Category: Malicious Female Lead’s Guide to Causing Trouble [Quick Transmigration]

Chapter 9

Yu Zhao’s kiss caught everyone off guard.

Lin Ye stared, dumbfounded, his finger trembling as he pointed at them. “H-How can you be so intimate?! Even between girls, you shouldn’t be so casual and wanton!”

Yu Zhao rested her chin on Bo Chi’s head, her slender fingers sliding along the girl’s slim waist, pulling her into a light embrace before addressing the unwelcome third wheel. “Bo Chi isn’t just any other girl. I would only kiss her. As for you, we’re not close. Why are you here?”

“We’re classmates, of course we’re acquainted.” Lin Ye frowned, watching them embrace. He felt their posture was too clingy and open, seemingly carrying a special atmosphere different from other girls. However, being straight, he didn’t think much of it, simply complaining, “Bo Chi bullied you so much before. Why are you hugging her now? Did she pay you off?”

Recalling past events, Yu Zhao’s lips curved slightly, her tone laced with helplessness and indulgence. “She’s just childish, using pranks to get attention. That wasn’t bullying; it was her way of showing she cared.”

Lin Ye: “???”

His expression was one of utter disbelief. “Were you hit on the head? Or did Bo Chi drug you? Do you even believe what you’re saying? Even Bo Chi doesn’t believe it!”

Bo Chi, still stunned: “…”

Yu Zhao gently stroked Bo Chi’s soft, black hair, smiling. “It’s not that she doesn’t believe it. She’s just embarrassed now that her little schemes have been exposed, so she’s being awkward again.”

Lin Ye’s face screamed, ‘What the hell are you talking about?!’ He opened his mouth, wanting to argue further, to urge Yu Zhao to see the light.

Yu Zhao didn’t give him the chance, her voice turning cold, no longer the gentle tone she used with Bo Chi. “Our relationship is none of your business. If you have nothing else to say, please leave.”

Lin Ye’s expression darkened. “I-I’m here to visit…”

“Thank you,” Yu Zhao interrupted impassively. “I appreciate it. You can go now.”

Yu Zhao’s forceful attitude made Lin Ye feel stifled. This wasn’t how he’d imagined things would go.

In his mind, Yu Zhao, with her sick mother, should be weak and helpless, falling into his arms for comfort the moment she heard he’d come to visit.

But what was this?

Who was this imposing woman holding another girl in her arms?!

Lin Ye felt his worldview crumbling. Not daring to linger any longer, he left dejectedly.

Once he was gone, Yu Zhao lowered her head and whispered into Bo Chi’s burning ear, her breath warm against her skin. “Don’t worry, I’ve chased away the person who bullied you.”

Bo Chi blushed, tugging at her hand, but failing to pull free. She mumbled, “Lin Ye’s already gone. You can stop acting like a good friend now.”

Yu Zhao looked puzzled, not understanding why Bo Chi thought she was acting.

After a moment of reflection, she figured her previous coldness had made Bo Chi insecure, making her doubt the sincerity of the kiss, even after being marked.

Yu Zhao became thoughtful.

—It seemed she needed to do more to reassure her fiancée.

With this in mind, she tightened her embrace. Taking advantage of the secluded location, she nuzzled Bo Chi’s ear, teasing her until the girl was flushed and breathless, her body limp in her arms. Only then did she bring up the real matter. “I’ve taken care of the medical expenses. You don’t have to worry about it anymore.”

Bo Chi’s eyes shimmered with tears, her voice filled with surprise. “How did you manage that?”

Yu Zhao hesitated. She didn’t want to lie, but she also worried that telling the truth would make Bo Chi think their marriage was a transaction. She gave a half-truth. “I made a bet with your brother. He’ll invest the money, and I’ll take over District P within two years.”

Bo Chi was clueless about business and didn’t understand the difficulty of such a wager. However, she figured Bo Ji wasn’t a fool who would do charity out of kindness. She said seriously, wanting to give Yu Zhao a way out, “If you need anything, come to me. It’s okay if you lose. I’ll always protect you!”

Yu Zhao gazed at her intently, then smiled gently. “Can I kiss you?”

Bo Chi blushed. “Didn’t you just kiss me? Why again?”

Yu Zhao’s eyes darkened. “It’s different.”

She lifted her hand, her slender fingers tracing Bo Chi’s porcelain-white face, then resting on her red lips, her voice husky and seductive. “I want to kiss here now. May I?”

Bo Chi: “???”

The stunned girl was thoroughly frightened. She trembled in Yu Zhao’s firm embrace, then, just as Yu Zhao lowered her head, pushed her away and darted off like a rabbit.

Yu Zhao, failing to catch the little rabbit, felt a pang of disappointment. Narrowing her eyes, she began plotting how to catch the shy rabbit next time and have her way with her.

**

[Bo Chi: Waaah, I’m telling the truth! Yu Zhao came back acting like a pervert! She even tried to kiss me! I’ve been thinking about it all night, and it definitely has something to do with you! Tell me, what did you do to Yu Zhao?!]

[Bo Ji: …You’re messaging me in the middle of the night just to ask this? I didn’t do anything to her. I was attracted to her looks before and thought about pursuing her, but now I see clearly. I don’t like such aggressive women. Besides, isn’t she yours now? Even if I were a scumbag, I wouldn’t fight my little sister for someone. Don’t worry, baby.]

[Bo Chi: Then why did she change immediately after contacting you? She wasn’t like this before!]

[Bo Ji: There’s always a difference between before and after marriage. You can’t expect her to be celibate before marriage and sleep in separate rooms afterwards, can you?]

[Bo Chi: Huh? What marriage?]

Oops, he’d let it slip.

The sleepy Bo Ji forced his eyes open and typed: [This is a surprise I’ve carefully prepared for you… Anyway, don’t overthink it. Just enjoy Yu Zhao’s advances.]*

[Bo Chi: What do you mean?? Bo Ji! Explain yourself!]

[Bo Ji: laughing emoji. ]

[Bo Ji: Explaining it would ruin the surprise. Don’t worry, your brother would never trick you.]

Bo Chi was filled with suspicion, not trusting her unreliable brother at all.

She sent a barrage of questions, but there was no response from the other end, as if he had fallen asleep.

Bo Chi was at a loss. She couldn’t call Yu Zhao so late at night, so she tossed and turned in bed, hugging her fluffy pillow and pondering Bo Ji’s words.

After thinking for a long time, she abruptly sat up in bed, her hair disheveled, her eyes wide. She muttered to herself, “Marriage? Could it be… Yu Zhao is going to marry Bo Ji?!”

Chapter 8

Silence hung in the air. Bo Ji patiently waited for a response.

He knew this condition was excessive. After all, Bo Chi had constantly targeted Yu Zhao. While there hadn’t been any physical violence or bloodshed, isolation, exclusion, and pranks were commonplace.

A normal person wouldn’t be amicable towards someone who had bullied them, let alone agree to marry them—but Bo Chi was his precious little sister, the apple of his eye.

Since his sister had changed her ways, focusing all her attention on Yu Zhao, he, as her older brother, had to help.

Whether through coercion, inducement, or other schemes, Yu Zhao had to be with Bo Chi. Even if it was a reluctant performance, the act had to continue until his little sister grew tired of it!

Bo Ji lacked business acumen, but he was a natural at throwing money around.

Fortunately, Yu Zhao’s thoughts were completely different. After her initial astonishment, she quickly assumed this was Bo Ji’s way of recruiting her, tying her to the Bo Corporation. With Bo Chi around, she already considered herself a part of the company. Bo Ji’s proposition made her eyes light up, almost blurting out “I do.”

Thankfully, a gust of wind on the rooftop brought her back to her senses. Suppressing her excitement, she asked seriously, “Does Bo Chi agree to this?”

Given the young lady’s proud and awkward personality, she doubted Bo Ji had considered his sister’s wishes, essentially selling her off as a business bargaining chip.

Bo Ji felt a twinge of guilt, then scoffed. “That’s none of your concern. Just answer me, yes or no.”

Was there even a need to think?

The image of Bo Chi that afternoon, tilting her porcelain-white face upwards and solemnly vowing “forever,” flashed through Yu Zhao’s mind.

Her gaze cleared instantly, all hesitation vanishing. Following her true desire, she responded without hesitation, “I agree.”

From now on,

Bo Chi was her fiancée.

—Her one and only beloved little wife.

**

Bo Chi was still standing in the corridor, waiting for Yu Zhao to return from the restroom.

Although she had put the bank card back in her bag, she still felt down.

The usually boisterous young lady’s quiet demeanor was unsettling. However, undeniably, the melancholic air surrounding her made her appear particularly vulnerable and endearing.

Even Lin Ye, who usually avoided her, couldn’t help but approach her, drawn in by her beauty. “Why are you at the hospital? And looking so glum… Did someone in your family die?”

Bo Chi glanced at him listlessly, not wanting to elaborate. “This hospital is under my name. Can’t I come for an inspection incognito?”

Lin Ye’s expression stiffened.

He was, after all, still a student, easily provoked. His next words were dripping with sarcasm. “As expected of a rich heiress, so impressive. Since you’re so wealthy, why not give me a few hundred thousand to spend?”

Bo Chi stared at him, stared, and stared, before lowering her head and murmuring, “People are truly different. I carefully offered money during a difficult time, afraid of hurting her pride, yet she refused to accept it, unwilling to be entangled with me in any way.”

“Yet, we’re practically strangers, and you, wearing new clothes, shamelessly ask me for money to spend.” Bo Chi sighed, her voice lonely. “If only she could learn from you, or borrow half your shamelessness.”

Lin Ye: “???”

Bo Chi’s tone was so sincere that he couldn’t tell if she was being sarcastic or genuinely wished that ‘she’ would be more thick-skinned.

After a moment of bewilderment, he angrily turned and left. “Crazy! I’m going to find Yu Zhao!”

Hearing those two words, the sentimental Bo Chi instantly snapped back to her usual energetic self. “Stop right there! What are you going to do with her?”

Lin Ye reluctantly turned back, inwardly smug. As expected, mentioning other women still made Bo Chi jealous.

Hmph, women. Brainless creatures who only cared about looks.

“My roommate saw Yu Zhao at the hospital these past few days. I figured a family member must be hospitalized, and she’s here to take care of them.” Lin Ye adjusted his clothes, feeling self-satisfied. “As her friend, of course, I should come visit. You’re a senior executive in this hospital. Can you help me find which ward Yu Zhao is in? If you do, I might find some time to accompany a little girl like you to those overpriced, tiny-portioned restaurants, fulfilling your long-held desire.”

“Who desires to eat with you? Don’t disgust me.” Bo Chi’s face was full of disdain. “I’ll pass on your kind offer to Yu Zhao. I’ll tell her about it later. You can go home for now.”

A family member’s illness was the most vulnerable time for a young woman, and Lin Ye naturally wasn’t willing to leave so easily. “You’ll tell her? Hmph, don’t think I don’t know that you women love bullying those better than you. I’m not leaving. I want to personally check on Yu Zhao!”

Bo Chi’s temper flared.

She crossed her slender, white arms, slightly lifting her chin, her sharp words like a protective mother cat. “Visit? Check on? Wearing new clothes and not even willing to buy an apple, are you sure you’re here to visit a patient and not to pick up girls?”

Lin Ye felt embarrassed, making a last-ditch effort. “Who said these are new clothes… They look new, but I bought them years ago!”

Bo Chi scoffed. “Cut the crap. The tag’s still on. What excuse are you pulling?”

Lin Ye’s face turned green, then black. He sputtered, unable to retort.

Just as Bo Chi thought he would finally leave, his eyes suddenly lit up as he looked behind her, pointing. “Yu Zhao, you’re just in time! Bo Chi, she—”

Before he could finish, Yu Zhao reached out, wrapped an arm around Bo Chi’s slender waist, and, in full view of Lin Ye, lowered her head to kiss Bo Chi’s cheek. Then, raising an eyebrow, she asked, “What about my Chi Chi?”

Chapter 7 

In the private hospital room, Bo Chi chatted with Yu Zhao’s mother for a long time. Only when it was almost mealtime did she tactfully stop, rising with a smile and waving goodbye before leaving the room with Yu Zhao and heading towards the hospital cafeteria.

Halfway there, with no one around, Yu Zhao suddenly grabbed Bo Chi’s soft hand and pulled her into a quiet corner.

Bo Chi was startled, shrinking back slightly. “I didn’t snitch on purpose! You are a picky eater. I was just thinking about your stomach!”

Yu Zhao raised an eyebrow. “I initially thought you were looking out for me. Now that you mention it, were you actually trying to subtly tattle?”

Bo Chi: “…”

Having accidentally exposed herself, she looked guilty, not daring to meet Yu Zhao’s gaze.

Bo Chi’s cuteness made Yu Zhao’s heart itch. Added to her existing thoughts, she reached out, pinched the girl’s chin, lifted her shy face, and gently lowered her head—kissing Bo Chi on the forehead.

Bo Chi’s eyes widened in surprise, staring blankly at her, speechless.

Yu Zhao’s expression remained composed, but the blush on her ears spread down her long, white neck. Her gaze swept over the girl’s delicate, red lips before quickly moving away. Feigning calmness, she said, “This is a thank you… for speaking up for me in front of my mother. She’s always disliked me getting into fights. If she knew I’d fought with a man, she’d be upset.”

Bo Chi trembled slightly, touching her forehead where she could still faintly feel the soft press of Yu Zhao’s lips. Stunned by the unexpected kiss, she blurted out, “Can I return this thank you gift?”

Yu Zhao froze, then quickly understood. Her lips pursed slightly, a hint of shyness in her eyes. However, her body honestly lowered her head, closing her eyes, her voice husky and strangely alluring. “Return it then.”

Bo Chi: “?”

Bo Chi: “?!?”

She meant to politely decline, not to kiss her back!

Yu Zhao, get a grip!

Bo Chi’s pupils quaked, her mind blank. She didn’t react for a long moment.

Yu Zhao waited, then opened her eyes to see Bo Chi’s cheeks flushed with shyness, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She couldn’t help but chuckle and pinch her cheek, standing up straight. “You seem so fierce, like a cat with its claws out, but you’re more timid than a mimosa.”

Bo Chi struggled to find words, finally glaring at her in exasperation and turning to leave.

She was timid?

Hmph, Yu Zhao, with her neck still flushed from the kiss, was no better!

In the end, Bo Chi didn’t ask Yu Zhao why she had kissed her. The action was too ambiguous. She worried Yu Zhao would laugh at her if she asked seriously. To avoid giving her nemesis the chance to mock her, even though her mind was filled with questions, she stubbornly maintained an indifferent expression.

Yu Zhao observed her discreetly, feeling both amused and helpless.

Amused that Bo Chi’s crush on her was so deep that she meekly accepted the unexpected kiss.

Helpless that the girl was so awkward, her initial pursuit resembling a vendetta, now shyly refusing any intimacy.

Sigh.

Her future little wife.

So contradictory, causing both headaches and fondness.

**

After collecting their lunch, Bo Chi, feeling uneasy under Yu Zhao’s strange gaze, returned to the hospital room.

As they pushed the door open, they saw a middle-aged doctor standing by the bed, flipping through the medical results and talking to Yu Zhao’s mother. “…the hospital recommends she stays for further observation.”

Hearing the door open, the doctor looked over and nodded kindly. “You’re her family, right? Put the food down and come listen.”

Yu Zhao unconsciously tightened her grip on Bo Chi’s hand, her expression improving only after Bo Chi squeezed back reassuringly.

Taking a deep breath, she calmly nodded, sat down by the bed, and listened quietly.

The doctor’s words were similar to the plot, pointing out that Yu Zhao’s mother had a heart condition, which would worsen with age and strenuous physical activity.

The best solution was hospitalization, relaxation, careful recuperation, and early surgery for a swift recovery.

Every single item mentioned required money.

After the doctor left, Bo Chi glanced at Yu Zhao’s mother, who was forcing a smile, and tactfully excused herself, leaving the mother and daughter some space.

Bo Chi didn’t go far. She still had things to discuss with Yu Zhao, so she stood in the corridor, staring blankly at the medical notices on the wall.

Soon, Yu Zhao emerged, her expression relatively calm, but her eyes were red-rimmed.

Bo Chi took a closer look, suddenly recalling Yu Zhao in elementary school. Back then, Yu Zhao was constantly hungry, wearing long sleeves and pants year-round. It wasn’t until she peeked under Yu Zhao’s clothes during naptime that Bo Chi discovered the bruises from her father’s abuse.

Yu Zhao had never told anyone about it, nor had she shown any outward signs. No matter how badly she was beaten, she would grit her teeth and limp to school, her eyes filled with stubborn defiance.

Bo Chi had always assumed Yu Zhao was naturally indifferent to family. When she couldn’t stand seeing Yu Zhao bullied and begged her parents to have Yu Zhao’s father imprisoned, Yu Zhao had completely ignored her father’s cries and curses, treating him like a stranger, lowering her head to continue reading as he was dragged away.

Only now, staring at the redness in Yu Zhao’s eyes, did Bo Chi realize—Yu Zhao did have feelings.

It was just that she had been hurt too deeply as a child, hurt to the point of numbness, extinguishing any longing for family affection.

Now, having forgotten the past, she had rediscovered her love and care for her family.

Blessings and misfortunes intertwined. Bo Chi suddenly didn’t know whether the car accident that had killed them was a good or bad thing. After a moment of contemplation, she decided to stop dwelling on unanswerable questions and asked softly, “Is Auntie alright?”

Yu Zhao hummed in response, her gaze fixed on Bo Chi’s slender, white fingers, her expression distant, lost in thought.

Bo Chi blinked, guessing she was thinking about the medical expenses. She reached into her bag, pulled out a card, and placed it in Yu Zhao’s hand. “This is the allowance I’ve saved up. It’s not much, only 700,000. Use it first, and later…”

Before she could finish, Yu Zhao abruptly grabbed her wrist and firmly returned the card. “I can’t accept your money.”

Bo Chi faltered, a wave of disappointment washing over her.

It was like this again…

Whether it was money or connections, Yu Zhao always rejected her goodwill immediately.

Bo Chi couldn’t understand before, even pestering Yu Zhao relentlessly.

It wasn’t until Yu Zhao, unable to bear it any longer, had confessed with pursed lips that she didn’t consider them best friends that Bo Chi understood the rejection stemmed from a desire to maintain distance.

“Take the card back. I won’t accept it,” Yu Zhao emphasized, noticing Bo Chi’s dazed expression. “Especially your money.”

Yu Zhao knew she needed money and that Bo Chi didn’t care about it.

But she cared.

She cared that their relationship might change due to financial transactions. She worried that the money would create an imbalance between them, that she might overthink things and become unable to distinguish whether she loved Bo Chi or was simply repaying a debt.

Her inferiority complex, hidden in the shadows, always lingered when facing Bo Chi.

But this was her only bottom line, her only dignity.

Yu Zhao needed money, but she wasn’t desperate. While there were still other options, she resolutely refused to allow any potential for conflict between them.

After returning the card, Yu Zhao mumbled, “I’m going to the restroom.”

She turned and left, her pace quick and hurried, eventually arriving at the rooftop and taking out her phone.

The ringing tone lasted for more than ten seconds before a man’s languid voice answered, “Hello, this is Bo Ji. Who is this?”

Yu Zhao calmly replied, “Hello, Mr. Bo. This is Yu Zhao. You should have heard my name recently.”

Bo Ji paused mid-signature.

He had indeed heard the name frequently lately.

Partly from Bo Chi.

As a doting older brother, he was very concerned about his sister’s friendships. Hearing that his little princess had changed her ways, pairing up with a female classmate and acting unusually intimate, he immediately looked up Yu Zhao’s information, recognizing her as the beauty he had once intended to pursue.

Besides his sister, he had also inevitably heard about Yu Zhao during recent company meetings.

As a newcomer with connections, Yu Zhao not only didn’t abuse her power or slack off, but was diligent and hardworking, her work consistently impressive. The old foxes in the company, shrewd and experienced, immediately recognized her potential. With a few years of polishing, she was bound to achieve great things.

Therefore, Bo Ji frequently received recommendations. He could even sense the old foxes’ desire to take her under their wing, unwilling to let such a promising talent slip away.

—When he first joined the company, his parents had urged him to perform well. If he caught the eye of those shareholders, a few years of mentorship could potentially lead the Bo Corporation to even greater heights.

Yet, the task he had failed to accomplish after years of groveling had been achieved by an intern who had just started working?

Bo Ji felt a surge of displeasure, but he knew what was important, his tone softening into a smile. “So it’s Miss Yu. Is there something you need?”

Yu Zhao stared at the azure sky and said calmly, “I’d like to propose a wager.”

“…What?” Bo Ji almost thought he’d misheard.

Yu Zhao’s tone remained composed. “The senior staff recently asked me to draft a plan for District P. Since our company’s primary businesses are concentrated in Z City, I’m making a bold guess… the higher-ups intend to expand into District P within the next few years, taking over all the business there?”

Bo Ji’s expression turned serious. Although he didn’t speak, he was genuinely startled by Yu Zhao’s sharp insight.

Yu Zhao, unfazed by his sudden silence, continued calmly, “District P is a tough nut to crack. Based on our company’s usual methods, I don’t think we can easily secure it. But I’m willing to make a bet. You invest five million in me, and I’ll deliver District P completely within two years.”

“If I win, the five million and District P belong to the Bo Corporation.” Hearing Bo Ji’s breathing quicken, Yu Zhao’s lips curved slightly. “If I lose, I’ll return the five million in full and work for the Bo Corporation for twenty years without any salary.”

Bo Ji pondered for a long time, so long that an ink blot formed under his pen tip. Finally, he said sternly, “Five million isn’t a small sum for you. Frankly, even if you worked for the Bo Corporation for twenty years without pay, you wouldn’t earn that much.”

Yu Zhao didn’t get angry, responding calmly, “You underestimate me, Mr. Bo. I’m confident in my abilities, as everyone in the company can attest. If you’re trying to use this as leverage for other conditions, please be direct. There’s no need for such roundabout tactics.”

Bo Ji felt a surge of embarrassment, his face alternating between dark and pale, nearly losing face.

While feeling annoyed, he wondered how he had ever been so blind as to be attracted to someone as sharp-tongued as Yu Zhao.

Bo Ji sighed, clearing his throat and continuing shamelessly, “In that case, I’ll be blunt. I can give you the five million, repayable or not, but I have one condition.”

Yu Zhao’s eyes narrowed slightly, her tone unchanged. “What condition?”

“You’re talented. I admire you,” Bo Ji said frankly. “Therefore, I hope you’ll marry into the Bo family and become… Bo Chi’s fiancée.”

Chapter 6

Bo Chi’s sincerity softened even Yu Zhao’s cold heart.

Sighing inwardly, Yu Zhao resigned herself to filling a bowl with warm water, rinsing the spicy food in it before allowing Bo Chi to eat.

Bo Chi, surprised that Yu Zhao still reacted the same way even with amnesia, couldn’t help but feel a surge of sadness, eating the now significantly less flavorful food with a grievance-filled expression.

After the meal, seeing it was still early, they decided to take a walk to aid digestion.

A gentle breeze rustled the girls’ soft, black hair. Bo Chi, like a lazy cat, narrowed her eyes, enjoying the long-lost tranquility.

Yu Zhao walked beside her. Normally taciturn, she had unknowingly become more talkative after spending time with Bo Chi and was now softly recounting amusing incidents from the company. As she spoke, her voice gradually trailed off, her clear eyes resting on Bo Chi’s contented face, her expression gentle, no longer cold and indifferent.

Bo Chi, who had been listening attentively, noticed her sudden silence and tilted her head curiously. “Why did you stop talking?”

Yu Zhao froze, like a thief caught red-handed, instinctively averting her gaze.

After staring blankly at the trees lining the road for a moment, she regained her composure and casually changed the subject. “Are you free this afternoon?”

Bo Chi replied cheerfully, “Yes! Didn’t you ask me out today? I’ve cleared my entire schedule to spend time with you!”

Yu Zhao was startled, the words “entire schedule” echoing in her mind. As if possessed, she blurted out, “Including tonight?”

Bo Chi readily responded, “Yes, including tonight.”

Only after speaking did she ask in confusion, “Don’t you need to review your work at night? How would you have time to go out?”

Yu Zhao came back to her senses, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. Biting her lip, she mumbled, “I was just saying.”

And she hadn’t planned to ‘go out’ anyway.

Who would ask someone out late at night just to fool around?!

Thankfully, the little simpleton didn’t understand.

Yu Zhao breathed a sigh of relief, then cleared her throat and brought up the real matter. “Since you’re free, how about accompanying me to the hospital this afternoon? My mother is having a checkup, and I want to take you… to meet her.”

Bo Chi didn’t notice Yu Zhao’s slight awkwardness, her focus entirely on the words “checkup.” She was familiar with the plot and knew Yu Zhao’s mother had a heart condition.

The original school beauty was a love-struck fool, indifferent to her mother’s illness. But Bo Chi knew Yu Zhao wasn’t like that. If any problems were detected, Yu Zhao would sell everything she owned to save her family.

But the problem was, Yu Zhao didn’t have anything to sell!

She was so poor that she couldn’t afford many pretty dresses for herself, her salary immediately split in two upon receiving it: one part for her mother, and the other entirely spent on treating Bo Chi to food and drinks.

If Bo Chi wasn’t operating under the principle of reciprocity, she would feel ashamed to go out with Yu Zhao, constantly feeling like she was exploiting the struggling girl.

In this situation, what if Yu Zhao couldn’t handle the pressure and was coaxed by that scumbag Lin Ye?

Alarm bells rang in Bo Chi’s mind. She stopped walking and turned to grab Yu Zhao’s hand, her face serious. “Your mother will be fine. Don’t be too nervous!”

Yu Zhao raised an eyebrow, looking at her anxious expression and thinking that she seemed to be the more nervous one. “I know. I’m not nervous.”

Bo Chi ignored her, continuing earnestly, “If something is wrong, don’t break down. No matter what happens, I’ll be there for you!”

Worried that Yu Zhao wouldn’t take her words seriously, she emphasized, “I will always, always be by your side!”

Yu Zhao lowered her eyelashes, her expression seemingly calm, but her eyelashes trembled like ripples on a spring pond.

Looking at Bo Chi’s hand tightly gripping hers, she softly hummed in acknowledgment.

Then, as if feeling her response was too casual, she lifted her face, her eyes filled with unreadable emotions, and said softly, “I know. Thank you.”

She hesitated, then mustered her courage, taking Bo Chi’s hand and kissing it as Bo Chi stared at her, dumbfounded. Her cheeks flushed as she lowered her head, whispering, “No matter what happens in the future, no matter how our families react, I will always tell you as firmly as I am now—”

She gazed at Bo Chi, each word deliberate, “I won’t leave you, just like you, never.”

Bo Chi stared at her blankly, then at her own hand.

Then back at Yu Zhao, and then at her hand again.

Finally, she concluded—Ah, this… this must be the legendary, touching, soul-stirring friendship!

Bo Chi once had the chance to be best friends with Yu Zhao. However, when she happily visited Yu Zhao’s home, a fat, flying cockroach had greeted her with extreme arrogance.

Young Bo Chi had been so terrified that she burst into tears, fleeing the dilapidated old house without even saying goodbye to the anxious Yu Zhao, who was tugging at the corner of her shirt.

By the time she recovered from the fever caused by the fright and returned to school a week later, Yu Zhao had reverted to her initial gloominess, even colder than before.

Bo Chi felt guilty about this, even now, believing she had done wrong. Yu Zhao grew up poor and was often ridiculed for it. Inviting Bo Chi to her home must have taken all her courage.

Yet Bo Chi had run away so unceremoniously…

But… but it really wasn’t her fault!

She was young then. How could she have handled such a fat and ugly cockroach?

And it could fly!!

That had been a childhood trauma, okay?!

After that, Yu Zhao became even more withdrawn, prickly towards outsiders, but towards her, she was still okay, as if she had retracted her thorns. This made Bo Chi feel both guilty and uneasy, while also reinforcing her belief that she was special to Yu Zhao—she didn’t even get angry. Wasn’t this what best friends were like?!

It wasn’t until they grew up, on the verge of graduation, that Yu Zhao tore down the facade of harmony, calmly and decisively stating she had never considered Bo Chi her best friend. Bo Chi’s heart had completely chilled then.

So it had all been her wishful thinking.

She was never special to Yu Zhao.

Thinking about it now…

Wasn’t it better this way?!

Why would best friends kiss each other’s hands?!

Although they hadn’t kissed anywhere more inappropriate, kissing her hand was still strange!

And saying such ambiguous things that made her heart race inexplicably…

Damn.

It was fortunate she hadn’t become best friends with Yu Zhao when she was young and naive. Otherwise, what if she had unknowingly become gay?

Bo Chi felt both relieved and unnerved, completely dazed. She didn’t even snap out of it as Yu Zhao led her by the hand to the hospital.

It wasn’t until she saw Yu Zhao’s mother that she pulled herself together, greeting politely, “Hello, Auntie. I’m Yu Zhao’s classmate, Bo Chi.”

Yu Zhao was always reserved and independent, never telling her mother about being bullied at school. Therefore, Yu Zhao’s mother warmly welcomed Bo Chi, making her sit down and asking about Yu Zhao’s performance at school with a smile.

Bo Chi didn’t think too much and replied casually, “She’s always been a top student. She’s the first to arrive at school every morning. Sometimes, when the weather is too cold, she even turns on the heating in the neighboring classroom beforehand.”

“She also skips breakfast and is a picky eater. She finds oily food disgusting and salty food too strong, but to avoid wasting food, she always finishes it with a frown and then drinks a cup of warm water.”

“Fighting? Uh… of course not! Ah Zhao is a lady, a lady… Am I covering for her? No way! We’re not close!”

As the most pampered daughter in her family, Bo Chi always had an advantage when talking to elders. She was good at acting cute and speaking sweetly, easily making Yu Zhao’s mother beam with joy, holding her hand throughout the conversation.

As the actual daughter, Yu Zhao sat by the bed with a gentle expression, peeling fruit for them while listening to Bo Chi talk.

She had long noticed Bo Chi’s subtle observations.

But she hadn’t expected the other girl to cherish her so much, remembering even the smallest, unnoticed actions as precious treasures.

Truly adorably silly.

It made her want to reward that sweet mouth… with a prize.

Chapter 5

Bo Chi was bewildered as Yu Zhao held her. After Yu Zhao’s emotions subsided, she softly said, “This road is too dangerous. There are actually robbers roaming around. Why don’t you find a different job? My company is hiring. You could start as an intern…”

Yu Zhao released her, a murderous glint in her beautiful eyes. “I recognize that man’s voice. He ate at the barbecue stall before. It’s likely that Lin Ye’s outburst last time attracted his attention, giving him the idea to rob someone and lie in wait here.”

And his target wasn’t likely her, but Bo Chi.

Otherwise, why hadn’t she encountered him despite passing through here every day, yet he appeared the one time Bo Chi didn’t bring her bodyguards?

It was too much of a coincidence.

Yu Zhao quickly pieced together the truth but didn’t tell Bo Chi to avoid making her feel guilty. She simply said concisely, “Don’t worry about this. I’ll handle it. Remember to bring your bodyguards when you go out, especially when I’m not around.”

Bo Chi blinked, then blinked again, before breaking into a bright smile and nodding vigorously.

While she acted obedient in front of Yu Zhao, upon returning home, she folded her arms, sat down, crossed her long, sleek legs, and said in a harsh tone, “Send some people to follow Yu Zhao and give those she fought in the past few days a taste of their own medicine!”

How dare they try to rob her, Bo Chi?

Did they really think she, the villainous female supporting character, was a pushover?

**

Two days later, the bodyguards returned to report. Bo Chi listened absentmindedly, her gaze fixed on the manicurist painting her nails.

It wasn’t until the bodyguard mentioned Yu Zhao that she looked up. “Didn’t I tell you to take care of the aftermath? How did the barbecue stall owner find out about this? And why did he fire Yu Zhao?”

The bodyguard replied, “They don’t know the specifics. They only know that Yu Zhao is someone you don’t mess with, having taken down an adult male. The stall owner doesn’t know the robber. He simply sided with his fellow man and found Yu Zhao disagreeable.”

Bo Chi suddenly understood.

She got it.

Some men are quick to form alliances. They don’t care if the person who made a mistake is a rapist or a murderer. They will always defend their fellow men first, even going so far as to fabricate accusations against the victim.

This time was no exception. The man was clearly in the wrong, yet the stall owner fired the innocent Yu Zhao. Their solidarity was truly applause-worthy.

However, this presented Bo Chi with an opportunity. She had long felt that working at a food stall was a waste of Yu Zhao’s talent. Despite being nemeses, she only wanted to annoy Yu Zhao, not watch her future be ruined.

Now, with the perfect opportunity to persuade her to join the company, she couldn’t sit still any longer and prepared to leave for school early.

After taking a couple of steps, Bo Chi remembered something and turned back. “I recall you mentioned that the stall owner, because Yu Zhao was a student, initially deducted a third of her wages. Now he’s fired her and pocketed the entire month’s pay?”

The bodyguard nodded. “Yes.”

Bo Chi tapped her slender finger against the doorframe, her red lips curving into a sly smile. “That makes things easier. His actions violate labor laws. Take some people and pay him a visit to educate him on the law—and as tuition, get back double the amount he deducted from Yu Zhao.”

The bodyguard bowed his head. “Yes, Miss.”

**

When Bo Chi arrived at school, it was still early. Most students hadn’t arrived yet, but Yu Zhao was already sitting upright at her desk, having been reading for who knows how long.

As her nemesis, Bo Chi, carrying bread and warm milk, sat down opposite her without hesitation, interrupting her diligent studying. “You’re skipping breakfast again. You’ll get a stomachache if you keep this up!”

Yu Zhao paused, her gaze lifting with a strange expression. “How did you know I didn’t eat?”

Bo Chi glanced at the book she was reading and replied casually, “Whenever you eat breakfast, you drink something afterwards, and your lips look moist. If you don’t eat, you don’t drink water, and your lips stay dry all morning… Are you reading a book on financial management? Do you understand it?”

Although she knew Yu Zhao was intelligent and had a talent for business, seeing her, still a student, poring over such specialized books surprised Bo Chi.

Yu Zhao lowered her eyelashes, replying after a pause, “Yes, I can grasp the theory, but putting it into practice is still quite challenging.”

Bo Chi rested her chin on her hand. “Then do you want to come to my company as an intern? Learn from the bottom up, and when you graduate, you can directly take charge.”

Yu Zhao glanced at her, unexpectedly not refusing immediately.

Seeing her lost in thought, Bo Chi leaned closer. “If you agree to come, I promise I’ll never bully you again.”

—Trading ‘minor bullying’ for the ability to monitor Yu Zhao’s every move and prevent her from getting together with Lin Ye was a great deal!

The more Bo Chi thought about it, the more pleased she became, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Yu Zhao. Yu Zhao pursed her lips, a blush creeping up her cheeks and the tips of her ears. Her eyelashes fluttered as she avoided Bo Chi’s gaze, whispering, “If I go to the company, will I see you often?”

Bo Chi hummed. “Definitely. It’s my company, after all. But if you don’t want to see me…”

Before she could finish, Yu Zhao softly said, “Alright, I’ll work at your company.”

Bo Chi hadn’t expected the persuasion to go so smoothly. She was overjoyed.

After enduring the morning classes, she happily took Yu Zhao to the company to complete the formalities. With her, the little boss, present, the staff’s efficiency was extremely high. Half a day later, it was announced that Yu Zhao could officially start work.

Bo Chi observed for a while. Seeing Yu Zhao, though unfamiliar with many things, maintain a calm and focused demeanor, observing the work attentively and quickly getting the hang of things, she felt inexplicably happy for her.

After watching for a while, she didn’t disturb Yu Zhao. Once she confirmed Yu Zhao had adapted well, she quietly left the company.

Because she was a student, Yu Zhao could only go to the company during her free time. With Bo Chi’s protection, coupled with her own excellence and hard work, the employees had no complaints.

Two months passed in a blink of an eye. As she became increasingly prominent in the company, she also found time to send Bo Chi a text message: [The company needs to conduct a questionnaire. Do you have time to fill it out?]

Bo Chi was lounging on the sofa, clipping her toenails, when she saw the message. She readily replied: [Yes, send it over.]

A form arrived shortly after.

Bo Chi opened it and began filling it out seriously.

[What is your birthday?]

[February 2nd.]

[What is your favorite color?]

[Light blue, light green, pale yellow…]

[What do you like to eat?]

[There are too many to list! I like anything delicious, whether it’s southern soup dumplings or northern wide noodles. I’m not picky!]

[What kind of gift would you most like to receive?]

[As long as it’s prepared with care, I’ll like it.]

[Are you free this weekend?]

Writing this, Bo Chi suddenly understood something. She exclaimed softly and sent a text message to Yu Zhao’s supervisor: [The company is conducting a questionnaire?]

The person quickly replied: [We haven’t planned anything like that yet. Would you like to arrange one?]

[No, it’s nothing. I was just asking.] Bo Chi dismissed the supervisor and turned back to Yu Zhao: [Asking all these questions indirectly, are you planning to give me something?]

Yu Zhao was silent for a long time before slowly replying: [I’ve saved up some extra money recently and have nowhere to spend it, so… is there anything you like?]

Bo Chi actually did have something in mind. She typed excitedly: [I’ve had my eye on a hot pot restaurant lately! My friends all say the spicy broth there is amazing. If you’re free, come with me!]

Yu Zhao hadn’t expected her to have such simple desires. After a moment of silence, her lips curved upwards: [Okay.]

On the weekend, Bo Chi put on a beautiful knee-length dress, slipped on her fringed heels, tied her hair back with a ribbon, and walked briskly alongside Yu Zhao to the private room of the hot pot restaurant.

After ordering, she habitually placed napkins on the table.

Yu Zhao glanced at her, thinking nothing of it.

When the broth started boiling and the dishes were served, Bo Chi picked up a fish ball. After one bite, her eyes teared up. Yu Zhao finally noticed something odd and asked in astonishment, “Can’t you eat spicy food?”

Bo Chi’s lips were slightly swollen from the spice, but she still swallowed the fish ball, then expertly wiped her eyes with a napkin, stubbornly declaring, “I can!”

Yu Zhao: “…”

Her crisp voice had become hoarse. Can my foot!

Yu Zhao couldn’t stand it anymore. Snatching her chopsticks, she said exasperatedly, “Wait, I’ll ask them to change it to a clear broth.”

Bo Chi shook her head vigorously. “I don’t want clear broth. It’s bland. I want spicy!”

Yu Zhao’s expression remained impassive.

Bo Chi looked longingly at… the chopsticks in her hand, her voice dejected. “Don’t change it to clear broth. Don’t… don’t you like spicy food the most?”

Yu Zhao suddenly tightened her grip on the chopsticks.

She didn’t ask Bo Chi how she knew this. A thought suddenly arose in her mind—Because she liked it, even though Bo Chi couldn’t handle spicy food, she insisted on coming here to please her?

Chapter 4

The movie hadn’t started yet, and the screening hall was dim.

Bo Chi took a couple of steps. Unable to see the path clearly, she reached for her phone to turn on the flashlight.

Just as she unlocked her phone, she accidentally missed a step.

Bo Chi cried out instinctively. Her flailing hand hadn’t yet found something to grab onto when Yu Zhao, sensing the movement, firmly caught her around the waist.

“Are you alright?” Yu Zhao asked, frowning, as Bo Chi clung to her arm. “Did you twist your ankle?”

Bo Chi, recovering from the near-fall, patted her chest and stood up straight. “I’m fine. Thank you for catching me.”

—Otherwise, falling face-first on these stairs would have sent her straight to the plastic surgeon instead of the movie.

Surrounded by darkness, Yu Zhao couldn’t see Bo Chi’s face but could hear the girl’s crisp and grateful tone.

Although it was the first time she’d heard the other girl thank her, the feeling… wasn’t bad.

Yu Zhao’s lips curved slightly as she led Bo Chi to their seats.

Shortly after they sat down, the movie began.

Yu Zhao’s eyes were on the screen, but her thoughts were on the person beside her. Through a series of deductions and tests, she had confirmed Bo Chi’s feelings.

This arrogant young lady seemed to have developed a crush on her at some point.

Moreover, her methods of pursuit were childishly clumsy and outrageous, like a kindergartener seeking attention by resorting to all sorts of bullying tactics.

Yu Zhao had no masochistic tendencies and harbored great animosity towards those who had wronged her.

Bo Chi was the sole exception. It seemed that ever since that cup of honey water, every time she met the girl’s sparkling eyes, her heart instinctively softened. All negative emotions were forgotten, and she couldn’t help but curve her lips into a smile.

This unfamiliar reaction felt strange, yet she didn’t resist it.

But to call it love was clearly an overstatement.

Yu Zhao had never been in love, nor did she have the desire for it. Compared to intimacy with another person, she preferred to spend her time working, saving the money she earned. A portion would go towards her mother’s regular checkups, another portion to support her studies, and if there was any left over, she would invest it. She simply didn’t want to be idle.

Therefore, logically and emotionally, she couldn’t be with Bo Chi.

She had to find a way to let her down gently.

Yu Zhao stared thoughtfully at the screen for a moment, then suddenly turned to Bo Chi, lowering her voice. “Have you noticed? This is a love story between two girls.”

Bo Chi, her eyes glued to the movie, nodded. “I noticed.”

Yu Zhao: “Don’t you find it strange?”

Bo Chi replied matter-of-factly, “Not at all.”

Yu Zhao’s emotions became complex.

So Bo Chi really was gay. Choosing this movie was indeed a subtle hint.

Bo Chi munched on popcorn, oblivious. Back in their reality, when they were still in school, Yu Zhao often took her to watch movies. Eighty percent of those movies featured two beautiful women together. At first, she had been awkward and uncomfortable, but later she became unfazed, even writing an 800-word fanfiction fueled by the sweet and touching love between the women.

Although Yu Zhao’s expression had been a bit odd at the time…

But who cared? Even if it was her nemesis she watched movies with, a nemesis was still a nemesis!

Bo Chi continued crunching on her popcorn. Yu Zhao, however, was no longer willing to wait. Taking a deep breath, she said directly, “But I find it strange. I’ve never thought about being with a girl…”

—She didn’t even want a relationship! All she wanted was to make money!

Bo Chi finally tore her gaze from the movie and turned to her in confusion.

Her movement was so sudden that Yu Zhao didn’t react in time. She only felt something soft brush against her cheek. Though the touch was light, it made her heart skip a beat. She recoiled as if electrocuted, the side of her face that had been touched quickly flushing.

Bo Chi, feeling nothing out of the ordinary, continued her previous thought. “Why would you suddenly bring this up? Normal girls wouldn’t think about that, right? Wait, I just noticed that most of the people watching this movie are girls. Could it be… could it be that you… brought me here on purpose?!”

Yu Zhao pursed her lips. Despite her racing heart, she had to remind her, “You chose the movie.”

Bo Chi instantly snapped out of her shock, chuckling sheepishly. “Oh, right, I forgot.”

Her silly mistake cooled Yu Zhao’s flushed face. Exhaling deeply, and feeling her indirect rejection had been sufficiently clear, Yu Zhao didn’t say anything more, calmly continuing to watch the film.

When the two female leads on the big screen, their feelings finally reciprocated, intertwined their fingers and kissed amidst falling cherry blossoms, Yu Zhao suddenly raised her slender, white hand and slowly rubbed her cheek, her thoughts drifting.

She remained lost in thought until the movie ended and Bo Chi, wiping her hands, stood up contentedly.

Bo Chi poked her, puzzled. “Why aren’t you leaving?”

Yu Zhao was startled awake, a blush coloring her pale cheeks.

She stood up and walked out of the cinema with Bo Chi. The night breeze outside cleared her muddled thoughts.

“You didn’t bring your bodyguards tonight, and you didn’t bring those friends of yours either. It’s not safe for you to be alone at night, so it’s best to go home early.” Yu Zhao didn’t look at Bo Chi as she spoke softly. “And don’t come looking for me anymore.”

Bo Chi didn’t grasp the underlying meaning, taking it as a sign of weakness after prolonged bullying. She lifted her chin, responding arrogantly, “Are you telling me what to do?”

Yu Zhao: “…”

She almost forgot that this girl wasn’t the obedient type. She advised her to withdraw for her own good, but if the girl insisted on clinging to her… there was really nothing she could do.

While feeling annoyed, Yu Zhao also felt a subtle sense of pleasure.

She remained silent for a moment, then started walking. “I still have work to do. I’m leaving.”

Bo Chi looked at the dark sky and caught up to her. “You know it’s late and not safe to be alone, so I’ll be kind and walk with you for a bit.”

She was genuinely concerned about Yu Zhao, but to Yu Zhao, it sounded like a lovesick girl’s clinginess.

Looking at Bo Chi with a complicated expression, Yu Zhao pursed her lips and ultimately didn’t refuse, tacitly accepting her company.

The night breeze was gentle, carrying a hint of coolness.

The small food stall where Yu Zhao worked was not far away, separated from the commercial street by a narrow alley. The alley was long and narrow, originally lit, but due to years of neglect, the lights flickered intermittently, going out suddenly from time to time.

Bo Chi had initially intended to maintain her haughty demeanor. However, surrounded by the silent darkness and startled by the flickering lights, she unconsciously moved closer to Yu Zhao.

Seeing her trembling and jumpy, Yu Zhao hesitated before pushing her away. Instead, she put an arm around Bo Chi’s shoulders, awkwardly comforting her, “We’ll be there soon.”

Just then, the sound of a plastic bottle being kicked echoed from up ahead.

Yu Zhao and Bo Chi stopped simultaneously, looking towards the sound.

In the depths of the dark alley, a man clicked his tongue in annoyance, then simply gave up hiding and swaggered out. He seemed to have been drinking; his gait was unsteady, and the smell of alcohol wafted from him. He was of average build, though still taller and stronger than the two girls. The mask on his face was askew. Holding a rusty metal pipe he’d picked up, he scratched his ear and growled impatiently, “I don’t feel like getting rough today. Hand over your money if you know what’s good for you!”

Bo Chi couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “He didn’t even prepare a QR code. Who carries cash these days?”

Yu Zhao’s eyelid twitched. She pressed Bo Chi’s head, signaling her to be quiet.

The alley was too deserted. Even though Bo Chi’s voice was soft, the man still heard it. He flew into a rage, cursing, “You won’t give it, huh? I’ll beat it out of you!”

Drunk men are impulsive, and coupled with the inherent violent tendencies in most men, he didn’t waste any more words, raising the pipe to strike.

Bo Chi was startled. Seeing Yu Zhao hadn’t moved, she instinctively pushed her aside and quickly retreated.

The pipe whistled past. Bo Chi narrowly escaped unharmed.

Before she could feel relieved, Yu Zhao’s face darkened. She quickly approached the man, a swift knee strike knocking the pipe from his grasp, followed by an elbow to his face. The man cried out in pain, blood gushing from his nose and dripping down the bottom of his mask.

He seemed to have sobered up somewhat, but whether out of male pride or disdain for women, he continued to swing his fists at Yu Zhao.

Yu Zhao calmly parried his blows. After a brief exchange, she successfully landed a groin kick, neutralizing ninety percent of the man’s fighting capacity.

Watching him collapse to his knees, she picked up the dropped pipe, about to deliver another blow when the man, finally terrified, scrambled to his feet and limped away as fast as he could.

Seeing him finally gone, Yu Zhao breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to Bo Chi, her voice stern. “Who told you to push me?”

Bo Chi froze. Although feeling a bit wronged by the harsh tone, she honestly said, “I’m sorry.”

Yu Zhao almost laughed in exasperation. “Do you know that if you had reacted even a little slower, you would have been hit? I stood still because I was confident I could fight back. You should have run. Why did you push me first? Am I that important to you?!”

Bo Chi, initially shrinking back, immediately mustered her courage and nodded firmly. “Of course! You’re the most important person in this world to me!”

Her purpose in this world was to annoy her nemesis. The system even thoughtfully made every mission the opposite of Yu Zhao’s. If something happened to Yu Zhao, how could she complete her missions?

Yu Zhao’s breathing quickened. She had been alone since childhood, with no companions as far back as she could remember. Even her loving mother’s heart belonged to that ungrateful man.

She was used to being alone and didn’t crave anyone’s affection. Before, she even deeply resented the girl in front of her.

But who knew there would come a day when this girl, disregarding her own safety, would push her out of harm’s way, shining like a little sun, so honestly and fervently declaring her the most important.

Yu Zhao felt a sense of absurdity. Her soul felt detached from her body, light and unreal.

Yet this didn’t stop her eyes from welling up. Dropping the pipe, she pulled the girl into a tight embrace, her voice choked with emotion. “You idiot… don’t you ever do that again!”

Chapter 3

Yu Zhao had a vague inkling of where the problem lay, but she wasn’t entirely certain.

Directly asking Bo Chi was out of the question. As the pampered princess of the Bo family, the girl was arrogant and aggressive. If annoyed, she might even slap her—a perfectly normal occurrence.

Yu Zhao always kept her distance from such people. Not out of fear, but disdain.

Yet, when it came to Bo Chi, for some reason, she didn’t want to simply brush it off. Instead, she tossed and turned in bed that night, her mind preoccupied with how to discern the other girl’s true intentions.

Insomniac until dawn, she recalled the girl’s sparkling, bright eyes and finally made up her mind to test the waters indirectly.

The next day.

As the sun began to rise, Yu Zhao arrived at the classroom, her gaze sweeping across the faces until she located Bo Chi.

The other girl seemed to have slept poorly as well. Listlessly holding a lipstick, she was half-heartedly trying to revitalize herself. Her features were delicate, and her lip shape was particularly beautiful. With a slight press and release, her lips looked temptingly inviting, as if beckoning a kiss.

Yu Zhao’s eyelashes flickered, and she averted her gaze, returning to her seat with a calm and indifferent expression. However, the tips of her ears, peeking through her flowing black hair, were faintly flushed.

**

Today, Yu Zhao was as aloof as ever.

Bo Chi put away her compact mirror and looked up to see Yu Zhao had entered the classroom at some point and was quietly reading with her head down. Observing her cold demeanor, which contrasted sharply with the surrounding atmosphere, Bo Chi affirmed her assessment while involuntarily recalling their reality.

In reality, Bo Chi was also a rich second-generation heiress, but she hadn’t attended any prestigious schools. Instead, she attended an elementary school near her parents’ workplace.

It was then that she and Yu Zhao forged their ill-fated connection. Throughout middle school, high school, university, and even until her brother’s wedding—they were always together, inseparable until death.

Living and dying with her nemesis was obviously not a pleasant way to go. Coupled with the fact that Bo Chi still hadn’t figured out why Yu Zhao had suddenly pushed her head in the car, she felt even more resentful.

—This resentment manifested in her immediately rushing over when she saw Yu Zhao gracefully rise and walk towards Lin Ye.

Yu Zhao turned to look at her, not ignoring her and talking to others as she usually did, but instead scrutinized her meaningfully, speaking first. “What are you doing here?”

Bo Chi froze, clumsily searching for an excuse. “I, I… It’s none of your business!”

She had somehow mastered the original host’s ability to be unreasonable. To avoid appearing guilty, she put her hands on her hips, trying to project an air of dominance.

Yu Zhao glanced at her clumsy acting, then at her undeniably ample curves, before nonchalantly looking away and giving a noncommittal hum.

Only after humming did she calmly remember her plan. Turning to Lin Ye, she said indifferently, “I have two movie tickets. I couldn’t find anyone to go with, so…”

She deliberately trailed off, her peripheral vision entirely focused on the girl beside her.

As expected, the girl’s almond-shaped eyes widened, round with disbelief, her reaction even more dramatic than the lovestruck Lin Ye. She vehemently interjected, “No! You’re not allowed to invite him to the movies!”

Before Yu Zhao could respond, Lin Ye spoke impatiently, “I’ve told you countless times, I don’t like you! You think you’re so great just because you have a bit of money? I, Lin Ye, am not the type of person who sponges off women!”

“Yes, you don’t sponge off women, you force-feed yourself their soft rice!” Bo Chi retorted mercilessly. Because she was short, in Yu Zhao’s eyes, she looked like a newly hatched chick, flapping its fluffy little wings as it pecked at people’s heads. “Anyway, I absolutely forbid you from going to the movies!”

Lin Ye was about to speak again when Yu Zhao reached out and placed her hand on Bo Chi’s soft, black hair, stroking it inconspicuously. “In that case,” she said, “I’ll give the movie tickets to you two. You and Lin Ye can go.”

Bo Chi’s face was filled with horror. Without thinking, she refused, “I’d rather take a dog to the movies than go with him!”

Lin Ye almost choked, nearly rolling his eyes.

Yu Zhao’s lips curved slightly. She now understood.

So Bo Chi wasn’t targeting her all this time because she was jealous of her relationship with Lin Ye.

It was because she was… jealous of Lin Ye’s relationship with her.

Understanding this, Yu Zhao felt an inexplicable surge of joy. Her slender fingers moved, following her heart’s desire, pinching Bo Chi’s soft cheek. She asked again, “Then do you want to go to the movies with me?”

Bo Chi froze, hesitating. “Just the two of us?”

Yu Zhao raised an eyebrow and pinched her cheek again. —This awkward little girl had quite the possessive streak.

Strangely, Yu Zhao didn’t find it annoying.

She nodded readily, repeating, “Just the two of us.”

Although watching a movie with her nemesis felt strange, to avoid giving them a chance to develop feelings, Bo Chi gritted her teeth and resolutely decided to make the sacrifice. “Fine, I’ll go with you.”

“Thank you.” Yu Zhao reluctantly withdrew her hand. Before leaving, she smiled faintly. “If no one goes with me, I’ll have to ask Lin to help me sell these tickets to someone else.”

Bo Chi was stunned. Only after Yu Zhao walked away did she realize, in a state of utter confusion, that Yu Zhao had never intended to go to the movies with Lin Ye!

Ah…

Ah, how is this possible?!

Then why did she rush over to interfere?

To trap herself?!

Bo Chi was dumbfounded. She spent the day in a daze, listening to classes absentmindedly. When school ended in the evening and she saw Yu Zhao had already packed her textbooks and was waiting for her in the corridor, she couldn’t bring herself to go back on her word. With a sullen expression, she shuffled over.

The two walked side by side out of the school and towards the nearby commercial street. Entering the nearest cinema, they stared at the list of movies showing that night.

“Which movie do you want to see?” Yu Zhao asked Bo Chi patiently, suggesting, “I used to work here part-time and found this youth romance campus drama to be highly acclaimed. You can try it if you haven’t seen it.”

Bo Chi glanced at it and saw the movie poster depicted a boy and a girl smiling sweetly at each other.

What if Yu Zhao was moved by it and went to pursue a relationship with Lin Ye?

A chilling thought struck her, and she quickly refused. “No, no, I want to watch a movie about two girls!”

Yu Zhao’s expression faltered. “Two girls… there’s only Twin Flowers. Are you sure you want to watch that?”

Bo Chi nodded vigorously. “Yes, that one!”

Yu Zhao turned to look at her, her gaze darkening.

Bo Chi felt uneasy under her stare, a little bewildered. “What? Is there something wrong with that movie?”

Yu Zhao looked at her for a long moment, then chuckled softly. “Nothing wrong.”

It was just a yuri film that had once been a nationwide hit, held dear by every closeted girl as a beacon of hope.

It was also a secret code understood by all these girls, even if unspoken.

—If you want to confess, but are afraid of rejection, exclusion, or even isolation, invite her to watch this movie.

Let these tender, unspoken affections be conveyed through someone else’s story.

Chapter 2

Lin Ye’s voice was too loud. The customers at the barbecue stall, hearing the commotion, instinctively looked towards Yu Zhao. Catching a glimpse of her beautiful, frowning face, they began to chatter, their slightly drunken banter gradually laced with vulgar remarks.

Lin Ye, overhearing this, felt a surge of embarrassed anger. He stepped forward and grabbed Yu Zhao. “Did you spend all your family’s money on expensive cosmetics? Is that why you’re so desperate for cash? Working in a place crawling with men this late at night—are you planning to sell yourself in a bar after graduation?”

Even with her aloof personality, Yu Zhao’s face chilled at these words. She didn’t budge an inch, her tall figure radiating a frigid aura. “I earn my rightful wages through labor. How I spend my money is none of your business.”

Lin Ye retorted angrily, “How is it none of my business? You spend money so lavishly, how will I… how will any man be able to afford you in the future?!”

His voice noticeably dropped in volume as he uttered the latter half of the sentence, a hint of insecurity creeping in.

Because with Yu Zhao’s face and figure, there were plenty of rich second-generation heirs willing to be her sugar daddies.

As far as he knew, Bo Chi’s older brother, Bo Ji, had originally intended to pursue Yu Zhao. However, because his spoiled little sister threw a tantrum at home, the siscon decisively gave up on Yu Zhao and turned his attention to other readily available men and women.

Lin Ye had been smitten with Yu Zhao since the moment he entered school. Since he came from a poor background, he was particularly resentful of wealthy people pursuing Yu Zhao and of her extravagant spending habits, worrying that even if she married him, she wouldn’t know how to be frugal.

Yet he couldn’t bring himself to say such things directly. He thought he would first spout some nonsense to win Yu Zhao over, and then tame and train her later. “If you were a bit more restrained with your spending and stopped comparing yourself to rich heiresses like Bo Chi, I’d be willing to be your sug— to provide for you. You’re so beautiful; wouldn’t it be more comfortable staying home, doing laundry, cooking, and attending to your man? Why bother working like a man? It’s tiring and hard, isn’t it?”

—In the original plot, the self-pitying school beauty was moved by these words. She believed her delicate hands should be well-maintained, occasionally baking pastries or arranging flowers, and shouldn’t be toiling amongst these rough men.

Therefore, as soon as the male lead spoke, she was irresistibly swayed, immediately resigning from her part-time job and shyly returning with him to his rented apartment.

After the honeymoon period ended, the school beauty discovered that the male lead didn’t have the means to support her at all. He couldn’t even afford decent cigarettes, let alone spend money on a woman.

Feeling deceived, the school beauty initially wanted to escape. However, around that time, hints of a married teacher and a naive heiress appeared around the male lead. She didn’t understand why these women would be involved with a poor guy like him and worried that if she left, all her previous efforts would be in vain.

Hesitant and conflicted, she was gradually tamed by Lin Ye, abandoning all thoughts of escape and focusing solely on competing for his favor with the other women.

This distorted mindset remained unshaken until her death. Therefore, Yu Zhao, having replaced her, also inherited the mission derived from her lifelong yearning: to become Lin Ye’s official girlfriend.

Bo Chi and Yu Zhao had known each other for years in the real world. While she didn’t believe Yu Zhao would fall for someone like Lin Ye, she still took precautions. Clicking in her delicate high heels, wearing pretentious dark sunglasses, and dressed in a figure-hugging, knee-length dress, she approached the confronting duo. With a curve of her red lips, she declared, “Relying on a man is the most unreliable thing you can do. He might be able to provide for you now, but he can just as easily abandon you without hesitation. When that happens, with no job and no savings, what will you rely on to survive?”

Lin Ye was momentarily stunned by Bo Chi’s appearance, then hastily tried to pledge his loyalty.

Bo Chi didn’t give him the chance, continuing coolly, “Besides…where do you get the money to support a woman? From that faded, washed-out shirt you’re wearing? Or from those stinky socks you wear without washing?”

Lin Ye’s face immediately turned green. His mouth opened and closed several times before he finally exploded in anger, “You’re only interested in money! You’re materialistic, greedy, and vain—”

“I am gold myself; why would I need to worship it?” Bo Chi lazily twirled a strand of hair around her finger, laughing. “If you keep babbling, I’ll have my bodyguards come chat with you.”

Lin Ye glanced at the tall, sturdy bodyguards in the distance, glaring with wide eyes. He muttered a curse under his breath and turned to leave without hesitation.

Satisfied, Bo Chi turned to Yu Zhao, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, staring fixedly at her. With an air of condescension, she said, “Alright, go back to work. With me around, neither anyone else nor Lin Ye will have a chance to bully you.”

Yu Zhao’s eyelashes fluttered. Seeing the beautiful heiress turn to leave, she suddenly reached out and grasped her soft, delicate hand, asking softly, “Why are you helping me?”

—Could this be a new form of bullying?

Bo Chi froze, then reacted after a moment, quickly pulling her slightly cool hand away. “Who’s helping you? I’m telling you to stay away from Lin Ye!”

“If I ever see you flirting with him again…” Bo Chi struggled to find a suitably threatening phrase. “I’ll replace the honey with bitter melon and make you drink a whole cup of bitter melon juice!”

Yu Zhao curled her fingers, suppressing the urge to smile. In a serious tone, she said, “I’m allergic to bitter melon.”

Bo Chi was stunned. She had never heard of Yu Zhao having such an allergy.

After a moment of bewilderment, she frowned and reluctantly conceded, “Then I’ll switch to celery juice—you hate celery the most, right?”

“…Yes.” Yu Zhao raised an eyebrow, then immediately asked, “But how did you know?”

Bo Chi didn’t miss a beat, her face betraying no hint of guilt. “To deal with an enemy, one must know oneself and one’s opponent to achieve a hundred victories in a hundred battles!”

Yu Zhao hummed thoughtfully.

Whenever she made this expression, Bo Chi felt a flicker of guilt. Even after transmigrating, her instinctive reactions remained. This made her uncomfortable, and her eyes darted around, seeking an escape. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.”

“Wait, I have another question.” Yu Zhao stopped her, her icy voice strangely tinged with a hint of amusement. “You usually dine at upscale restaurants or at home. Why did you go out of your way to come here tonight?”

Bo Chi instinctively tried to shift the blame, “Lin Ye, he…”

Unlike her usual passivity, Yu Zhao forcefully interrupted, “He usually goes back to the dormitory with his classmates. He only came here on a whim. You’re not going to tell me you anticipated even his thoughts, are you?”

Bo Chi was dumbfounded. Her red lips parted slightly, making her delicate face appear both pitiful and bewildered.

Yu Zhao felt an inexplicable tickle in her heart and had to exert considerable effort to tear her gaze away.

Bo Chi hadn’t given an answer, but Yu Zhao already had one in her mind. —The other girl was clearly paying close attention to her to know that she hated celery, had recently found a job, and would be working tonight.

But what was Bo Chi’s reason for paying such close attention to her?

Because of Lin Ye?

Recalling Bo Chi’s arrogant, princess-like demeanor while confronting Lin Ye, Yu Zhao silently dismissed that idea.

Since it wasn’t because of Lin Ye, it could only be because of her.

But why had she changed after initially targeting her at every opportunity?

Yu Zhao cast her mind back, recalling that this harassment had begun simply because Lin Ye picked up her pen, and she had politely thanked him and taken it back. The subsequent incidents were similar; Lin Ye initiated the interaction, and she responded formally—Hmm? Could the problem lie in her responses?

Chapter 1

Bo Chi stirred awake in a daze, her memory lingering on the moment Yu Zhao abruptly pushed her head. Recalling the sleek, pale legs she’d bumped into, she hissed, forcing her eyes open. “Good heavens, were you trying to give me a concussion…?”

Her voice trailed off as she took in the scene before her. She stared in shock at the empty void, murmuring, “Am I still dreaming?”

“You are dead,” a mechanical voice echoed through the nothingness. “Cause of death: car accident.”

Bo Chi froze, instinctively asking, “What about Yu Zhao?”

They were in the same car. Surely she wasn’t… gone too?

“Yu Zhao died before you. She has already entered the myriad worlds and is currently working to earn points for a chance to be resurrected and return home,” the mechanical voice explained. “Do you want to simply slumber in this void, or work like her?”

Bo Chi gritted her pearly white teeth and responded without hesitation, “Of course I’ll work! I’m going to work near her and snatch all her business!”

The mechanical voice hummed in acknowledgement. “Procedures complete. Because your soul integrity is higher than Yu Zhao’s, you will retain your memories upon entering the small world.”

Bo Chi blinked in surprise. “Does that mean Yu Zhao doesn’t have her real-world memories in the—”

Before she could finish, a flash of azure light crossed her vision, and her thoughts scattered.

In the moment of losing consciousness, she vaguely heard the mechanical voice say, numb and weary, “Next.”

Bo Chi: “…”

Are all working-class people this busy?

Bo Chi, pampered and raised in luxury, belatedly felt a pang of anxiety. Fortunately, when she opened her eyes again and received the memories transmitted by the system, she discovered she was still a rich second-generation heiress—and also the villainous female supporting character.

This world stemmed from a stallion-protagonist urban novel. The male lead, Lin Ye, possessed an innate domineering aura. While still a student, he captivated a string of beautiful women with his personal charm: a married teacher, a haughty policewoman, a naive heiress, and more.

And Bo Chi…she wasn’t even part of the harem.

She was merely a cannon fodder tool, diligently carrying out acts of slander and humiliation, wholeheartedly creating opportunities for the male lead to play the hero and save the damsel.

If transmigrating into this book was like drawing a card, Bo Chi was undoubtedly unlucky, drawing the weakest card.

Feeling indignant, she poked the system that had transmigrated with her, wanting to see Yu Zhao’s role and mission in this world.

The system quickly displayed a virtual screen. [Yu Zhao (Aloof School Beauty)]

[Mission: Become Lin Ye’s official girlfriend.]

A devilish grin spread across Bo Chi’s face. “Wants to be with the male lead? We’ll see about that!”

She excitedly left the restroom, searched around, and picked up a cup from the desk.

According to the plot, today she was supposed to continue shining brightly as the villainous female supporting character, adding laxatives to the water and forcing the school beauty to drink it, causing her to suffer an embarrassing incident—and this would be the perfect opportunity for the male lead to rescue her and advance their relationship.

Bo Chi, determined to sabotage the plot, naturally wouldn’t let things proceed smoothly. She poured out the water, diligently rinsed the cup, and finally filled it with fresh water, adding some honey.

“Honey water nourishes and beautifies. Even if I force Yu Zhao to drink it, it won’t harm her,” Bo Chi mused contentedly as she got into the car, her thoughts increasingly delightful on the way to school. “This way, even if the male lead scolds me about the water, I can retort righteously!”

At the thought of disrupting Yu Zhao’s mission, Bo Chi’s eyes curved into crescents as she exited the car. After politely thanking the driver, she gleefully gathered her villainous underlings and ostentatiously cornered Yu Zhao, who had just entered the school grounds.

Yu Zhao’s expression was aloof, accentuating her cold and stunning beauty. Despite wearing a simple and plain school uniform, her long legs and slender waist couldn’t be concealed.

Because she was taller than Bo Chi, her cool downward gaze carried an air of condescension.

Bo Chi used to hate how she always stared down at her. Now, while still harboring that dislike, she also felt a bit smug—What are you looking at? With me around, you can forget about getting a boyfriend!

Just as her previous relationships had been sabotaged by Yu Zhao, openly or covertly, this time, Bo Chi planned to give her a taste of her own medicine, letting her know that a single dog, when pushed too far, would bite back!

With a pleased hum, she languidly curved her crimson lips. Her delicate fingers lifted the water cup, swirling it gently. “Drink this.”

Yu Zhao’s expression remained unchanged, her dark eyes flickering slightly. Having been pestered by this arrogant and impatient young heiress for so long, it was the first time she had heard such a light and soft tone from her, like fluffy, sweet cotton candy, tempting and enticing.

Unfortunately, the underlying meaning of her words clearly indicated her continued antagonism.

With this thought, Yu Zhao regained her composure. She tore her gaze from Bo Chi’s exquisite face, suppressing a strange feeling of tightness in her chest, and wordlessly took the cup, twisting off the lid.

In the past, she had rebelled and resisted. But the ultimate consequence was that Bo Chi remained unscathed, taking pleasure in her struggle, while she herself was nearly expelled, driving her already burdened mother to tears.

Since then, Yu Zhao had learned to bend her back and endure Bo Chi’s insults.

What trick would it be this time?

Yu Zhao looked at the water in the cup. She saw no insect eggs or dirt, no coins or paper. It was impossible for nothing to be added. She took a deep breath, suspecting that some drug must have been mixed in.

—She only hoped it wasn’t anything too harmful. She had recently squeezed out time to find a part-time cleaning job. If her health was severely compromised, she wouldn’t be able to afford her mother’s medical checkup.

Thinking of her mother’s recent pained expressions while clutching her chest, Yu Zhao closed her eyes and swallowed the water. The warm liquid slid down her throat, a lingering sweetness coating her lips and teeth.

Yu Zhao didn’t immediately register the taste. It took her a moment to discern the subtle sweetness. She almost froze, thinking that Bo Chi had given her the wrong cup.

Just as she was about to ask, a hand suddenly snatched the cup away, exclaiming angrily, “Bo Chi! You’re bullying Yu Zhao again! Even though Yu Zhao is poor, she’s prettier and has a better figure than you! No matter how much you target her, I will never like you!”

Bo Chi folded her arms across her chest, tilting her chin up slightly. “Donate your eyes if you don’t need them. Which eye of yours saw me bullying her?”

“This cup of water is proof! Did you poison it?!” Lin Ye raised the cup agitatedly, splashing water around. Yu Zhao watched from the side, frowning slightly.

“Poison?” Bo Chi hadn’t expected the male lead’s imagination to be so wild. Exasperated, she said, “I’m a law-abiding citizen, where would I get poison? If you don’t believe me, go get it tested at the hospital. I didn’t put any poison in it, just some honey.”

Lin Ye faltered, bewildered. “Honey?”

Bo Chi stated as if it were obvious, “Yes, I hate drinking honey water the most. Of course, I’d put something I hate when playing a prank on someo—oops.”

She instinctively blurted out the truth, then quickly corrected herself with a blush. “I saw Yu Zhao’s skin wasn’t looking good and wanted to give her some honey water to smooth things over. Who are you, some random toad, interfering in the affairs of us beautiful women?”

Lin Ye’s face darkened. “Toad? You… You said you liked me before!”

Bo Chi stuck out her tongue. “I was just messing with you, and you actually believed it! I wouldn’t look twice at a scum like you, who only cares about Yu Zhao’s face and figure and completely ignores the fact that she’s a top student!”

She ruthlessly rebuked Lin Ye. Seeing him flush red and speechless, she triumphantly turned and strode off with the victorious air of someone who had just won a major battle.

Yu Zhao stared at her, momentarily mesmerized as her soft, black hair swayed in a beautiful arc in the air. Only after the girl’s figure disappeared from view did she retract her gaze, her lips pursed. She politely but coldly thanked the still-fuming Lin Ye, retrieved the cup from his hand, carefully tightened the lid, and walked away.

Lin Ye fumed in place for a while. Realizing both beauties had left, he clenched his teeth in a mix of frustration and anger, then skipped class and left the school.

Although he disliked Bo Chi, he had always enjoyed being pursued by a beautiful and wealthy young woman like her. Now, being inexplicably discarded like trash, he felt both humiliated and disgruntled.

Men often resort to drinking to vent their frustrations, and Lin Ye was no exception.

He called a few friends and arranged to meet at the night market for skewers, planning to vent his anger and subtly inquire about the reason for Bo Chi’s change of heart.

However, as night fell and he arrived at the barbecue stall, he immediately forgot about it, exclaiming in astonishment, “Yu Zhao? Even if you’re short on money, a girl shouldn’t work in a place like this with so many men around!”