a same-sex couple at school, and although she really disliked Jiang Zhiyan, it seemed that Jiang Zhiyan genuinely cared about Liang Xi, and Liang Xi clearly liked Jiang Zhiyan very much…

After receiving a message from Liang Xi, she composed herself, and they met at the side entrance of the auditorium.

“You’ve already changed?” Yang Xiao, wrapped in her down jacket, hurried over to them, her gaze flitting between them. She immediately noticed the faint redness on Liang Xi’s neck. Although her mind told her it was best not to ask, she couldn’t help herself. “Xi Xi, what’s on your neck?”

“Hmm?” Liang Xi froze, remembering the warmth she had felt on her neck.

Jiang Zhiyan calmly took a tissue and placed it on Liang Xi’s neck, carefully wiping it, and said casually: “My lipstick.”

Yang Xiao: Jiang Zhiyan did that on purpose, absolutely on purpose! Otherwise, why would she emphasize that it was her lipstick!

Chapter 24: I Also Want Cake (24)

Liang Xi’s feelings towards Yan Yanzhuo were very strange now.

She felt like she “should” like him, but it was difficult for her to conjure up any “liking” for him. She had genuinely liked him before, so she knew what it felt like to like someone.

This current feeling made her uncomfortable, even giving rise to a sense of “absurdity.”

She didn’t know where this “absurdity” came from, but the only word to describe it was “absurd.”

Liang Xi looked at Jiang Zhiyan. She found herself uncontrollably drawn to Jiang Zhiyan, like an instinct from the depths of her soul. It was strange, different from the feeling of “liking Yan Yanzhuo.” She didn’t resist it.

Although Wei Ting and Lin Shenyu weren’t punished for their fight, their parents were notified and they were reprimanded. But this had even less to do with Jiang Zhiyan.

When Lin Shenyu initially received the one-word reply from Jiang Zhiyan, he was a bit confused, and the impact wasn’t that profound. After a few days, however, he felt extremely uncomfortable.

A teenage boy, at the age when face was most important, witnessed his girlfriend break up with him without any hesitation, and the other party was his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. It was incredibly suffocating. But perhaps because both of them had lost face because of Jiang Zhiyan, they felt a sense of camaraderie.

Jiang Zhiyan didn’t know their exact thoughts, but the progress bar had definitely advanced considerably.

“As expected, a common enemy helps deepen their bond.” The system sighed.

“It’s purely because they had the same embarrassing experience.” Jiang Zhiyan didn’t have any particular feelings towards them. Currently, it seemed like they wouldn’t seek revenge on her, after all, they cared too much about face. “Teenagers have a strong imagination, they can conjure up a whole story from just a small action…”

“By the way, Host, I forgot to remind you of something. The second male lead is about to appear.”

“Oh.” Jiang Zhiyan didn’t care, remembering Liang Xi’s attitude when she saw the male lead that day. It shouldn’t be a big problem. “He’s early.”

It was still the same old cliché. When Xu Yi was sick as a child, Liang Xi encouraged him. He felt that his current optimism was all thanks to Liang Xi’s help.

“Yeah, the small world is automatically advancing the plot since you’re not doing your job.”

“Why do they need me if they can advance the plot themselves? They should learn to be self-reliant, always relying on others isn’t sustainable.” Jiang Zhiyan said nonchalantly.

“Haha, the small world doesn’t understand.”

“As long as you understand.”

Xu Yi arrived, transferred to the female lead’s class, and showed great interest in her from their first meeting. He was a positive, lively person, with a good family background, similar to Yan Yanzhuo’s, but his personality was completely opposite to Yan Yanzhuo’s. He was much more popular than Yan Yanzhuo, and generally speaking, not unlikeable.

Jiang Zhiyan intentionally or unintentionally used the performance as an excuse to visit Liang Xi’s class several times. Xu Yi was always by Liang Xi’s side, but Liang Xi’s attitude clearly showed that they weren’t close. But this second male lead was really good at making himself at home. It wasn’t easy to reject someone who was always smiling, especially a new classmate, so Liang Xi couldn’t be too harsh.

“That Xu Yi, that guy, confront him, confront him.” Yang Xiao took the initiative to walk up to Jiang Zhiyan for the first time. She lowered her voice. “This guy claims to have known Liang Xi before. I think he’s a bit of a tea-green, the innocent puppy-dog type.”

Jiang Zhiyan looked at Yang Xiao: “Are you trying to sow discord and borrow my hand to get rid of him?”

Yang Xiao: ?

“I’m just informing you, after all, your possessiveness is so obvious that even I can see it. What, do you want another person tagging along with us three?” Yang Xiao said, trying to negotiate.

“I’m not afraid of playing the bad guy.” Jiang Zhiyan glanced at Xu Yi. He was very talkative, with many people surrounding him, the topic must be interesting. “Let’s go, Liang Xi doesn’t like him.”

“Ha, who knows for sure? I thought you… and look at you now.” Yang Xiao was annoyed, still puzzled about how these two suddenly became so close.

“Because I’m special.”

Yang Xiao, looking at Jiang Zhiyan’s smug expression, gritted her teeth. If Jiang Zhiyan was truly scheming, she really wanted to see these two fight. Many people liked Liang Xi, but in these past few months, two people had forced themselves on her, shamelessly clinging to her.

Xu Yi was indeed very good at making himself at home. He even tried to have lunch with Liang Xi, and when he saw Jiang Zhiyan approaching, he looked her over a few times.

“Xi Xi!” Jiang Zhiyan rushed over. Seeing Xu Yi, her expression instantly turned gloomy, her eyes reddening. “Xi Xi, is there no seat for me?”

“You should eat by yourself, it’s not convenient for us three girls to bring you along.” Liang Xi smiled apologetically at Xu Yi, then took Jiang Zhiyan’s wrist and pulled her closer. Xu Yi could only back away.

Yang Xiao gave Jiang Zhiyan a thumbs-up. As expected, they needed Jiang Zhiyan to step in. Glancing at Xu Yi’s shocked and deflated expression, she felt inexplicably pleased. Another victim.

“Why are you crying?” Liang Xi frowned at Jiang Zhiyan, took out a small pack of tissues, and wiped her tears.

“I, I thought, you wouldn’t eat with me anymore, after all, he seems more likeable than me, and he’s so good with words.” Jiang Zhiyan bit her lip. “I finally have a good friend, so, I’m a bit nervous, I don’t want to be alone again…”

Yang Xiao felt extremely uncomfortable listening to Jiang Zhiyan’s dramatic speech. She felt like if she jumped on the spot, her goosebumps could cover the entire area.

“I like you very much, I’m not close to him, he just inserted himself here.” Liang Xi lowered her voice, then shook Jiang Zhiyan’s arm.

Jiang Zhiyan immediately smiled, tears still in the corners of her eyes: “That’s good.”

“What about me, what about me!” Yang Xiao raised her hand.

“Of course you’re included, really. Let’s go, hurry up, I’m starving.” Liang Xi grabbed their hands and jogged towards the cafeteria.

Xu Yi frowned, watching their retreating figures. He remembered that the cafeteria tables were all for four people. Bringing him along wouldn’t have been a problem. He sighed.

“She wasn’t like this before.” Rejected by Liang Xi, he went to find Wei Ting and the others, complaining about the incident. “Jiang Zhiyan? Is that her name? She actually cried. I don’t understand, why cry? Just because I wanted to have lunch with them?”

“Cried?” Wei Ting froze for a second, then gloated at Lin Shenyu, who was picking at his food with his chopsticks.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, when someone cough suggested breaking up, Jiang Zhiyan immediately agreed, without shedding a single tear.”

“Sorry, I forgot she’s your ex-girlfriend.” Xu Yi’s eyes widened in sudden realization, putting his hands together apologetically.

The smile froze on Wei Ting’s lips as he glared at Xu Yi. He suspected Xu Yi was doing this on purpose.

…

New Year’s Day was approaching. Because of rehearsals, the three of them stayed at school for an extra hour after school.

The performance costumes also arrived. After trying them on, the three found that they fit perfectly. Although Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi were both wearing white, they gave off completely different vibes.

“Liang Xi looks like an angel, you look like a villain in angel’s clothing.” Yang Xiao commented.

“What are you? A skinned angel?” Jiang Zhiyan said casually as she watched Liang Xi go get something else.

Yang Xiao frowned in disgust.

Jiang Zhiyan glanced at Yang Xiao, then turned and walked over to Liang Xi: “Didn’t you buy the black one?”

Liang Xi’s hand tightened around the item she was holding: “I did, but I didn’t bring it.”

It was just a dress, but she felt inexplicably embarrassed.

“Then when can I see you wear it? Don’t bring Yang Xiao.” Jiang Zhiyan leaned against Liang Xi and lowered her voice.

Chapter 23: I Also Want Cake (23)

When they got down to business, the atmosphere between the three became less tense.

Jiang Zhiyan modified the piano and cello scores based on the original. The entire piece would take more than eight minutes to perform, which was a bit long for the school’s gala. If they didn’t shorten it now, the teacher would ask them to do so later. After shortening the score and ensuring it flowed smoothly, she and Liang Xi rearranged the dance part.

Yang Xiao couldn’t help but glance at Jiang Zhiyan a few more times. Although she looked down on Jiang Zhiyan, she had to admit that this person was capable. Who was it that said she was just a pretty face?

“Do you have any other opinions?” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Yang Xiao.

“Huh?” Yang Xiao came back to her senses and shook her head. “No.”

She felt like she was being dragged along.

“Then let’s do this. I’ll print out the revised scores, and if there are any problems, we can change them later.” Jiang Zhiyan said.

“Okay.” Liang Xi and Yang Xiao nodded.

“I feel like you can do everything.” Liang Xi looked at Jiang Zhiyan. “We all have the same amount of time.”

“Not the same amount of time, I have much more time than you.” After saying that, Jiang Zhiyan left with her laptop.

The two people in the room didn’t understand. Liang Xi thought Jiang Zhiyan was probably being modest, while Yang Xiao strongly felt that she was subtly showing off. She glanced at Liang Xi and confirmed it, Liang Xi had fallen for it.

Yang Xiao once again felt that Jiang Zhiyan was impressive. This person was clearly unlikeable, but she somehow managed to avoid stepping on Liang Xi’s landmines, and even increased her favorability.

Jiang Zhiyan printed several copies of the score and distributed them to everyone, then they practiced individually.

As Yang Xiao practiced, she wanted to slack off, but Liang Xi, a dance student, didn’t stop, learning the dance smoothly. Jiang Zhiyan’s cello playing also didn’t stop, and listening closely, it seemed like she could almost play the entire piece. What monsters were these two?

She posted a message on her WeChat Moments.

[What’s it like to be with two super-studious workaholics?]

Yang Xiao shook her head, throwing the random thoughts out of her mind, and practiced seriously.

Jiang Zhiyan sat on the stool, looking at Liang Xi, and played along with the accompaniment Liang Xi was using. Liang Xi paused slightly, then reacted, glancing at Jiang Zhiyan with some surprise.

The two didn’t speak. Jiang Zhiyan just played along with Liang Xi’s accompaniment again and again. The accompaniment she was using wasn’t the same version they had revised, but Jiang Zhiyan still managed to play it.

Finally, Liang Xi turned off her video and practiced with Jiang Zhiyan’s cello playing. The piano music was a bit messy, but it didn’t affect the two beside her.

Liang Xi saying she wasn’t good at dancing was pure modesty. She was very quick at learning dances and paid attention to details. Jiang Zhiyan occasionally stopped to give her some pointers, and Liang Xi could immediately understand her meaning.

Before dinner, Jiang Zhiyan recorded the accompaniment with the cello and piano and combined them.

Yang Xiao stood to the side, no longer wanting to speak. From initial shock to current resignation, she had always been someone with a good attitude.

“Do you want it?” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Yang Xiao. “I’ll give you the separate cello and piano accompaniments, you can combine them yourself when you go back.”

“Thanks.” Yang Xiao sighed.

“Let’s go, dinner’s on me. There’s a new buffet restaurant on this street, it’s not bad.”

…

“Lately, I always see Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi coming and going together. She rarely comes to find you anymore. Did you two break up?” Wei Ting looked at Lin Shenyu gloatingly.

Lin Shenyu frowned: “No.” But it was almost the same.

He wasn’t sure what his current status with Jiang Zhiyan was. She had said she wanted to help him make Wei Ting uncomfortable, but now he was the one being constantly irritated by Wei Ting.

Now that he had calmed down, he felt that the conversation he had with Jiang Zhiyan at the hospital was childish and made him cringe.

“You’re right, I’ll break up with her right now.”

“What did I say?” Wei Ting’s eyes widened. “Haha, it’s not that easy to break up with her. She’ll come running over, crying her eyes out, and then you’ll soften, and then, a few days later, you’ll be dumped by her, and you’ll even feel like you’re the one who wronged her. It’ll take a few days before you realize you were played, and you won’t even be able to say anything.”

Lin Shenyu frowned: “You don’t seem to hate her that much.”

“Hate her? Who said I don’t hate her? When she was with me, she always tried to get closer to Yan Yanzhuo. Now that she’s close to Liang Xi, making Yan Yanzhuo…”

“He’s been in a worse and worse mood lately, I think he just likes Liang Xi and won’t admit it. Tsk tsk tsk, Jiang Zhiyan is impressive. Liang Xi hasn’t gone to find Yan Yanzhuo recently.”

Wei Ting chuckled meaningfully, his mood clearly very good.

A message from Jiang Zhiyan popped up.

“Let’s see.”

[Jiang Zhiyan: Okay.]

The two fell silent. Lin Shenyu had already guessed it. Wei Ting glanced at Lin Shenyu several times. He didn’t say anything, clearly wanting to watch the show, but out of humanitarianism, he still patted Lin Shenyu’s shoulder.

“Just laugh if you want to.” Lin Shenyu shrugged off his hand. “Idiot.”

“Lin Shenyu, do you want to fight? I’m kindly trying to comfort you!”

Ten seconds later.

“Holy shit, holy shit, Lin Shenyu and Wei Ting are fighting!”

…

Jiang Zhiyan didn’t go. She sat calmly in her seat, choosing the clothes she would wear for the performance. They had passed the program selection and were confirmed to be performing on stage.

When news of the fight came, many people in the class looked at her, but because of what happened to the last person who badmouthed her, no one dared to say anything.

Those people had all transferred schools and left shortly after the incident. One of them died in a car accident on the spot. Although the investigation concluded it was an accident, it still felt a bit strange.

“Yan Yan!” Liang Xi stood at the door and waved at Jiang Zhiyan.

Jiang Zhiyan stood up and quickly walked over: “What’s wrong?”

Liang Xi opened her phone and looked at Jiang Zhiyan, her eyes sparkling: “How about this one! I think this black one would suit you very well, then Xiao Xiao can wear this one, and I’ll wear this one.”

“Three different colors?” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi.

“Yes, isn’t the theme of this dance related to life? I’m the nascent life, white. Your two solo parts also correspond perfectly. Xiao Xiao is the vibrant and passionate life, red, and your solo part is just as life approaches its final chapter.” Liang Xi looked at Jiang Zhiyan expectantly.

Jiang Zhiyan glanced at her, looked away, and nodded: “Hmm… You’re right, but at the end, I don’t feel like it’s sadness, but rather the feeling of having experienced a lot and returning to zero. I think I can also wear white.”

“You’re right, the white one in your style also looks good and suits you well, then let’s go with white.” Liang Xi changed her mind quickly.

“If you want to see me in black, you can buy the black one too.” Jiang Zhiyan said, then quickly added, “Does Yang Xiao have any objections?”

“She said she doesn’t want to deal with these trivial matters.” Thinking of Yang Xiao, Liang Xi laughed. “She has other pieces to practice, she’s been very busy lately. Am I being a bit mean?”

“That’s normal. I can already imagine her suffering expression.”

“Yes, she’s doing her homework right now, saying she wants to finish some of it at school.” Liang Xi glanced at Yan Yanzhuo passing by, her expression unchanged, as if she was looking at a stranger, then looked away.

Chapter 22: I Also Want Cake (22)

As the system predicted, Yang Xiao wouldn’t miss such an opportunity. She had initially been completely uninterested, but after learning that Jiang Zhiyan and Liang Xi were going to collaborate, she instantly became incredibly enthusiastic.

And she also requested a change of practice location, with a very good reason – a piano couldn’t be easily moved.

“It’s fine, I have a piano at my new place.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Yang Xiao with a smile.

Yang Xiao: ?

“And my new place is closer to school, more convenient. Clearly, my house is better.”

“You’re ruthless.” Yang Xiao gritted her teeth. “Don’t tell me you bought a new piano just for this.” She felt that Jiang Zhiyan was capable of such a thing.

“I also play the piano, so it’s normal to have a piano.” Although the piano was indeed newly bought.

Yang Xiao took a deep breath: “Fine.”

Liang Xi, standing beside them, couldn’t help but laugh.

It was their first time visiting Jiang Zhiyan’s new place, so both Liang Xi and Yang Xiao brought gifts.

“You’re actually being so formal.” Jiang Zhiyan said, feigning surprise.

“I didn’t want to be.” Yang Xiao placed a fruit basket on the table. Looking at Jiang Zhiyan’s pretentious expression, she wanted to dump the basket on her head, but remembering Jiang Zhiyan’s combat ability, she restrained herself. Besides, she could barely carry the basket anymore. The action of “dumping” was too difficult for her. She forced a smile. “Just a small token of appreciation.”

“Thank you, you shouldn’t have.” Jiang Zhiyan glanced at it and nodded.

Liang Xi brought a lot of things, packed in three boxes, filling the doorway. Jiang Zhiyan helped carry them in, surprised by their weight as she glanced at Liang Xi. How did these two manage to bring the boxes over here?

“These two boxes are things you’ll need for your new place, this one is a gift.” Liang Xi said. “I didn’t know what you needed, so I brought some things I thought you might.”

“Thank you.” Jiang Zhiyan took Liang Xi’s hand and swayed it. “You’re so thoughtful. Come in, the slippers are new.”

Yang Xiao glanced at the three pairs of slippers on the floor, then at the pair Jiang Zhiyan was wearing, and decisively chose a different style. Just as she was about to pull Liang Xi to wear the same style but in different colors, Liang Xi had already changed her shoes and gone inside.

“What’s wrong, Xiao Xiao?” Liang Xi looked at her with some confusion.

“Nothing.” Yang Xiao appeared calm on the surface but was screaming internally. She couldn’t help but glance at Jiang Zhiyan several times. Jiang Zhiyan was really strange, very strange.

They moved the boxes to the living room, and Jiang Zhiyan sat down on the carpet and opened the boxes. Yang Xiao also joined her.

The first two boxes were filled with small appliances, packed tightly, no wonder they were so heavy and secured with several layers of tape.

“Thank you, these are all things I haven’t bought yet.”

When Jiang Zhiyan was about to open the third box, Liang Xi stopped her.

“You should wait until we leave to open it.” Liang Xi said shyly.

“Okay.” Jiang Zhiyan glanced at the box again. She wasn’t usually very curious, but now she understood the meaning of being on tenterhooks.

The main purpose today was to discuss the performance piece. Jiang Zhiyan said she was fine with anything, and Yang Xiao, not to be outdone, declared she could handle any level of difficulty.

“Really? Then…”

“Since you two have no objections, then I’ll choose.” Before they could start arguing, Liang Xi quickly took out her tablet and expressed her opinion. “I’ve already chosen these three dances at home. If you choose the music first, I won’t know where to find a suitable dance to match.”

“It just so happens that I can find the sheet music for these three pieces directly, so we don’t have to transcribe them. And they all have parts that highlight the instruments. We just need to slightly modify some sections.”

“As expected of Xi Xi, so impressive.” Jiang Zhiyan immediately praised her, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Liang Xi blinked shyly: “Ah, actually… it’s nothing special. If you think they’re not good, I’ll find others.”

“I think they’re all good, I’m just having trouble choosing. Which one do you like the most? I’ll go with whatever you choose.” Jiang Zhiyan leaned on Liang Xi’s shoulder.

“I think the third one is the best. Xiao Xiao, what do you think?”

“Huh?” Yang Xiao came back to her senses, looking away from Jiang Zhiyan’s head resting on Liang Xi’s shoulder. “I’m fine with anything, I’ll also listen to you.”

Jiang Zhiyan touched her neck: “My neck feels a bit chilly. Yang Xiao, if you have any opinions, just say it. It’ll be more troublesome to change it later.”

“I have no problem!” Yang Xiao gritted her teeth.

“That’s good, then let’s go with the third one. Let’s go over there, I have a room specifically for practice.” Jiang Zhiyan glanced at the unopened third box on the floor as she stood up. “Or I can take you there, and then I can secretly peek at the gift.”

“No way!” Liang Xi grabbed Jiang Zhiyan’s arm. “You can only look after we leave! Let’s go, let’s go, which room?”

Jiang Zhiyan sighed softly, looking back every few steps: “What did you give me?”

“I won’t tell you.” Liang Xi smiled smugly. “It’s just one day, are you feeling impatient?”

“Yes, I’m dying of impatience.” Jiang Zhiyan leaned weakly against Liang Xi.

Liang Xi’s smile widened, but her ears turned red. She patted Jiang Zhiyan’s head: “Keep feeling impatient then.”

Yang Xiao narrowed her eyes shrewdly and followed behind them with her hands in her pockets.

Jiang Zhiyan turned her head slightly, glancing at Yang Xiao from the corner of her eye: “Why does she look so creepy?”

“You’re asking me? Don’t you know?” The system retorted. “And how does she look creepy? That’s clearly the look of someone who thinks you’re up to no good.”

Jiang Zhiyan looked away, continuing to lean against Liang Xi until they entered the room and sat down, then she straightened up.

“Jiang Zhiyan, you’re really clingy to Xi Xi.” Yang Xiao’s words were loaded with meaning.

“So are you.” Jiang Zhiyan sighed. “I thought you wouldn’t participate in this activity, so I could have some alone time with Xi Xi.”

After saying that, Jiang Zhiyan leaned against Liang Xi again.

Liang Xi pushed her shoulder, but couldn’t push her away, and said with a smile: “Stop it, I need to change my shoes.”

“I won’t get up until Xi Xi coaxes me.” Jiang Zhiyan looked at Liang Xi expectantly, swaying slightly.

Yang Xiao, next to them, turned her head: “Ugh, you shameless person! Xi Xi, you’re so tolerant, if it were me, I would have pushed her away, spun her 360 degrees in the air, and then thrown her on the floor.”

Jiang Zhiyan moved next to Yang Xiao: “Come on, you do it.”

Yang Xiao: …

“Waaah, Xi Xi, look at her, she’s bullying me.” Yang Xiao went around to Liang Xi’s side and tugged on her sleeve.

“I can spin you 360 degrees in the air and then throw you on the floor.” Jiang Zhiyan said faintly.

Yang Xiao stopped talking and let go of Liang Xi’s sleeve: “Xi Xi, you change your shoes, I’ll go check if the piano is in tune. Let’s start practicing soon.”

Liang Xi covered her face and chuckled.