Category: The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration]

Chapter 28: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love

The seven-day holiday vanished in a blink, leaving the school shrouded in a cloud of post-vacation gloom.

A week of school felt like an eternity, while a week of freedom evaporated like water, the calendar flipping to the 8th with alarming speed.

The weight of unfinished homework, however, served as a stark reminder of time’s passage, the words on the assignments seeming strangely foreign, their hands stiff and clumsy around their pens.

Tao Ning, like a benevolent goddess, distributed her completed assignments to her two devoted followers, Jin Yue and Lü Xinxi, allowing them to copy.

Lü Xinxi looked at Tao Ning with the reverence of a peasant beholding the Virgin Mary, a halo of light surrounding her, her expression a mix of gratitude and awe. She almost wanted to shout “Amen!” before dutifully copying the answers.

“Amen? You’re seeing visions now?” Tao Ning, free from the burden of homework, sat watching them, her chin resting on her hand. “Don’t worry, there’s more where that came from.”

Jin Yue, her perfectly styled bob now a mess, couldn’t understand why she was doing this, yet not doing it felt strangely wrong.

Having endured endless praise for her academic diligence during the holiday, she now faced the consequences. Maintaining a facade was hard work. “Some lines,” she declared dramatically, “should never be crossed. Once you start, there’s no going back.”

Lü Xinxi, sighing dramatically, looked at Tao Ning. “It was only seven days! How did you finish everything? I can’t even…”

Tao Ning, watching her descend into madness, thought, The effects of homework are truly terrifying.

Lü Xinxi, holding up a test paper, her hands clasped together in prayer, pleaded, “Oh, Buddha, merciful Buddha, please, have mercy on this humble servant! I offer you a balanced meal, both meat and vegetables, in exchange for your divine assistance!”

Tao Ning: A balanced meal? You’re just trying to bribe me with food.

Unable to stand their theatrics any longer, she grabbed a few test papers and a pen, quickly ticking off the multiple-choice answers, completing most of them in minutes.

The two heads immediately leaned in. “That fast? You’re not just guessing, are you?”

Tao Ning replied, “Of course not. I’ve already done these.”

Lü Xinxi pointed at the paper. “But your answers are different from ours.”

Tao Ning looked at the papers, then said, “Oh, right. I gave you the correct answers.”

Jin Yue and Lü Xinxi: “…” Did she consume some sort of magical fertilizer during the holiday? How did she evolve so quickly?

As they were about to correct their answers, Tao Ning spotted a familiar figure walking past and immediately dropped her pen, standing up. “Qiuyi! You’re early! I want to sit behind you when we change seats. Pick me!”

Xu Qiuyi, without hesitation, replied, “Okay. I choose you.”

Jin Yue and Lü Xinxi, left behind, exchanged bewildered looks. Lü Xinxi, pointing at herself, then at Xu Qiuyi, asked, “Me? Her?”

Jin Yue, her eyes narrowed, her arms crossed, said cryptically, “Just finish your homework. It’s due soon.”

That blabbermouth, she thought. She can’t keep a secret. No need to complicate things for Ningning.

“Oh, right!” Lü Xinxi, now accustomed to actually doing her homework, immediately returned to her task, her earlier confusion forgotten.

A few minutes later, however, she turned to Jin Yue. “Don’t you think Ningning seems… unusually happy today?”

Jin Yue, without looking up, replied, “Of course. Smiling on the first day back after a holiday? Hard to miss.”

Amidst the general atmosphere of post-vacation gloom, Tao Ning’s cheerful demeanor stood out.

Lü Xinxi’s face grew serious. “Do you think it’s because… we’re changing seats today?”

Jin Yue’s expression mirrored hers. “…No way,” she said, her voice filled with disbelief. That’s… That’s like something an elementary school kid would do.

Class A changed seats after every monthly exam, the top students getting first pick. Xu Qiuyi, however, always chose to stay in her usual spot, finding the process too troublesome.

Sitting next to Xu Qiuyi, the top student, should have been a coveted privilege, but for various reasons, few actively sought it. After Nangong Yunfei’s arrival, the seats around her had become even less desirable.

Being near her meant being targeted by those seeking her help, or worse, by those jealous of her, and even a casual conversation could lead to unwanted attention. It was safer to keep a distance.

This time, however, things were different. Xu Qiuyi, having seemingly taken Tao Ning, the former bottom-ranked student, under her wing, had become a hot commodity. If she could elevate Tao Ning, imagine what she could do for them?

Many students had their eyes on the seats around her, strategizing, forming alliances, planning to claim their chosen spots as soon as the teacher gave the signal.

They had thought they had it all figured out, only to have their plans thwarted by Xu Qiuyi herself, who had decided to move!

Xu Qiuyi moved! Our plans are ruined!

Tao Ning, sensing the envious glares directed at her, had no idea what she had done, only that she had somehow become the target of resentment.

Even the mid-ranking students, those who usually ignored her, were now looking at her with a mixture of envy and disappointment.

Tao Ning: I don’t understand. This is making me nervous.

When it was time to change seats, the homeroom teacher entered, maintaining order. Class A students were known for their competitive spirit; adult supervision was essential.

As always, the teacher started with the top student. “Qiuyi, staying in your usual seat?”

Xu Qiuyi replied, “No, I’d like to move to the third row, the seat behind Tao Ning.”

The teacher, pushing up his glasses, started to say, “Alright, same as usual… Wait, you want to move?”

Xu Qiuyi nodded.

The teacher, glancing at Tao Ning, then at the seating chart, marked down her new seat and moved on to the next student.

Groans of disappointment filled the classroom as the students realized they were now competing for the remaining desirable spots.

As the new seating arrangement was finalized, everyone except Xu Qiuyi began moving their belongings. Tao Ning, wanting to be helpful, carried a stack of Xu Qiuyi’s books, sharing the load.

Xu Qiuyi didn’t have many things, everything neatly organized, easy to carry. The rest of her belongings were stored in the lockers at the back of the classroom.

Lü Xinxi, ever the curious one, eager to examine the space Xu Qiuyi had occupied for so long, and Jin Yue, wanting to keep an eye on things, helped carry the remaining items.

Thanks to Tao Ning’s unexpected request, many carefully laid plans had been ruined, the remaining seats now claimed based on merit.

Those who had secured their desired spots breathed a sigh of relief. Those who hadn’t glared at Tao Ning, who was now chatting and laughing with Xu Qiuyi, then turned away, defeated.

I can’t watch this, they thought. Ignorance is bliss.

Xu Qiuyi, noticing Tao Ning’s cheerful demeanor, asked, “Did something good happen? You seem happy.”

Tao Ning replied, “Of course.”

Xu Qiuyi, curious, asked, “What is it?”

Tao Ning smiled, but didn’t answer. “You’ll see.”

Xu Qiuyi, her brow furrowed, muttered, “So mysterious.”

She didn’t have to wait long.

As soon as she spoke, the teacher announced, “Class President, have a few students clear out those two empty desks. We’re rearranging the seating arrangement.”

The class president looked confused. “But those are…” Nangong Yunfei and Xiao Xuan’s desks.

The back row, by the window, the king’s domain. It had initially belonged to other students, but Nangong Yunfei, upon his arrival, had claimed it, effectively buying out the previous occupants.

The teacher, busy with his emails, replied, “Yes, they’re not coming back. Put their books in the storage room. We’ll return them if they ever show up.”

Silence filled the classroom as the students exchanged glances, their eyes fixed on the two empty desks, then shifting to Tao Ning, who was now casually rearranging Xu Qiuyi’s things.

They had heard rumors, but they weren’t sure if they were true. The Crown Club, one of the Nangong family’s businesses, had been shut down, a major investigation underway.

The police, acting on a tip, had raided the club, catching Nangong Yunfei and his entourage red-handed. They might have escaped, but the discovery of the underground fighting ring and the… bodies in the basement, had sealed their fate.

And the person behind this… was Tao Ning, the girl with the perpetually innocent face.

Other classes might not know her true nature, but Class A did.

Her seemingly aloof demeanor was a facade, a defense mechanism. She wasn’t as indifferent as she appeared. Otherwise, why would she be so sensitive to their envious glares?

The rumors claimed it was Tao Ning who had tipped off the police. Thanks to her, the raid had been swift and efficient, the evidence neatly organized, readily available.

Nangong Yunfei, as a newly acknowledged heir, could have claimed ignorance, citing his age and lack of involvement in the club’s operations. The blood tests had also cleared him of any direct participation in the… more unsavory activities.

But Tao Ning had been relentless, making it clear that this was a personal vendetta against Nangong Yunfei, that she wouldn’t have taken such drastic measures otherwise.

She had effectively made him the scapegoat, drawing the Nangong family’s wrath upon him. While the Crown Club wasn’t their primary source of income, it was a significant asset.

Nangong Yunfei had been released the next morning, only to be disowned by the family that afternoon.

The true reason behind the raid, however, remained hidden. No one knew why Tao Ning had targeted him.

They only knew she had acted against him, and Tao Yan, fiercely protective of her daughter, had clashed with the Nangongs. Others had simply watched the drama unfold, some even profiting from the chaos.

That was why they still treated Xu Qiuyi normally, believing her to be uninvolved.

Without Tao Ning’s unintentional sabotage in the original timeline, the Nangongs would have been untouchable, their empire secure.

Nangong Yunfei, now a discarded heir, had refused to accept his fate and had, for reasons unknown, left the country, his whereabouts unknown.

During lunch, Tao Ning had commented casually, “Probably went to work in a mine. He’s tall and strong. Perfect for manual labor.”

Xu Qiuyi had looked at her, surprised.

Lü Xinxi had chuckled. “That’s harsh. I heard the Nangongs gave him a lot of money. And he still has supporters. He’ll probably just lay low for a while, then come back and reclaim his rightful place, like in those dramatic TV shows.”

Jin Yue had scoffed. “It’s not that easy to become the heir.”

Tao Ning, smiling, had said, “What if he took the money and went to someone he trusted, only to be betrayed and left for dead? Then, he’s rescued by someone who sees his potential, his… strong physique, and offers him a job. He accepts, thinking he’s found a savior, only to wake up the next morning and discover his new job is… mining.”

Lü Xinxi, laughing, had said, “You’re making this up. It’s too detailed.”

Her comment made both Jin Yue and Xu Qiuyi look at Tao Ning.

Tao Ning, her smile unwavering, waved a dismissive hand. “Not at all. I just suggested the mining part. The rest… well, he has… helpful friends. As they say, ‘A man with many friends is rich; a man with few friends is poor.’ It’s all a matter of fate.”

She’s making things up again, the three of them thought, convinced Tao Ning had missed her calling as a stand-up comedian.

Time marched on, the absence of one student, or even two, having little impact on the rhythm of school life, at least for Class A, who were now spared the constant presence of Nangong Yunfei’s admirers lurking outside their classroom.

They were tired of even saying his name. It was too long.

Another autumn rain passed, the weather turning colder, fallen leaves carpeting the ground like a thick blanket, the first signs of winter approaching. The students started wearing coats over their uniforms.

Xu Qiuyi, who cycled to school every day, finding a coat too cumbersome, started wearing pants under her skirt, changing into her uniform upon arrival.

When the weather turned even colder, she would take the bus instead, at least staying warm during her commute.

Tao Ning, worried about Xu Qiuyi getting cold, often drove her home after school, her frequent visits leading to encounters with Guan Ruolin.

Guan Ruolin had found a less demanding job, no longer working night shifts, allowing her to pick up Zhichun after school.

Tomorrow was Saturday, her day off, and she was planning a special dinner, her hands filled with groceries.

Grateful to Tao Ning for helping her daughter, she instinctively invited her to join them for dinner.

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them, about to retract the offer.

But Tao Ning’s face lit up. “Really? Can I? That would be amazing!”

She quickly took off her backpack and handed it to Uncle Liu. “Grab some dinner, Uncle Liu. I’ll call you when I’m done.”

“Yes, Miss,” Uncle Liu replied, getting in the car and driving away.

It all happened so fast, Guan Ruolin didn’t even have time to react.

Zhichun tugged on her hand. “Mama, let’s go. It’s cold.”

Guan Ruolin, blinking, then smiling, said, “Of course, you can come. I just make simple home-cooked meals.”

Tao Ning replied, “I love home-cooked meals. My mom’s away, and it’s… quiet at home.”

Guan Ruolin, sensing an unspoken message, smiled but didn’t pry, making casual conversation as they walked home, Zhichun skipping ahead, Tao Ning and Xu Qiuyi following behind.

It was a lively, cheerful dinner, Tao Ning’s first time meeting Guan Ruolin. She didn’t know what Guan Ruolin had been like before, but she seemed to be in good spirits.

After dinner, Tao Ning, as a guest, was banished from the kitchen, left to contemplate a bowl of grapes on the coffee table.

They were plump and juicy, covered in tiny droplets of water.

Might as well, she thought, picking one up and eating it.

Footsteps approached, and Xu Qiuyi peered around the corner. “Are they sweet?” she asked. Seasonal fruits were becoming scarce, and these looked fresh.

Tao Ning picked one up and offered it to her. “They’re good. Try one.”

Xu Qiuyi, looking at Tao Ning’s expression, then at the grape in her hand, was suspicious. Was this another one of her tricks? Tao Ning, however, simply looked back at her with wide, innocent eyes.

Xu Qiuyi: This is going to be so sour.

The last time Tao Ning had declared a kiwi “sweet,” she had insisted on sharing it with Jin Yue, Lü Xinxi, and Xu Qiuyi, all of whom had been subjected to an unbearable level of sourness, their faces contorted in pain.

Hesitantly, Xu Qiuyi put the grape in her mouth, then, after a moment, asked, “Are you messing with me?”

Tao Ning looked even more innocent. “No, they’re sweet.” This time, she was telling the truth.

Xu Qiuyi, chewing slowly, then swallowing, said, “Even if you’re not, you are. Nine times out of ten, the food you give me is sour.”

“Me?” Tao Ning looked surprised, then burst out laughing.

The sound of dishes being washed echoed from the kitchen. Zhichun, busy with her chores, was unfazed by Tao Ning’s laughter. She was used to it.

She knew, even if her sister was just standing there, Tao Ning would find a reason to laugh.

Xu Qiuyi, picking up another grape, ate it slowly, her expression unreadable.

Tao Ning, having recovered from her laughter fit, leaned back against the sofa, looking around the familiar apartment.

It looked mostly the same, but she noticed a few new additions: several pots of succulents on the windowsill, thriving under the sunlight.

Before she could examine them closely, Zhichun ran over and picked them up, muttering about “light therapy,” placing them under a grow lamp.

The grow lamp and the succulents hadn’t been there during her previous visit. They must be new additions.

Tao Ning, turning around, her elbow resting on the back of the sofa, said, “Those are Zhichun’s? She’s quite the… horticulturalist.”

Xu Qiuyi also turned around, joining Tao Ning in her prone position on the sofa. “She likes plants. These are… less fragile. So she started growing them again.”

Zhichun, having carefully arranged her plants, jumped off her stool, her small fists clenched. “I’m going to grow lots and lots of succulents! Fill the whole windowsill!”

The two “lazy cats” on the sofa offered enthusiastic applause. “Wow!”

Tao Ning said, “A succulent army! Ambitious! I wish you success!”

Xu Qiuyi added, “It’s amazing you can keep so many alive.”

Zhichun, beaming, puffed out her chest, ready to offer a detailed explanation of her plants to anyone who approached.

Unfortunately, the two “lazy cats,” now mutually influencing each other’s indolence, remained on the sofa.

As evening approached, it was time for Tao Ning to leave. Guan Ruolin, still worried about the dangers of Bailu Lane, insisted on walking her to the intersection, watching until she was safely inside the car.

Tao Ning’s smile faded as the car pulled away, her expression returning to its usual nonchalance, but with a lingering sense of… contentment.

As the city lights blurred past the window, she summoned 520, inquiring about her mission’s progress.

520, after checking, reported, [The mission isn’t complete yet, but the romance progress bar is still at zero.]

Tao Ning said, “If that doesn’t count as severing the connection, what does? What if I stay here forever, and the mission never registers as complete?”

520, hesitantly, replied, [That would be… mission failure?]

Tao Ning: “…”

520 quickly backpedaled. [But… but those are the rules! Severing a fated connection is extremely difficult! It requires a complete and permanent break!]

Tao Ning said, “Don’t ‘but but’ me. It’s annoying.”

520, heartbroken, wailed, [You’ve changed! You used to call me Zero Zero! Now you say I’m annoying! Waaah!]

Seeing Tao Ning ignoring it, scrolling through flight options on her phone, 520 asked, [What are you doing?]

Tao Ning replied, “Severing the connection, of course. I’m buying a plane ticket, flying over there, and… eliminating him. See if that triggers the mission completion.”

[…] 520, alarmed, tried to dissuade her. [This is a civilized society! Don’t be impulsive! You’ll end up in jail!]

Tao Ning, after a moment of thought, said, “But I can’t just… wait. I need to improve my performance metrics. This progress bar is useless. At least give me a ‘severance’ progress bar.”

It wasn’t entirely the Romance Department’s fault. No one had anticipated needing a progress bar for… divorce.

520, eager to appease her, readily agreed, successfully preventing its host from committing homicide.

Her goal achieved, Tao Ning stopped tormenting the system, closing her eyes and resting while waiting to arrive home.

As soon as she got home, about to message Xu Qiuyi, a message popped up on her phone.

Xinxi, not Xixi: [Aaaah, Yueyue, I’m so stressed! What should I get Ningning for her birthday?!]

“Xinxi, not Xixi” has retracted a message.

Tao Ning: “?” My birthday is coming up?

Chapter 27: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love

Having politely declined Grandma Pan’s offer to walk them home, but accepting a handful of snacks, Tao Ning, pockets filled with small pastries, accompanied Xu Qiuyi to pick up Zhichun.

Before they left, Grandma Pan complimented Tao Ning’s burgundy highlights, saying they suited her pale complexion and made her look vibrant.

Tao Ning accepted the compliment, knowing it stemmed from the elderly woman’s affection for Xu Qiuyi.

If Tao Ning was friends with Xu Qiuyi, then she must be a good person too. And there was nothing wrong with young people following fashion trends.

“Say goodbye to Grandma,” Xu Qiuyi said to Zhichun. “We’re going home.”

Zhichun, raising both hands, chirped, “Bye-bye, Grandma!”

Grandma Pan, standing at the doorway, waved. “Bye-bye! Go home now!”

Xu Qiuyi, holding Zhichun’s hand, led her towards their apartment building, Zhichun’s twintails bouncing as she walked, her curious gaze fixed on Tao Ning.

Tao Ning smiled back. This was the first time she had met Zhichun in person. She bore a striking resemblance to Xu Qiuyi, her eyes larger and rounder, their dark color giving her a feline look.

Tao Ning had seen photos of Zhichun before, and her thought had been, It’s hard to imagine this sweet little girl growing up to steal her sister’s ashes and escape from a sanatorium.

Zhichun, caught staring, blushed and tugged on Xu Qiuyi’s hand. “Jiejie, carry me.”

Xu Qiuyi usually encouraged Zhichun to walk, but considering she had just been discharged from the hospital, she relented.

She scooped Zhichun up, her arms tightening around her. “You’ve lost weight,” she said, her brow furrowing with concern. “The hospital food must be terrible.”

Zhichun, hearing the word “thin,” panicked, imagining her mother and sister forcing her to eat bowls of soup and meat to “recover.” “No, I ate a lot! I’m not thin!” she insisted.

Worried Xu Qiuyi wouldn’t believe her, she puffed out her cheeks. “See? Chubby cheeks!”

Xu Qiuyi, amused, smiled. “Yes, I see. Chubby cheeks.”

Zhichun, relieved, whispered, “So no more soup?”

Xu Qiuyi replied, “We’ll see.”

Zhichun continued to puff out her cheeks.

Watching them, Tao Ning remembered something. Mingrui held an annual sports day, a grand event broadcast on television. During her freshman year, Xu Qiuyi had been assigned to the shot put event, which no one else wanted to participate in.

Many had anticipated her failure, cameras ready to capture the spectacle, convinced that the frail, studious girl would be a disaster.

The outcome, however, had been… unexpected.

Many Mingrui students knew that Xu Qiuyi, despite her delicate appearance, possessed surprising strength, her shot put throws second only to the athletes on the track team.

The revelation had deterred many admirers, who feared being launched into orbit by a rejected confession. After the incident with the principal’s car, the number of potential suitors had dwindled even further.

Now, Tao Ning realized where that strength came from: years of carrying Zhichun.

Intrigued, she turned to Xu Qiuyi. “Let me hold her.”

Xu Qiuyi, seeing the eagerness in her eyes, thought, She’s treating my sister like a toy.

After obtaining Zhichun’s consent, Tao Ning adjusted her hold, asking, “Is this okay? Are you comfortable?”

Zhichun, her arms wrapped around Tao Ning’s neck, her face buried against her shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent, shook her head. “I’m comfy.”

“Let me carry her. You’re not used to it,” Xu Qiuyi said, reaching for Zhichun.

Tao Ning dodged her. “No, I’m not done yet.”

Zhichun, due to her frail health and poor nutrient absorption, was small for her age, light as a doll in Tao Ning’s arms.

Tao Ning wondered if their difficulty absorbing nutrients was genetic. It must be challenging to gain weight with such a metabolism.

Holding Zhichun securely, Tao Ning started walking, her steps steady and confident. Xu Qiuyi, hearing her speak without even a hint of breathlessness, realized she wasn’t just pretending.

As they passed by windows, their reflections flickering on the glass, Xu Qiuyi imagined Tao Ning as a mother.

Tao Ning, chatting with Xu Qiuyi, suddenly tilted her head. “Are you playing with my hair?” she asked Zhichun.

Zhichun, carefully stroking a strand of burgundy hair, replied, “It’s pretty, Jiejie. Like Ariel’s hair.”

Tao Ning said, “You can dye your hair too, when you’re older. All red, or maybe a different color every week. Like a magical girl, transforming.”

Looking at Zhichun’s twintails, she added, “Or you can wear wigs. They have wigs for all your favorite characters. Dress up, put on the wig, and you can be anyone you want.”

Zhichun, still a child, captivated by the idea of vibrant colors, gasped, her eyes shining. “Wow!”

Xu Qiuyi, hearing Tao Ning’s increasingly outlandish suggestions, intervened. “Dyeing your hair is bad for you. You can’t change it every week.”

Tao Ning replied, “It’s fine. If she likes it, let her do it. She’ll get tired of it eventually. You only live once. Try new things. You’ll have stories to tell when you’re older.”

Xu Qiuyi, wanting to argue, couldn’t find a valid counterargument.

As they reached their building, Zhichun insisted on walking.

The old woman on the first floor was still sorting through her recyclables, her back bent, but her movements surprisingly strong, a mountain of cans and bottles beside her, which she meticulously placed into a large sack.

Hearing Zhichun’s voice, she looked up, about to say something, then saw Tao Ning standing behind them.

The girl’s fair skin and dyed hair suggested a privileged upbringing.

This must be the wealthy friend the neighbors had been gossiping about, the one who often visited Xu Qiuyi. This was an opportunity to cause trouble.

But Xu Qiuyi was faster. Having lived next door to the old woman for over a decade, she knew exactly what was coming. Not wanting to subject Tao Ning to the inevitable barrage of insults, she whispered, “Run.”

The old woman only managed to say, “Is that your friend?”

Xu Qiuyi, grabbing both Tao Ning and Zhichun’s hands, pulled them towards the stairs, calling back, “Yes!”

The old woman’s intended comment about dyed hair and short skirts and inappropriate company died in her throat as the three figures disappeared up the stairs.

She stared at the empty stairwell, muttering, “What’s the rush? Being chased by dogs?”

Upstairs, Xu Qiuyi unlocked the door, retrieved two pairs of slippers, and went to the kitchen to pour them some water.

Zhichun, squatting on the floor, taking off her shoes, her breath still coming in short gasps, turned to Tao Ning. “Don’t listen to her, Jiejie. Pretend you didn’t hear anything.”

Children learned from their families, and her upbringing wouldn’t allow her to speak ill of an elder.

Tao Ning smiled, sitting on a small stool, and gently tapped Zhichun’s cheek. “Don’t worry, Zhichun. I choose my friends carefully. I don’t rely on gossip. Your sister is a good person. I like her very much.”

In the kitchen, Xu Qiuyi’s hand, holding a glass, trembled slightly.

Zhichun, reassured, smiled and ran into the kitchen. “Jiejie, I’ll help you get a glass for Jiejie.”

Xu Qiuyi’s reaction suggested this wasn’t the first time such an incident had occurred. Three universal truths: there’s no such thing as unprovoked hatred, people don’t attack unless provoked, and it takes two to tango.

Yet, reality often contradicted these truths. A single hand could clap loudly enough to cause damage. There was no need to seek approval from those who disliked you, and no one could please everyone.

Tao Ning, standing up, looked around the small two-bedroom apartment. It wasn’t spacious, but it was clean, meticulously maintained.

There was no balcony, just a rod extending from the window, clothes hanging from it like a makeshift clothesline.

The TV stand looked old, burdened not only by the television but also by Xu Qiuyi’s numerous trophies, the apartment too small for a display cabinet, yet each trophy, polished to a shine, was prominently displayed.

Framed certificates adorned the walls, only the provincial and national awards deemed worthy of display, the lesser awards relegated to a large binder.

Tao Ning even spotted a few of Zhichun’s “Good Student” awards from kindergarten, displayed alongside her sister’s achievements.

Sitting on the sofa, she thought, So this is where Xu Qiuyi grew up.

Xu Qiuyi, emerging from the kitchen with a tray of drinks, found Tao Ning squatting in front of the TV stand, admiring her trophies. “If I were as accomplished as you, my mom would have built a museum,” Tao Ning said, impressed.

Xu Qiuyi: “…That’s a bit much.”

Tao Ning gestured expansively. “Like an art gallery. A rented hall, glass display cases, spotlights… each trophy in its own case, with a detailed description.”

Xu Qiuyi: “…That sounds more like public humiliation.”

Zhichun, carrying a glass, walked over, her eyes wide with curiosity. “What descriptions?”

Tao Ning, never short of words, readily provided an example. “‘In the year XXXX, Xu Qiuyi won first place in the Lily Cup Competition, held in XX Province… From a young age, Xu Qiuyi demonstrated exceptional dedication…’”

Zhichun listened, mesmerized.

Xu Qiuyi, handing Tao Ning a glass of water, said, “Please, stop.”

Tao Ning, silenced, took a sip, then looked surprised. “Lemon water? It’s sweet?”

Xu Qiuyi was used to compliments, both genuine and sarcastic, but Tao Ning’s always seemed to fluster her.

A wave of inexplicable embarrassment washed over her.

She poured herself a glass of lemon water, her voice weary. “I added honey.”

Tao Ning nodded. “That explains it. Good for… cooling down.”

Zhichun, looking up, puzzled, asked, “Lemon water cools you down?”

Tao Ning smiled. “Of course. Look how red your sister’s ears are. The lemon water will cool her down, and the redness will disappear.”

“Oh…” Zhichun, her eyes wide, nodded, completely taken in.

Xu Qiuyi: “…Are my ears red because I’m… overheated?”

She had never noticed Tao Ning’s talent for… creative explanations. But technically, she hadn’t lied.

Xu Qiuyi, setting down her glass, reached for Tao Ning’s arm. “Tao Ningning, that’s enough.”

She had to stop her, or Zhichun would be asking endless questions later.

Tao Ning dodged her hand, also setting down her glass.

Then, catching Xu Qiuyi off guard, she grabbed her wrist, pulled her closer, and wrapped her arms around her, holding her tight. “Why did you call me by my full name?”

Xu Qiuyi, finding herself trapped, her face flushing crimson, said, “Let go of me first.”

Tao Ning replied, “No. Tell me why.”

Zhichun, wanting to join in, climbed onto the sofa, her voice filled with excitement. “Jiejie, me too! Hug! Hug!”

Tao Ning, leaning closer to Xu Qiuyi’s ear, her voice a low murmur, asked, “Tell me. Why did you use my full name?”

Her warm breath against her ear sent shivers down Xu Qiuyi’s spine.

The sofa creaked under their weight, the cushions rustling. Xu Qiuyi’s mind was a whirl of confusing emotions.

Tao Ning, oblivious to the effect she was having, looked at her with a puzzled expression.

Xu Qiuyi’s ears burned, her body flushed despite the cool air, and she finally confessed, “It sounds… more imposing.”

Tao Ning burst out laughing, collapsing against Xu Qiuyi, her weight pinning her to the sofa.

Xu Qiuyi, now a human cushion, sighed. “Is it really that funny?”

Tao Ning, clutching her stomach, said, “Don’t talk. I’m going to start laughing again.”

Xu Qiuyi: Laugh all you want. Laugh until you lose your voice.

Despite her annoyance, she refilled their glasses, the ice clinking against the glass.

Tao Ning, having finished her lemon water, finally left before sunset.

As they walked downstairs, Zhichun chattering beside them, the old woman, who had been waiting for them, seized the opportunity.

Xu Qiuyi tried to hurry past, but Tao Ning stopped, her expression clearly saying, I’m waiting.

The old woman, momentarily thrown off balance, hesitated.

After listening to a litany of insults – “bad influence,” “unladylike,” “you’re probably giving her money to give to her gambling addict father” – Tao Ning finally responded.

“I am rich,” she said, her voice calm. “So rich I don’t know what to do with all my money. I could even hire people to follow you around, empty every trash can before you get to it, just so you don’t find a single can or bottle.”

The old woman, her worldview shattered by this audacious display of wealth and pettiness, exclaimed, “I’ve never done anything to you! Why would you do that?”

Tao Ning replied, “Exactly. We have no quarrel. So why are you insulting me?”

The old woman retorted, “I’m just warning you! She has a gambling addict father! He’s borrowed money from everyone in the neighborhood!”

Tao Ning said, “And I’m just being charitable. I’ll have my people donate all the money they make from selling your recyclables to charity.”

The old woman, realizing she was getting nowhere, decided to try a different tactic. She clutched her chest, swaying dramatically. “Oh dear, I feel faint… my blood pressure…”

Tao Ning, her voice a low, menacing murmur, said, “My family owns a hospital. If you faint, I’ll have you admitted for a full checkup, all expenses paid. And if there’s nothing wrong with you, then you’re committing fraud. That’s a criminal offense.”

The old woman immediately straightened up.

Fight fire with fire, Tao Ning thought, smirking as she walked away.

The old woman, defeated, stomped her foot, yelling, “What’s wrong with this world?!”

The woman who ran the breakfast stall across the street, having enjoyed the spectacle, and having long resented the old woman’s constant littering and unpleasant demeanor, laughed. “Serves her right,” she said, then went back inside, closing the door.

The old woman glared at the closed door, fuming.

Xu Qiuyi, after walking Tao Ning to the intersection and watching her car drive away, returned to her building, finding the old woman no longer sorting through her recyclables, but busy cooking in her kitchen.

Back in her apartment, the door closed behind her, Xu Qiuyi was struck by how… empty it felt.

Standing at the sink, washing lemons, she muttered, “Maybe I should… keep some other drinks at home. She always ends up with lemon water.”

Zhichun, playing with the glasses in the sink, pushing one down only to have another pop up, looked up and asked, “Is Ningning Jiejie coming back? I like her.”

Xu Qiuyi paused, then replied, “I don’t know. Probably.”

Hearing the sound of the key turning in the lock, Zhichun jumped off her stool. “Mama’s home!”

Xu Qiuyi dried her hands and poured a glass of water.

The setting sun cast long shadows across the room.

A figure sat on the sofa, her slender frame almost swallowed by the cushions, her shoulder-length hair tied back, the ends slightly disheveled from a long day.

“Have some water, Mom,” Xu Qiuyi said, handing her the glass. Zhichun, sitting beside Guan Ruolin, reached for a tissue.

Guan Ruolin took the glass, then set it down without drinking, her voice hoarse. “I went to the police station today. Qiuyi, let’s… leave him. Okay?”

Xu Qiuyi, her eyes downcast, a mixture of relief and sadness washing over her, nodded softly.

She had wanted this for a long time, but not like this, not under these circumstances. Last night, she would have preferred the familiar misery to this… finality.

Every child held onto a idealized image of their parents.

Guan Ruolin, grabbing Xu Qiuyi’s hands, buried her face in them, her tears hot against Xu Qiuyi’s skin, her voice choked with sobs. “You’re still so young… how could he… I wouldn’t hurt a hair on your head… how could a father…?”

Zhichun, not understanding what was happening, looked from her mother to her sister, her eyes wide with confusion, then started crying too. “Mama, what’s wrong?”

Guan Ruolin rarely complained, preferring to shield her daughters from her problems, often feeling guilty about the arguments with their father.

But she was hurting, the pain too deep for words. “I… I thought… he still cared… I didn’t think… he would actually…”

Xu Qiuyi’s eyes filled with tears, a single tear rolling down her cheek. “He… he took thirty thousand yuan in cash, and agreed to… a favor… in exchange for having a fifty-thousand yuan debt forgiven.”

Guan Ruolin slowly straightened up. “What favor?”

“To… lure me to the Crown Club.”

Xu Qiuyi, recalling the details from the documents, said softly, “He was told the contract wasn’t legally binding, that it wouldn’t hold up in court, that he could just… report them to the police. They assured him it would be fine. So…”

Guan Ruolin’s voice rose. “So he agreed? He believed them? The Crown Club? Does he think it’s that easy to just… walk away?”

Xu Qiuyi replied quietly, “I don’t know.” She didn’t know if he had known, or if he had simply chosen to believe the lies.

She didn’t mention the other details, the deeper implications, because she couldn’t understand them herself.

“Why? Envy. Resentment. Insecurity masking as arrogance,” Tao Ning explained to 520. “Loving someone means wanting them to succeed, not hoping they’ll fail so you can ‘rescue’ them.”

520, a veteran matchmaker, had encountered countless manipulative male leads.

Most hosts, seeing this type of scenario, would have refused the mission, declaring it a lost cause.

The Romance Department… was notoriously laid-back. Their team leader, Zang Hongyu, consistently ranked last in performance reviews, her presentations a running joke, often referred to as “From Red Fish to Salted Fish.”

But this level of self-sabotage was unprecedented. Or rather, it was unprecedented until Tao Ning arrived.

Tao Ning, her tone exasperated, continued, “Haven’t you noticed the similarities between Xu Qiuyi and… him? Both targeted by rumors, both exceptionally talented. Xu Qiuyi has a gambling addict father holding her back, while he at least has a… pretend father, maintaining the image of a stable family, never having to worry about money.”

“He’s constantly being told by his mother to prove himself, to surpass his… half-siblings. Then he sees Xu Qiuyi, living the life he desires, achieving the recognition he craves. That’s a void no amount of money can fill. Look at what he does. He targets her, tries to drag her down.”

520 frantically reviewed its records.

Tao Ning, already familiar with the details, continued, “He was always at the top, always number one. Even in his senior year, despite all the distractions, he maintained his ranking. Is Nangong Yunfei blind? Deaf? He didn’t see the bullying? The only explanation is that he was complicit.”

“But even that wasn’t enough. Xu Qiuyi, despite everything, was accepted into a prestigious research program, a rising star. He was still stuck fighting with his half-siblings, a nobody, while she was on her way to becoming a renowned scientist. No one knew who he was.”

“He wanted to drag her down, taint her, convinced that if she was ‘damaged,’ he could claim her as his own.”

“A powerful, devoted underworld prince? He’s more like a parasite, sucking the life out of everyone around him.”

Including the original host, and the fiancées who followed, even his own parents. None had escaped unscathed.

Looking at the list of people he had been close to, 520 felt a shiver down its non-existent spine.

Chapter 26: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love

Tao Ning, unable to find Xu Qiuyi after waking up, went downstairs and found her chatting with someone on the sofa.

Xu Qiuyi’s hair was loose around her shoulders, her posture slightly stiff, but she seemed unharmed. The woman she was talking to looked familiar.

She wore a smart business suit, her shoulder-length hair framing a smooth forehead, her makeup light and professional.

She looked barely thirty, not a day over forty, certainly not the formidable head of the Tao Corporation.

“Qiuyi, right? Ningning talks about you all the time,” Tao Yan said, her legs crossed elegantly, a cushion resting on her lap.

Xu Qiuyi, clearly surprised, pointed at herself. “You’ve… heard of me?”

She was surprised not only that Tao Ning had mentioned her, a mere student, to her busy mother, but also by Tao Yan’s surprisingly approachable demeanor.

It was a stark contrast to the fear she inspired in others, the ashen look on Tiger’s face still fresh in her mind.

Tao Yan smiled. “Of course. Every time we video call, she mentions you. She says she owes all her recent progress to ‘Xu Laoshi.’”

Xu Qiuyi blushed, waving her hands dismissively. “It’s nothing. Ningning is a quick learner. I haven’t done much.”

Tao Yan’s smile widened. “Ningning predicted you’d say that.”

Xu Qiuyi, unaware of the persona Tao Ning had crafted for her, genuinely believed she hadn’t done much. Tutoring Tao Ning wasn’t difficult.

She didn’t understand how significant Tao Ning’s transformation appeared from Tao Yan’s perspective. This sudden dedication to academics was unprecedented, a miracle. Tao Yan had almost jumped up from the conference table, wanting to announce, “My daughter improved three hundred ranks in the last exam!”

She had restrained herself, but her sudden outburst of laughter had prompted the presenter to ask nervously if he had said something amusing.

Tao Ning, watching them from the top of the stairs, saw them both turn and look up, having sensed her presence.

Caught red-handed, she smiled sheepishly, waving. “Morning?”

Half an hour later, after being subjected to an enthusiastic hug, Tao Ning finally sat down for breakfast.

Tao Yan, having not seen her daughter for a while, abandoned all table manners, talking non-stop throughout the meal, her attention shifting between Tao Ning and Xu Qiuyi.

Her voice filled the dining room, a constant stream of words.

At one point, she almost declared Xu Qiuyi her adopted daughter, exclaiming, “We’re so alike! I feel like I’ve known you forever! I’ve always wanted another daughter! Can I come visit your house?”

Xu Qiuyi, startled, politely declined, looking at Tao Ning with a pleading expression. Help! Is she sure she’s drinking soy milk, not alcohol?

Tao Ning, barely suppressing her laughter, gently steered her overexcited mother back to her breakfast, ensuring she finished her meal before making any more impulsive declarations.

She reassured Xu Qiuyi, “Don’t worry. My mom… gets attached easily. If she likes you, she really likes you.”

Xu Qiuyi, seeing Tao Yan’s affectionate gaze, believed her.

After breakfast, Tao Yan was sent upstairs to catch up on sleep, and both Tao Ning and Xu Qiuyi breathed a sigh of relief.

Managing Tao Yan required the same level of energy as wrangling ten hyperactive huskies.

Before meeting Tao Yan, Xu Qiuyi had assumed she simply had a daughter who happened to look like her. She had been wrong, very wrong.

Later, while changing clothes, Xu Qiuyi passed by the study and saw Tao Yan, who was supposed to be sleeping, sitting at the desk, her phone pressed to her ear.

She didn’t hear the other person’s words, but Tao Yan’s response, delivered in a cool, dismissive tone, was clearly audible. “Are all Nangongs such skilled liars? My car was seen near the Crown Club, and now that it’s been shut down, it’s somehow my family’s fault? The Nangong family might be powerful, but I don’t recall them starting out as hat-sellers.”

“Are you suggesting my staff snuck in those gambling tables, the fighting ring, the… What was it? Bodies in the basement? You killed someone and now you’re trying to blame it on the Tao family?”

“I don’t know who ‘Little Tiger Lu’ is, but I know someone messed with my daughter. Ningning had nightmares all night, woke up screaming. I haven’t even settled the score with you yet, and you dare to come to me with accusations? Anyone who bullies my daughter will pay.”

“I don’t know who this ‘Fei’ person is. I’ve praised countless talented young men. Has he made any significant contributions to the Tao Corporation that warrant my… leniency? No. So why are you even talking to me?”

“My daughter is spoiled? Are you joking? I didn’t work my ass off to make money for you to spend! Either put someone competent on the phone, or get lost.”

The gentle, approachable woman from the breakfast table had transformed into a ruthless businesswoman, her words sharp and precise, her eyes flitting between her computer screen and the documents on her desk, multitasking effortlessly, like someone casually snacking while watching TV.

Xu Qiuyi, hurrying past the open door, thought, So, it’s not just the looks. The verbal takedowns are also genetic.

After changing, she went back downstairs, her mood slightly calmer. She wanted to go home, to check on her family.

It was still early, and her mother hadn’t contacted her. She considered calling, but she didn’t know what to say.

Then, she received a message from Guan Ruolin, asking her to come home and look after Zhichun. She had to go out and would be back later.

Guan Ruolin’s usual refrain was “We’re family; we shouldn’t hold grudges.” She always saw the good in everyone, especially Xu Zhihong, her forgiving nature a constant source of frustration for Xu Qiuyi.

Her mind in turmoil, Xu Qiuyi went downstairs.

Tao Ning was waiting in the garden. The air was fresh and clean after the rain, the scent of damp earth and flowers mingling.

As Xu Qiuyi approached, she saw a young woman in a business suit talking to Tao Ning, then leaving.

They passed each other on the path, the woman glancing at Xu Qiuyi with a look of… recognition, before offering a polite smile and walking away.

Xu Qiuyi stopped, watching her go, convinced she had seen her before.

Tao Ning walked over. “What are you doing, standing here all alone?”

Xu Qiuyi, snapping out of her reverie, asked, “Is she… also your mother’s assistant?” She was referring to Zhou Tong.

Tao Ning replied, “She used to be. Now she’s mine. She brought some… information. About your father. Do you want to see it?”

Xu Qiuyi looked up, her voice firm. “Yes. Where is it?”

---

At the police station, Guan Ruolin, a rare visitor to such a place, had rushed over after receiving a call, having only had time to reassure Zhichun before leaving. Unable to find anyone to accompany her, she had come alone.

After giving her name, she was led to a small room, where Xu Zhihong sat at a table, flanked by two police officers.

His offense wasn’t serious, just a minor brawl. He even had injuries, the security footage clearly showing Tiger initiating the violence.

The charge of unlawful detention, however, was difficult to prove. There was no evidence of collusion between Xu Zhihong and Tiger: no messages, no calls, no financial transactions. He also vehemently denied any involvement, claiming to be a victim, a concerned father.

Guan Ruolin looked haggard, dark circles under her eyes. She hadn’t slept, her mind racing with unanswered questions.

Seeing her, Xu Zhihong’s face lit up, as if seeing a savior. He pleaded with her, begging her to convince Xu Qiuyi to ask her “powerful friends” to get him released.

He had spent a night in jail, and it had been a nightmare. The other inmates, sensing his weakness, had targeted him relentlessly. He had been forced to stand all night, too afraid to sit, too afraid to close his eyes.

They had heard he was a gambler, that he had used his own daughter as bait, and they had made him pay.

The guards hadn’t intervened, their occasional reprimands ignored as soon as they left.

He was bruised, exhausted, even speaking causing his facial muscles to ache.

Guan Ruolin, her lips dry and cracked, didn’t touch the water offered by the female officer. She looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion, pain, and unshed tears, as if seeing a stranger.

Xu Zhihong, unnerved by her gaze, wanted to yell at her, but the officer beside him restrained him. “Say something, Ruolin!” he pleaded.

“How much did he give you?” she finally asked.

Xu Zhihong was taken aback. “What are you talking about? You think I… I colluded with them? Ruolin, you’re my wife! Don’t you trust me?”

Guan Ruolin asked, “Then why did you take Qiuyi to Bailu Lane? You know how dangerous it is.”

Xu Zhihong replied, “I had my reasons! I’m her father! I would never harm my own child! Calm down, Ruolin! Think rationally!”

Tears streamed down Guan Ruolin’s face. She finally understood. Wiping her tears, she said, “He gave you cash, didn’t he? No bank transfer. You lied about the bank transfer.”

Xu Zhihong opened his mouth to protest, but Guan Ruolin’s tear-filled eyes stopped him. “How much did he give you?” she repeated.

Silence filled the small room, the overhead camera recording everything, the clock in the corner ticking relentlessly. After a long pause, Xu Zhihong finally spoke.

“Why won’t you trust me?” he asked, his voice filled with despair.

Guan Ruolin, grabbing the cup of hot water on the table, threw it at him, her movement so swift no one could react. Then, her hand, red from the scalding water, slapped him across the face.

“You bastard!” she screamed, the sound echoing through the room. Xu Zhihong stared at her, stunned.

She slapped him again, and again, his head ringing, his mind reeling. He hadn’t expected this.

He had been so sure she would bail him out. He hadn’t confessed, there was no evidence, they couldn’t hold him.

For their daughters’ sake, she wouldn’t let him have a criminal record. He had clung to that belief, waiting for her arrival.

Now, his face stinging, his head spinning, he realized he had been wrong.

The female officer, finally reacting, pulled Guan Ruolin away. “Ma’am, please calm down!”

Guan Ruolin, however, wrenched herself free and slapped him again. “You bastard! You bastard! You bastard!”

The male officer, holding Xu Zhihong’s cuffed hands, said, “Hey, hey, no violence!”

Xu Zhihong, unable to retaliate, his own anger rising, yelled, “What did I do?! I did it for you! For our family! You never give me enough money! It’s always gone instantly! I wouldn’t have to borrow money if you just gave me more! This is all your fault!”

Guan Ruolin’s voice trembled. “My fault?”

“Yes, your fault!” he screamed.

Guan Ruolin, supported by the female officer, sobbed, “You’re hopeless.”

Xu Zhihong roared, “You’re naive! Stupid! You’re content to live in this slum! I’m not! Xu Qiuyi is an ungrateful brat! I know what’s best for her! Stop acting like the world is ending!”

He genuinely didn’t see anything wrong with his actions. In his mind, being pursued by a wealthy young master was an opportunity, a chance for a better life. Why be so stubborn?

What good was pride? Could it feed them? Clothe them?

Guan Ruolin, after a long silence, said, “I want a divorce.”

Xu Zhihong’s face froze. “Twenty years of marriage, and you want a divorce? No! I won’t agree!”

He had always believed their marriage was different, that Guan Ruolin wasn’t like other women, that she would never leave him. He had been envied for having such a devoted wife. He thought he had misheard her.

Guan Ruolin’s gaze was firm. “I don’t care if you agree. I’m divorcing you.”

After twenty years, she finally saw him clearly: a heartless man.

After Guan Ruolin left, the documents Xu Qiuyi had seen were delivered to the police station. While Xu Zhihong wasn’t directly involved in the Crown Club’s illegal activities, his connection to Little Tiger Lu, and their financial transactions, made him a person of interest.

The owner of the fast-food stall near the entrance to Xiao’an Village had grown accustomed to the occasional luxury car parked outside.

It was a national holiday, and most of the businesses in the area were closed, their owners either visiting family or traveling. He wasn’t busy, even having time to admire the gleaming cars.

This one looked different from the previous ones, but he didn’t dwell on it. Such good fortune wasn’t meant for everyone.

Seeing the car door open, assuming it was Xu Qiuyi, he waved.

He remembered when Xu Qiuyi, the star student, had been approached by teachers from various schools, all vying for her, their offers escalating, almost causing a fight right in front of his stall.

He had told his wife that night that if their own son had such opportunities, he would be overjoyed. His wife had agreed.

Then, they had looked at their son, the same age as Xu Qiuyi, who spent his days daydreaming and chasing girls instead of studying, and had proceeded to deliver a thorough parental scolding.

The car door opened, and a figure stepped out.

The stall owner, smiling, waved. “Qiuyi! Did you… dye your hair?”

Tao Ning turned around.

The stall owner, realizing it wasn’t Xu Qiuyi, but the wealthy girl who usually waved from inside the car, felt a twinge of embarrassment. He scratched his head. “Oh, it’s you. Slow day today. Holiday, you know.”

Xu Qiuyi, emerging from behind the car, said, “Not busy today, Uncle Li?”

Uncle Li, his nearsightedness finally allowing him to focus, said, “Yeah, it’s quiet. Everyone’s away.”

Xu Qiuyi, her mind elsewhere, eager to get home, was about to walk away when Tao Ning grabbed her hand. “I’ll walk with you.”

This time, Xu Qiuyi didn’t refuse.

As they walked away, the car pulled away from the intersection, looking for a place to park.

A short distance into the alleyways, Xu Qiuyi started to regret bringing Tao Ning home.

She was still just a student, with nothing to offer, and she didn’t want the person she admired to see her… circumstances, to form a negative impression.

She glanced at Tao Ning, who was walking beside her.

As the Tao heiress, Tao Ning had likely never seen such densely packed buildings, such open displays of poverty, dirty water casually tossed into the streets. Yet, she showed no sign of surprise or disgust, her expression calm, almost indifferent.

Noticing Xu Qiuyi’s distraction, Tao Ning gently pulled her arm, guiding her around a puddle. “Careful, it’s slippery.”

Xu Qiuyi, her thoughts elsewhere, stopped, her hand still in Tao Ning’s. Sometimes, I really can’t understand her, she thought.

Chapter 25: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love p3

Guan Ruolin, as a mother, had sensed her daughter’s unhappiness. She had only wanted her children to be safe, happy. Grandma Pan had warned her about the Nangongs, calling them an unsuitable match.

But if Xu Qiuyi wanted to marry into the Nangong family, she would support her decision.

The truth, however, had been too much to bear. Unable to accept that her husband had used their daughter for financial gain, she had been on her way to see Zhichun when she was involved in a car accident, dying instantly.

Guan Ruolin had spoken to Zhichun before leaving, and Xu Qiuyi had learned the truth. At the funeral, Zhichun, overwhelmed by grief, had suffered a severe asthma attack and had been rushed to the hospital.

That night, Xu Zhihong, drunk and distraught, had jumped to his death.

In a single day, Xu Qiuyi had lost both her parents, her sister lay ill in the hospital, and, amidst the emotional turmoil, she had suffered a miscarriage. Lu Weiyu, seizing the opportunity, had decided to find a more suitable wife for her son, and Xu Qiuyi, heartbroken, had left the country.

Within three months, Nangong Yunfei had followed her, using Zhichun as leverage to force her to return, imprisoning her in a secluded villa on a private island. The beginning of their forced relationship.

According to the original timeline, he had visited her frequently, bringing updates and videos of Zhichun, ensuring her compliance.

During their last meeting, Xu Qiuyi had looked at him and said, “Knowing you has been a curse.”

“You killed my mother, drove my father to suicide, and now you’re using my sister to control me. Die. You disgust me.”

And then, she had dissolved him in aqua regia and flushed him down the drain.

After ensuring he was completely gone, she had called the police and confessed.

Xu Qiuyi, constrained by her responsibilities as a student, had become ruthless and decisive as an adult. She hadn’t been ignorant of the injustices she had faced; she had simply been unable to act. Nangong Yunfei’s relentless pursuit, his forced affection, had driven her to extremes.

He had died, never understanding why his seemingly devoted fiancée had turned against him, never realizing that his death would trigger the downfall of the entire Nangong empire.

Later, it was revealed that the villa on the island contained a fully equipped drug lab. Xu Qiuyi’s purpose there became clear, fueling rumors that the Nangong family had pursued her for her talent, her ability to synthesize complex chemical compounds.

Not everyone could reverse-engineer a formula from a small sample.

The Nangongs, enraged, realized all evidence pointed to their former fiancée, Xu Qiuyi.

Many wanted her dead, but by then, she had already been executed, her ashes claimed by an unknown party. Even her sister, the frail Zhichun, had disappeared from the sanatorium.

No one knew how she had leaked the Nangong family’s secrets, how many years she had spent gathering evidence.

Tao Ning didn’t know if the “hero saves damsel” incident in the original timeline had been a deliberate setup. Perhaps her arrival had simply accelerated the inevitable. She could have handled everything discreetly, allowing Xu Qiuyi to remain oblivious until the mission ended.

But after careful consideration, she had decided that Xu Qiuyi, as the victim, deserved to know the truth, to be free from the manipulation of guilt and family obligations.

Severing ties, however painful, was sometimes necessary.

It was better for her to face this now, while Tao Ning was there to support her, than later, alone, on her own.

Some things were best handled early, like the Crown Club. It shouldn’t exist.

The distant wail of sirens grew louder, approaching.

Xu Qiuyi, her eyes flickering towards the sound, then to Tao Ning, asked, “What’s…?”

Tao Ning, her gaze darkening, asked, “Do you know what goes on inside the Crown Club?”

Xu Qiuyi, her curiosity piqued, asked, “What?”

Tao Ning gently brushed a strand of hair from Xu Qiuyi’s face, her fingers lingering on her ear. Amidst the growing noise, she said, “Gambling. Prostitution. Underground fighting rings. And…”

She leaned closer, her lips brushing against Xu Qiuyi’s ear, and whispered, “Murder.”

Xu Qiuyi’s eyelashes fluttered, and she instinctively reached for Tao Ning’s hand.

Tao Ning, her voice soothing, said, “Don’t worry. No one hurts you and gets away with it. This place shouldn’t exist.”

“Nangong Yunfei wants to be the head of the Nangong family? I’ll make sure he’s disowned, a disgrace, never to rise again.”

Xu Qiuyi’s heart pounded at her words.

As if on cue, the sirens grew louder.

Liao Shishi, grabbing the two brawling men, pulled them apart, ready to hand them over to the police. She had, however, instructed Uncle Liu to ask Xu Qiuyi a question.

The question, phrased politely, was whether they should “handle” Xu Zhihong, treat him as a victim. But Xu Qiuyi, understanding the implication, remained silent.

Xu Zhihong, finally remembering his daughter, started crying, pleading for forgiveness, claiming he had been tricked, that he hadn’t known the consequences, that he would never intentionally harm his own daughter.

Seeing no reaction from inside the car, he resorted to insults.

He called Xu Qiuyi ungrateful, heartless, a burden, a disgrace, accusing her of abandoning her own father, wishing she had never been born.

Then, he turned on Guan Ruolin, blaming her for not giving him a son, for making him feel inadequate, for forcing him to seek solace in gambling, only to raise an ungrateful daughter.

Tao Ning, after a long silence, heard Xu Qiuyi say, “Don’t let him go.”

Liao Shishi, annoyed by his incessant whining, punched him, silencing him.

“Very well, Miss. We’ll inform the family of the situation,” Uncle Liu said.

Xu Qiuyi hesitated. “Including… my mother?”

Uncle Liu replied, “That’s up to the police. But I believe she’ll be notified.”

Another long silence followed, then Xu Qiuyi nodded slowly. “I understand. It’s… for the best.”

Tao Ning took her hand, placing it on her lap. “Come on. Let’s go.”

At the hospital, Tao Ning, her brow furrowed, reviewed Xu Qiuyi’s medical reports.

Xu Qiuyi, sitting beside her, watching her still-furious expression, felt a strange mix of emotions, a warmth spreading through her chest. “The doctor said I’m fine. Just need some rest. There was no need to…” She hadn’t expected a full medical checkup in the middle of the night.

“It’s our hospital. Don’t worry about the cost. Might as well take advantage of it,” Tao Ning said, pointing at a line on the report. “You’re anemic. You need to eat more.”

Xu Qiuyi: “…”

She silently plugged in her phone to charge. The forgotten device finally powered on, revealing several missed calls from her mother.

As she hesitated, wondering whether to call back, her phone rang. The ringtone startled Tao Ning, who was busy devising a meal plan for Xu Qiuyi. She stopped and looked at Xu Qiuyi.

Xu Qiuyi answered the call. “Mom?”

Guan Ruolin’s voice, soft and gentle, came through the speaker. “I called several times, and the landline too. You didn’t answer. Are you still asleep? Don’t come to the hospital tonight. I’ve managed to get Zhichun to sleep. Rest for a few days.”

“No, I’m awake,” Xu Qiuyi said, her eyes suddenly welling up. She didn’t know how to tell her mother about what had happened. She didn’t ask about Xu Zhihong. She didn’t know he had come home, or why.

Sniffling, she asked, “Zhichun’s still at the Second Provincial, right?”

Guan Ruolin sounded surprised. “Of course, she is. Her doctor is there. Don’t you remember? Are you… overworking yourself? Don’t stress too much… Are you crying? Have you caught a cold? The weather’s been changing. Remember to bring a jacket…”

Xu Qiuyi listened quietly, then murmured, “Okay.”

Guan Ruolin, taking advantage of Zhichun’s sleep, wanting to talk to her eldest daughter, continued, her voice a soothing stream of words.

Xu Qiuyi offered the occasional response, her presence enough for her mother.

Guan Ruolin said Zhichun was doing much better, that she could come home tomorrow, that Xu Zhihong seemed to have finally understood the gravity of his actions, that he had been helpful and remorseful all afternoon.

Did she believe him? As his wife, she couldn’t honestly say she did, but she wanted to believe it, clinging to the hope, the brief respite from hardship.

She had been deceiving herself for so long, creating a facade of normalcy, clinging to the belief that children needed a father.

Xu Qiuyi considered maintaining the illusion, sparing her mother the pain. If she released Xu Zhihong now, made him promise to change, they could have a semblance of peace, at least for a while. But the words wouldn’t come.

Parents knew their children’s weaknesses, and their betrayals cut the deepest, leaving lasting scars.

In the end, Xu Qiuyi said nothing, ending the call.

Tao Ning, setting aside the medical reports, moved closer, gently placing one hand on the back of Xu Qiuyi’s neck, the other on her back, pulling her close. “It’s okay to cry. No one will see. I’ll hide you.”

As Xu Qiuyi leaned against her, her eyes and nose burning, a sob escaped her lips.

The long-awaited autumn rain finally arrived.

As Xu Qiuyi cried, the rain fell outside, their intertwined reflections visible on the windowpane.

Tao Ning’s hand gently stroked her back, a soothing warmth, her heartbeat a steady rhythm against Xu Qiuyi’s ear, strong and reassuring.

“Why? Why me? Wasn’t I good enough? What did I do wrong?” Xu Qiuyi, at eighteen, had been asking herself these questions for years.

Why was she born into this family?

Why were her efforts never acknowledged?

Why did he have to gamble?

Why would he betray her, his own daughter?

Would things have been different if she had been… better?

Tao Ning held her tighter, her cheek resting against Xu Qiuyi’s hair. “You’re good enough. You did nothing wrong.”

Xu Qiuyi’s tears flowed silently, her hands clutching Tao Ning’s shirt, her slender shoulders trembling.

She cried silently, her sobs muffled against Tao Ning’s chest, her tears soaking the fabric.

Her restraint only made her seem more vulnerable, more heartbreaking.

Tao Ning felt a surge of anger, a protective instinct fierce and unwavering, Xu Qiuyi’s tears fueling the fire within her.

Tao Ning, despite her easygoing demeanor, was inherently proud, her thoughts and feelings hidden beneath a carefully constructed facade of indifference.

She had believed herself to be immune to emotional outbursts, always in control. Now, she realized she was just as susceptible to sentimentality as any novice.

Seeing Xu Qiuyi cry made her unhappy, deeply unhappy, a tightness in her chest, a mix of frustration and… something else.

She hadn’t yet identified this feeling as heartache. She only knew she was unhappy, and someone had to pay.

She addressed 520. “Are you sure we can’t… implement my friend’s suggestion? I’m confident I can handle it.”

Initially, 520 didn’t understand what she meant. Then, remembering the “send them to Africa,” “eliminate them,” “burn the soul to prevent reincarnation” suggestions, it shuddered.

It even suspected Tao Ning had been testing its boundaries.

But…

520 sensed Tao Ning’s rising anger levels. [I… suppose it’s possible…] Who am I to argue with a host in this state?

It regretted choosing a seemingly obedient novice. This was a hardcore rookie.

As Xu Qiuyi’s sobs subsided, Tao Ning said, “Don’t go home tonight. Stay at my place.” She couldn’t bear to let her go home alone.

And so, Xu Qiuyi, still disoriented, found herself at the Tao residence, the luxurious surroundings a blur as she was led inside, her mind and body exhausted, numbly following instructions, standing, sitting, eating a few bites before giving up.

She vaguely remembered being led to a balcony, the cool night air a stark contrast to the warmth beside her, someone gently applying a cool compress to her eyes, everything dreamlike, surreal.

She thought she heard Tao Ning talking to her mother on the phone. “Yes, Auntie, Qiuyi’s with me. I brought her here. My address is…”

The next morning, Xu Qiuyi woke up in an unfamiliar room, disoriented.

She had slept soundly, her eyes no longer swollen or sore. After a moment, she realized Tao Ning must have taken care of her.

Getting out of bed, she opened the door, intending to find Tao Ning, but she couldn’t remember which room Tao Ning had said was hers.

She stood in the hallway for a moment, then, hearing voices downstairs, one of which sounded like Tao Ning, she followed the sound.

Downstairs, an elegant woman in a business suit was instructing the housekeeper, “Ningning isn’t awake yet… Ah, I hear her coming down. Prepare breakfast.”

The housekeeper nodded and left.

Tao Yan, smoothing her hair, checking her reflection in the hallway mirror, ensuring she still looked impeccably polished, nodded in satisfaction.

Hearing footsteps approaching, she turned around, a bright smile on her face. “Surprise! Guess who’s back…”

She froze, her smile faltering as she met the gaze of a girl in pajamas standing on the stairs.

Tao Yan: “…”

Xu Qiuyi: “…”

Tao Yan’s mind raced. Am I in the right house? Is this my house? Who is this girl? This is so awkward. Someone, please help me!

Chapter 25: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love p2

“Damn! She’s fast!”

“Is she on the track team or something?”

“We’ll catch her! She’s just a girl!”

But Xu Qiuyi, despite her speed, couldn’t outrun experienced enforcers. They caught her.

Tiger, striding towards her, grabbed her arm, his hand raised to strike. “You little…”

Xu Qiuyi instinctively raised her hand to block the blow.

Suddenly, bright headlights flooded the alley, illuminating the scene, momentarily blinding them.

Xu Qiuyi, shielded from the glare, opened her eyes and, without hesitation, kicked Tiger in the groin.

“Aaargh!” Tiger’s scream echoed through the alley, his men wincing in sympathy.

Taking advantage of his momentary incapacitation, Xu Qiuyi wrenched herself free and ran.

She had put all her strength into that kick, aiming to disable him, and the force of it was evident.

The headlights, like two miniature suns, intensified the glare, momentarily blinding her.

Shielding her eyes, she ran blindly, screaming at the top of her lungs, her voice almost cracking. “Fire! Fire! Fire in the Crown Club alley! Someone’s hurt!”

She had considered yelling “robbery” or “assault,” but those were commonplace in Bailu Lane, unlikely to attract attention.

Fire, however, was a different matter. The densely packed buildings were a fire hazard, and a fire in one could quickly spread to others.

She thought she saw a figure emerge from the car, backlit by the headlights.

I must be hallucinating, she thought, her mind racing. The figure looked like… Tao Ning.

But Tao Ning couldn’t possibly be here.

Someone, please help me… anyone…

The glare intensified, making her dizzy. Her heart pounded, her legs trembling, moving mechanically.

The adrenaline rush was fading, the emotional strain taking its toll, but she didn’t dare stop, didn’t dare slow down.

Then, she was caught, a strong arm grabbing her, another wrapping around her waist, pulling her close, the familiar scent of perfume filling her senses.

“Qiuyi? It’s me.”

The person who couldn’t possibly be here was here, her voice filled with concern. “Are you okay? What happened?”

Xu Qiuyi stopped struggling, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her eyes unfocused as she looked at Tao Ning’s face, still muttering, “Call the police… call the police… they attacked him… he’s bleeding…”

Tao Ning quickly checked Xu Qiuyi for injuries, finding only bruises on her arms. “They hurt you? Where does it hurt?”

Xu Qiuyi, her body trembling with exhaustion, struggled to speak. “My father… it’s not… it wasn’t me…”

Tiger’s men emerged from the alley, three in the lead, two helping their boss, who was clutching his groin and cursing, vowing revenge.

Seeing only three figures – two girls and a man in a suit, who looked like he wouldn’t hurt a fly – they grew bolder.

“You think you can steal our prey? Get them!” Tiger yelled, gesturing to his men.

Uncle Liu, stepping out of the car, calmly loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar, preparing for action.

Tao Ning, pulling Xu Qiuyi closer, turned and yelled, “Liao Shishi!”

The men, assuming “Liao Shishi” was the man’s name, were about to mock it when a voice answered from behind the alley’s wall.

“Yes, Miss. I’m here.”

A pair of hands appeared on the wall, their fingers, exposed by fingerless gloves, thick and calloused, suggesting their owner was not to be trifled with. They looked up and saw a woman with a scorpion braid peering down at them, her gaze sweeping over them.

It wasn’t just a casual glance. The men felt like they were being scanned, their fighting styles analyzed in seconds.

“Six,” she said. “I’ll take four, you take two. Actually, just protect the miss. These guys are amateurs.”

One of Tiger’s men exclaimed, “Where did you come from?!”

Liao Shishi dropped down from the wall, effortlessly taking down the men, leaving none for Uncle Liu.

Within minutes, the alley was filled with groaning bodies, their cries of pain echoing through the night, sending passersby fleeing in terror.

Tiger, still incapacitated from the kick, was no match for Liao Shishi, who, not wanting to take unfair advantage, merely punched him once, leaving him barely able to stand.

Liao Shishi, dusting off her hands, said, “Traffic was a bit heavy. My colleagues will be here soon.”

Tao Ning, her gaze cold, surveyed the scene. “Excellent work. You made it just in time.”

Xu Qiuyi, seeing the situation under control, finally found her voice, her tone filled with disbelief. “What are you doing here?”

Tao Ning countered, “I should be asking you that. What are you doing in Bailu Lane?”

Xu Qiuyi’s mind was racing. “I… I…”

Tao Ning, placing a reassuring hand on her arm, said, “It doesn’t matter. It’s over now. Calm down. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

Xu Qiuyi nodded, then nodded again a few seconds later. “…Okay.”

“Don’t be a hero, little girl,” Tiger, having recovered slightly, snarled, his face contorted with rage. “This is Crown territory. You’re messing with the wrong people. Do you even know who owns this place? The Nangong…”

Tao Ning finally looked at him directly, a smirk playing on her lips. “Nangong? And who are they?”

She glanced towards the back entrance of the Crown Club, a faint light emanating from within.

Uncle Liu was crouching beside a figure slumped against the wall, checking on Xu Zhihong, then pulling him up by his arm.

Tiger had never heard anyone dismiss the Nangongs so casually. He was stunned, then a wave of unease washed over him. She had said the name “Nangong” so easily.

Few people knew who truly owned the Crown Club.

Tao Ning’s voice was light, almost mocking, yet each word stung like a needle. “Surprised? I know what goes on here, who really owns this place. I even know who your boss is.”

Tiger looked at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty.

Tao Ning continued, “Just because you’ve been back from Nanyang for a few years doesn’t make you the king of Tong City. Like father, like son. He’s here, isn’t he? Inside. Watching the security cameras, too afraid to show his face.”

She turned, her gaze fixed on a newly installed security camera. “Am I right, Nangong Yunfei?”

Tiger’s face paled, his eyes darting towards the back entrance, which remained empty.

He wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or terrified. Then, he steeled himself. It was better this way. It would protect Nangong Yunfei.

Tao Ning scoffed. “See? He’s too afraid to come out. Even less courage than you. Can’t even face me and say he’s challenging me. You chose the wrong side.”

“No one threatens the people I protect. And you will pay for this,” she said, turning and walking towards the car, Xu Qiuyi beside her.

Tiger, watching them leave, couldn’t help but ask, “Who are you?”

Liao Shishi, standing like a guardian angel beside the car, replied, “Our employer is the Tao family. The Tao family of Tong City.”

Tiger: “And she’s…?”

Liao Shishi shrugged. “As you can see, the sole heir.”

Tiger, still clinging to hope, lunged forward. “You’re Tao Ning? You’re Tao Ning! But… you like Nangong Yunfei!” The young master himself had said so.

Liao Shishi, having dealt with Nangong Yunfei before, expertly intercepted him, amused by the similarity in their reactions. Like owner, like dog.

Tao Ning, feeling like she had stumbled into the wrong script, glanced at Xu Qiuyi, whose face was flushed with anger, and scoffed. “Someone said I like Nangong Yunfei? Impossible. I’m gay.” There. That should stop the rumors.

Xu Qiuyi froze. “…”

Tiger’s face turned ashen, the pain in his groin forgotten. He turned and punched Xu Zhihong, who was being dragged towards the car. “You tricked me!”

Xu Zhihong, caught off guard, was enraged. His daughter’s connection to such powerful figures was evident. He wouldn’t be beaten up without retaliation. He fought back.

“You forced me to do this! You monster!”

“You sold out your own daughter! You’re the monster!”

Uncle Liu, considering himself a civilized man, didn’t join the brawl, watching the two men fight with detached amusement. He walked over to the car.

“Don’t worry, Miss Xu,” he reassured her. “Your father wasn’t injured earlier.” Then, glancing at the two men wrestling on the ground, he added, “He might be now.”

Xu Qiuyi’s expression darkened. “What do you mean?”

Now that she was calmer, the inconsistencies were becoming clear, but she still couldn’t quite accept the cruel truth.

Uncle Liu, seeing her questioning gaze, explained, “The blood he spat up was from a blood capsule. No visible injuries, just a few scrapes.”

He pulled out a small packet of capsules, offering it to Xu Qiuyi. “We found this on him. These are commonly used in film productions. Easy to swallow, easy to control.”

Xu Qiuyi stared at the packet, one capsule missing, her fingers tightening around it, her knuckles turning white.

After a long moment, she turned to Tao Ning, her movements stiff, like a malfunctioning robot. “Fake? I… I don’t understand.”

Tao Ning had expected tears, but Xu Qiuyi’s eyes were dry, not from a lack of sadness, but from a grief so profound it transcended tears.

Despite her reluctance, Tao Ning knew she had to tell her the truth. “It was all an act. A lie.”

Xu Qiuyi whispered, “…Why?”

Why would he do this? Why go to such lengths? Wasn’t he her father? What could be more important than family?

Her mind raced, searching for answers, finding none.

Tao Ning looked at her, her gaze steady. “I don’t know yet. I’ll tell you when I find out.”

Xu Qiuyi stared at her, her eyes unfocused, trying to make sense of her world, then nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll wait.”

Then, she fell silent, her eyes open, but seeing nothing.

Tao Ning sat beside her, offering silent comfort.

The betrayal, which had occurred much later in the original timeline, had arrived early. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, sparing Xu Qiuyi years of slow torture, of being manipulated by guilt and family obligations, only to have the truth revealed in a devastating blow.

In the original timeline, life as the Nangong family’s fiancée hadn’t been easy for Xu Qiuyi. She had accidentally discovered the truth behind the proposal: Mr. Lu, the loan shark, shared the same surname as Lu Weiyu. She had even found a photo of him and Xu Zhihong together, seemingly celebrating.

But the man in the photo was clearly Dragon, identical to Tiger, the man who had forced her to sign the contract in that alley ten years ago.

The realization had been devastating, shattering her trust, making everything seem unreal. In a novel, this would have been the climax, the moment of greatest heartbreak.

Another woman, also romantically interested in Nangong Yunfei, had discovered the truth, but instead of confronting Xu Qiuyi, she had told Guan Ruolin.

Chapter 25: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love p1

Bailu Lane, despite its name, was a sprawling district, a glittering world of extravagance and excess.

Tao Ning’s timing was unfortunate. Rush hour traffic had transformed the streets into a gridlocked mess of glowing lights, resembling rows of neatly arranged, illuminated chocolates from above.

These glowing chocolates, however, moved at a glacial pace, slower than a snail’s crawl. As Uncle Liu braked yet again, even his usually unflappable demeanor cracked, a sigh escaping his lips.

The Second Provincial Hospital was a considerable distance from the Tao residence. Tao Ning’s calls and messages went unanswered, met only with the automated “The number you have dialed is switched off” message.

She switched off her phone, tossing it aside, her brow furrowed in worry.

The discarded phone suddenly lit up, and Tao Ning immediately reached for it, only to find it was a notification from a gaming group chat. She clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“She probably forgot to charge it again,” she muttered. This was typical Xu Qiuyi: a tech-illiterate Luddite in a digital age, often unreachable online.

The line of cars inched forward. Uncle Liu said, “Miss Tao, there’s an accident ahead. I’m going to take a detour. It should be faster.”

Tao Ning nodded absently. “Fine.”

“Yes, Miss,” Uncle Liu replied, turning onto a side street at the next intersection, merging smoothly into the flow of traffic.

Tao Ning, seemingly engrossed in her phone, addressed 520. [Zero Zero, do you think she’s at the hospital?]

520 instantly responded. [Probably.]

Tao Ning sighed internally, then, remembering something, said, “During training, I heard that systems can track the protagonist’s location. Where do you think she is? If we go to the wrong place and miss something important, we’ll lose our mission rewards.”

[I can’t do that. That’s a feature reserved for the top-tier systems. I’m just a three-digit code monkey,] 520 admitted reluctantly. [Who told you that, anyway?]

“Uh…” Tao Ning rubbed her cheek, unable to admit that no one had told her, that it was simply a… hunch, a remnant of the original host’s memories blending with her own.

520, recognizing the hesitation, asked, [Your friend again?]

Tao Ning replied, “Yes, my friend.” Sorry, friend, but you’re taking the blame for this one.

520 glanced at the romance progress bar between the male and female leads. It remained stubbornly at zero percent, showing no signs of movement.

Compared to its previous hosts, who had obsessed over the fluctuating progress bars, this was… unsettling. Being a matchmaker was challenging, but breaking up a couple was even harder, especially when fate seemed determined to throw them together.

The male lead had practically been throwing himself at Xu Qiuyi, yet the progress bar remained flatlined.

520 suddenly realized how effectively this novice had been manipulating it, a seasoned system with multiple successful pairings under its belt, repeatedly fooled by a newcomer.

Tao Ning’s attention was drawn to the faint sound of music coming from outside the car. Looking up, she thought she had entered another dimension.

“Uncle Liu, where are we?” she asked.

Uncle Liu, eager to leave the area, his gloved hands gripping the steering wheel, replied, “Bailu Lane. It’s… not a very pleasant place. Madam Tao doesn’t approve of it.”

So this is the infamous Bailu Lane, Tao Ning thought, her curiosity piqued.

She looked out the window for a while, then lost interest.

It was a place of entertainment and excess, the air thick with the scent of money, but too loud, too chaotic, not suited to those who preferred a more… refined form of pleasure. People with “taste” avoided this area.

The traffic was indeed heavy, many cars taking the same detour. Even though it wasn’t quite evening yet, Bailu Lane was already bustling.

Tao Ning, finding the car too dark and her phone screen straining her eyes, looked out the window to rest her vision. Then, she saw a familiar figure disappear into a side alley, several other figures lurking nearby.

“Turn around, Uncle Liu. Go back. Quickly,” she said, lowering the window, the sounds of music and chatter flooding the car.

“Yes, Miss,” Uncle Liu replied.

Several people, seeing a girl’s face peering out of the luxury car, looked disappointed. Clearly, she was just passing through, not a potential customer.

The car, trapped in traffic, inched forward. Tao Ning, despite her growing anxiety, couldn’t rush Uncle Liu.

520: [What’s wrong?]

Tao Ning replied, “I saw Xu Qiuyi. She went into a side alley. There were… other people there.”

520 was skeptical. [Are you sure?] She had only glimpsed them for a second.

Tao Ning said, “I have 20/10 vision. And my dynamic visual acuity is rated S-class. I never make mistakes.”

Considering her barely-passing grades, 520 had briefly wondered if Tao Ning was perhaps an athlete.

Tao Ning quickly dialed a number on her phone. After two rings, a cool, professional voice answered. “Miss Tao?”

In the dimly lit alley, Xu Qiuyi, cornered, was surrounded by several men. Xu Zhihong, having failed to escape, was being held like a chicken.

Ten minutes earlier, as they walked past the Crown Club, Xu Zhihong had pointed to a side alley, claiming it was a shortcut to the hospital.

As they passed under a streetlight, his face had been illuminated, and one of the loan sharks’ enforcers had recognized him, calling out his name. Xu Zhihong, panicked, had tried to run.

The enforcer, a beer bottle in hand, had yelled, and several men had emerged from the club’s back entrance, grabbing Xu Zhihong and demanding payment or… something else.

Xu Qiuyi had turned back.

A tall, heavily tattooed man stood in the middle of the alley, a cigarette dangling from his lips, a smirk on his face.

He exhaled a cloud of smoke, then dropped the cigarette butt and ground it into the pavement with his boot.

The man, who called himself Tiger, didn’t bother with intimidation tactics. His movements were slow, deliberate, his voice almost casual. “Sorry, little girl, but I’m running a business. Can’t afford to lose money. Your father borrowed… this much. Missed the deadline. Interest accumulating…”

He held up a piece of paper, presumably an IOU, then snatched it back before Xu Qiuyi could see the details.

Xu Qiuyi didn’t bother with the naive “loan sharking is illegal” argument. Her voice was tight. “I can pay you a portion now. I’ll… discuss the rest with my family and get the money to you.”

Tiger’s gaze sharpened, the earlier amusement replaced by something resembling respect.

He had heard similar pleas before, desperate attempts to negotiate, often accompanied by tears. He had grown tired of them. This was the first time he had heard such a calm, resolute statement from a teenage girl.

No wonder the young master had been so insistent on… acquiring her.

“How much can you offer?” he asked.

Xu Qiuyi named a sum, and Tiger’s face fell. “That’s… not even a dent in the principal, little girl.”

His words made Xu Qiuyi’s heart sink. She knew this was a dangerous path, but what choice did she have?

“What do you want?” she asked.

“I feel sorry for you, having a father like that. I’m willing to… help. The Crown Club is known for its… generous compensation. Work off your father’s debt,” he said, one of his men producing a contract.

Xu Qiuyi replied, “I’m a student. A minor.”

Tiger laughed, amused by her naivete. “I know. I wouldn’t put you out front. You’re too… scrawny. The customers would complain. You can help out in the kitchen, or maybe do some cleaning.”

Xu Qiuyi’s expression darkened.

“I’ll pay you back! Please, just let my daughter go! She’s still young!” Xu Zhihong pleaded, his eyes fixed on the contract.

Tiger grabbed his hair, pulling his head back. “The choice is yours, little girl. Your father’s life is in your hands.”

Xu Zhihong, tears streaming down his face, shook his head frantically. “Don’t sign! Don’t sign it! Ugh!” A punch to the gut doubled him over.

The neatly printed contract, along with a pen, was placed before Xu Qiuyi.

A low voice whispered in her ear, “You wouldn’t want to see your father end up as another drunk homeless man in the news, would you?”

The contract was pushed closer. “Sign it.”

Xu Zhihong yelled, “Don’t sign! Just kill me!”

Tiger, his patience finally wearing thin, gestured, and his men surrounded Xu Zhihong, kicking and punching him. Xu Zhihong’s cries of pain were quickly silenced.

Tiger, anticipating Xu Qiuyi’s tears, her fear, watched her closely. To his disappointment, she didn’t cry, didn’t beg them to stop.

Her face, however, was pale, but her posture remained steady, her eyes scanning the contract.

He couldn’t imagine the sense of accomplishment he would feel if he could break her.

She was so young, so untouchable. Once she finished her education, someone like him wouldn’t even be able to get close to her.

“Ugh…” one of his men said. “Tiger, he’s spitting up blood. Should we keep going?”

Tiger looked at Xu Qiuyi. “That depends on his… loving daughter.”

Xu Qiuyi’s trembling hand reached for the pen. The contract was placed in her hand. After a few seconds, she let out a shaky breath, as if steeling herself.

“That’s a good girl…” Tiger smirked.

Xu Qiuyi’s hand froze. She said, “No.”

Tiger’s smile faltered. “What?”

Xu Qiuyi threw the pen down and ran.

Something felt wrong, very wrong. Everything was wrong.

Her instincts screamed at her to escape. Her heart pounded, her ears rang, adrenaline coursing through her veins. In her panic, she remembered passing a luxury boutique. If she could trigger the alarm, the store would call the police.

Tiger, surprised by her sudden burst of speed, yelled, “Catch her! Don’t let her get away!”

 

 

Chapter 24: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love

Xu Zhihong, seemingly finding his daughter’s reaction endearing, chuckled and turned to chat with the other parents in the room.

Within an hour, everyone in the ward, from the doctors and nurses to the visiting families, knew about Xu Zhihong’s successful daughters: one a scholarship student at the prestigious Mingrui, personally recruited by a teacher, the other with a collection of awards, his wife a virtuous woman, and himself a successful businessman, generously providing for his family.

Xu Qiuyi, observing this newly minted image of a devoted husband and father, knew the truth. He had gambled with the leftover money after paying off his debts and had won.

That was the only reason he dared to show his face at the hospital.

The allure of gambling lay in the unpredictable nature of wins and losses. It wasn’t constant loss; it was the intermittent wins, like today, that kept people hooked.

Guan Ruolin, having taken the day off, forgoing triple pay for the holiday, urged Xu Qiuyi to go home and rest. The hospital wasn’t a conducive environment for sleep.

“You have dark circles under your eyes,” she said, her voice filled with concern. “Go home and sleep. I’ll call you if anything happens.”

Xu Zhihong chimed in, “Go on, Qiuyi. Get some rest. I’m here.”

Xu Qiuyi, wanting to say, That’s precisely why I’m worried, knew she was exhausted. She agreed to go home.

Even the healthiest person couldn’t function on two consecutive nights of sleep deprivation. As soon as she got home, she collapsed on her bed and fell asleep, only to be woken by frantic knocking.

“Who is it?” she mumbled, her mind still foggy. Her phone, which had been resting on her chest, slipped and landed on the blanket. She had been on a voice call with Tao Ning, falling asleep mid-conversation.

The phone, having run out of battery, had switched itself off.

The knocking continued, insistent. “Qiuyi! Qiuyi! Wake up! Your mom just called! Zhichun’s condition has worsened! They’re transferring her! Hurry!”

Before the sentence was even finished, Xu Qiuyi flung the door open, her face pale. “Transferring her? Why? What happened?”

Xu Zhihong, startled by her appearance, her face etched with worry, replied anxiously, “Your mom didn’t explain. Just said they were transferring her. Gave me an address, then the line went dead. Come on, let’s go!”

Xu Qiuyi slammed the door in his face, then opened it again a moment later, a card and her phone in hand.

“Which hospital?” she asked, her voice tight.

The sky was overcast, dark clouds gathering in the distance. The air was heavy, humid.

Under the same sky, Tao Ning stood in her garden, a laptop displaying the screensaver resting on a nearby swing, her phone charging.

The gardener, passing by, paused, looking at the sky. Rain’s coming, he thought, mentally adjusting his watering schedule as he headed towards the greenhouse, where the mistress’s prized flowers resided.

It was at this moment that Zhou Tong arrived at the Tao residence, the imposing house that few dared to approach, and found Tao Ning standing amidst the flowers, lost in thought. Taking a deep breath, mentally reviewing her report, she approached.

“Miss Tao,” she said.

Tao Ning didn’t respond. Zhou Tong was about to repeat herself when a faint notification sound came from her pocket.

Tao Ning immediately turned and walked towards the swing. Zhou Tong, hurrying after her, asked, “Miss Tao?”

Tao Ning turned around, her expression suddenly clearing. “Oh, that was your phone. I thought it was mine.”

Zhou Tong smiled politely. “Just a… ringtone-related misunderstanding.”

She was still convinced that Tao Ning’s sudden disinterest in Nangong Yunfei was due to a new romantic interest. Tao Ning’s distraction, her absentmindedness, mirrored her behavior during her previous teenage crushes.

Tao Ning, oblivious to the misunderstanding, gestured for Zhou Tong to sit. A housekeeper materialized, seemingly out of nowhere, carrying coffee and pastries, arranging them on the table with quiet efficiency before disappearing just as discreetly.

“Any progress on what I asked you to investigate?” Tao Ning asked.

Zhou Tong, setting down her coffee cup, replied, “It was well-hidden, but I’ve uncovered some… interesting details. It seems someone went to great lengths to conceal this.”

She placed a folder on the table. “His name is Lu… goes by ‘Tiger.’ Dropped out of middle school and has been involved in the gambling industry ever since. Started as an enforcer, worked his way up. He’s a significant player now.”

Time had been short, and uncovering this information in a single day hadn’t been easy, especially the parts involving the Nangong family’s secrets.

Tao Ning looked at the documents. “Lu? How did Xu Zhihong get involved with someone at that level? Who introduced them?”

Zhou Tong replied, “No middleman. They met directly. Xu Zhihong was being beaten up after losing all his money, and Tiger happened to be there and… rescued him. They became… acquainted.”

Tao Ning looked up, her eyes narrowed. “A loan shark rescues a gambler out of the goodness of his heart?”

“There has to be a motive,” Zhou Tong said, flipping through the pages, the rustling sound punctuating the air. “I initially thought it was one of his usual tactics, but then I discovered…”

She placed another document on the table. “He’s related to Lu Weiyu. Distant cousins. He also used to be her landlord.”

The Nangong patriarch wasn’t a faithful man. During one of his outings, he had met a waitress who bore a striking resemblance to his first love. Fueled by alcohol, he had seduced her, adding her to his collection of mistresses.

Later, his affections had waned, replaced by a newer, even more similar face.

Lu Weiyu, discovering she was pregnant, had been filled with joy, only to be met with, “I don’t need another child. I’ll give you money. Get rid of it.”

His words had shattered her naivete, but they had also presented an opportunity. She couldn’t give up now. Short-term gains were insignificant compared to her long-term plan. She had disappeared, raising her child alone.

Years later, she had returned, her carefully groomed son in tow, ready to claim her place. If nothing went wrong, she would become the matriarch of the Nangong family.

Zhou Tong didn’t know the details of the future, but she admired Lu Weiyu’s determination and clear vision.

Tao Ning said, “A distant cousin, a former benefactor, now a subordinate, a trusted confidant with intimate knowledge of her past.”

Zhou Tong blinked. “What do you mean, Miss Tao?”

Tao Ning asked, “He works at the Crown Club, right?”

Zhou Tong nodded. “Yes, he’s been there for over a decade. He’s the… unofficial manager. Ruthless and efficient, but loyal. The patriarch trusts him.”

The manager of the Crown Club in Bailu Lane, the place where Xu Qiuyi would be trapped in the original timeline, was indeed this “Tiger.” Later, when he reappeared in Xu Qiuyi’s life, Nangong Yunfei would claim he was Tiger’s twin brother, “Dragon.”

Xu Qiuyi hadn’t said whether she believed him, but she hadn’t questioned it further.

Later in the original timeline, Xu Zhihong would accumulate another three million yuan in gambling debts, having secretly mortgaged their apartment. Zhichun would be kidnapped as leverage. Nangong Yunfei, somehow learning about this, would pay off the debt and rescue Zhichun, who would be on the brink of death.

After that, he would propose to Xu Qiuyi, the chemistry genius becoming the Nangong family’s fiancée, prompting Nurse Liu’s concerned question, “Are you in trouble?”

In the original timeline, it had been a former employer who had lured Xu Qiuyi to the Crown Club with the promise of high-paying work. But now, Xu Qiuyi didn’t need a job.

The pieces were falling into place, revealing a disturbing picture. Tao Ning stood up, picking up her phone. “Uncle Liu, get the car ready.” She couldn’t shake her unease. She needed to see for herself.

Night fell quickly, and the neon lights of Bailu Lane were already on by six o’clock.

“Why are we stopping here?” Xu Qiuyi asked. “We’re not at the hospital yet.”

Xu Zhihong, standing on the sidewalk, the dim light obscuring his expression, said, “There’s a shortcut. Through here. It leads to the south entrance of the Second Provincial Hospital, closer to the inpatient ward. Driving would take longer, especially with the rush hour traffic. We could be stuck for half an hour, even an hour. Come on, let’s go.”

It made sense. Xu Qiuyi looked at the unfamiliar street, a dark, gaping maw.

As darkness deepened, two figures stepped into the neon-lit labyrinth.

Chapter 23: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love

“Zhichun had an asthma attack? Is she alright? I know a specialist. Should we transfer her to a different hospital?” Tao Ning asked, already scrolling through her contacts on a second phone.

Xu Qiuyi, standing by the window in the designated smoking area, her fingers massaging her temples, replied softly, “She’s stable now. The doctor wants to keep her for observation for a couple of days. I’ll let you know if anything changes.”

Tao Ning hadn’t received a reply to her messages, so she had called, only to hear about Zhichun’s asthma attack. She was relieved it wasn’t as severe as in the original timeline. At least Zhichun was out of danger, just needing a short hospital stay.

And Xu Qiuyi hadn’t injured her hand, missing exams, and been forced to take a risky part-time job, leaving her vulnerable.

“You’re still at the hospital? Not going home tonight?” Tao Ning asked.

Xu Qiuyi looked out the window, the occasional figure passing under the streetlights, their faces etched with worry.

The air smelled of disinfectant, punctuated by the cries of children in pain. Xu Qiuyi was no stranger to hospitals, yet the environment always made her feel uneasy.

“My mom’s working the night shift,” she explained. “I’ll stay with Zhichun. We can share a bed.”

Zhichun was still young and needed someone to look after her.

“How did it happen?” Tao Ning asked.

The night air was cool, a welcome contrast to the day’s heat.

Zhichun, always frail, had gotten cold during her afternoon nap. She hadn’t pulled the blanket up properly, and then the shouting had startled her. Her inhaler had rolled under the bed, and, unwilling to open a new one, she had reached for it, only to have the dust trigger an attack.

Xu Qiuyi’s voice, low and tired, carried over the phone. If it had been anyone else, Tao Ning might have offered words of comfort, urged her to rest, but she instinctively knew Xu Qiuyi didn’t need rest; she needed someone to talk to.

And Xu Qiuyi did talk, pouring out her worries and frustrations, Tao Ning listening patiently, offering the occasional reassuring response.

Suddenly realizing how much she had revealed, Xu Qiuyi tried to change the subject. “I think I heard a pen drop. Are you still doing homework?”

Tao Ning, a blank sheet of paper in front of her, on which she had written “gambling debts,” “trap,” “how to prevent,” and “strict control,” quickly came up with an excuse. “No, that was the housekeeper cleaning up.” The housekeeper, who was already asleep, was now her unwitting alibi.

Xu Qiuyi asked, “Why are you still talking to me? Shouldn’t you be spending time with your… great-aunt’s neighbor’s daughter’s grandmother?” It was a rare seven-day holiday, after all.

Tao Ning glanced around the brightly lit, yet empty, house. “My mom’s working the night shift too. She hasn’t been home lately.”

In reality, Tao Yan, the head of the Tao Corporation, was a workaholic, currently overseas, attending endless meetings, likely oblivious to the national holiday.

Xu Qiuyi murmured, “Oh,” and a moment of silence followed, only their breathing audible over the phone.

Tao Ning, pushing the paper aside, turned to her computer, where Xu Zhihong’s profile was displayed. She scanned the information as she spoke. “You must be tired, staying up all night. I’ll bring you breakfast tomorrow. I’d like to meet Zhichun.”

A pause followed, and Tao Ning straightened up, hearing Xu Qiuyi’s gentle refusal. “It’s okay. Grandma Pan is coming over tomorrow to help. I’ll be fine.”

Tao Ning’s carefully prepared words were rendered useless. She knew Xu Qiuyi was fiercely independent, indifferent to some things, but not everything.

It was rare for her to be rejected, and it felt… strange.

“Okay,” she said, her disappointment evident.

Her tone made Xu Qiuyi’s heart ache, but she wouldn’t change her mind.

The next morning, Guan Ruolin, having just returned from her night shift, arrived at the hospital, her face pale with exhaustion. After checking on Zhichun, Xu Qiuyi sent her home to rest.

The shared hospital room was crowded, three beds lined up against the wall, decorated with cartoon stickers. Most beds were surrounded by anxious family members, the room filled with a cacophony of crying, chatter, and the sounds of toys.

The nurses, during their rounds, always noticed the unusually quiet sisters. The younger one never cried when getting her IVs, didn’t need her hand held or a cartoon distraction. She simply sat quietly, reading, rarely asking her sister for help with unfamiliar words.

Zhichun was the youngest patient in the room, yet she seemed to know every character.

The other families marveled at her composure, then, seeing her older sister diligently working on her homework at the bedside table, they understood.

Despite her quiet strength, however, Zhichun was inseparable from her sister, her eyes welling up whenever Xu Qiuyi left her sight.

The nurses would reassure her, “Your sister just went downstairs to get food. She’ll be back soon.” They learned from Zhichun that her older sister had practically raised her. Their mother, having returned to work three months after Zhichun was born, relied on neighbors during the day, but it was Xu Qiuyi, barely old enough for elementary school, who had taken on the primary caregiver role.

A fragile child, cared for by another child who still needed a step stool to change her diapers.

The nurses had assumed it was a single-parent household, the mother forced to work, leaving the older sister with the responsibility of caring for the younger one.

Then, the next day, the girls’ father appeared, dramatically pressing a wad of cash into Guan Ruolin’s hands.

“Ruolin, take this. Buy Zhichun something nice when she gets out. To help her recover,” Xu Zhihong said.

Guan Ruolin, her brow furrowed, asked, “Where did you get this money?”

Several people in the room looked at them, their eyes fixed on the money, then on Xu Zhihong.

Xu Qiuyi, sitting on the bed beside Zhichun, also looked up, her eyes clear and questioning.

Xu Zhihong, avoiding her gaze, which he found unsettling, like a mirror reflecting his own inadequacies, said, “The client finally paid me. I stopped by the bank on my way here.”

Xu Qiuyi wanted to point out that it was a national holiday, and the banks were closed.

Xu Zhihong, taking Guan Ruolin’s hands and placing the money in them – it wasn’t a thick stack, perhaps a little over ten thousand yuan – said, “Take it, Ruolin. Buy the girls some new clothes, some good food. Look how thin Zhichun is…”

Zhichun, frowning, pulled away from his touch, her voice small. “Papa, you’re hurting my face.”

Her skin was delicate, and his rough hands, their grip often too tight, made her cry out in pain.

Xu Zhihong, when he wasn’t gambling, could almost pass for a normal father. “Hey, if I hadn’t been working so hard, you wouldn’t even be able to afford to stay in this hospital!”

Zhichun replied, “Jiejie paid for the hospital.”

“…” Xu Zhihong, feeling the weight of the other patients’ gazes, pulled out a few more bills and stuffed them into Guan Ruolin’s bag. “Happy now?”

Zhichun, without another word, buried her face against Xu Qiuyi’s side, hiding like an ostrich.

Chapter 22: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love

Back at the Tao residence that evening, the housekeeper informed Tao Ning that numerous distant relatives had sent invitations, a common occurrence during holidays.

Tao Ning, without even looking at them, dismissed them all. “The head of the household is away. I’m just a minor; I can’t make any decisions.”

The housekeeper, following her instructions, then asked, “What about the Wu family…?”

Tao Ning replied, “Same. Even if they appeal to my mother, they’ll have to explain what they did.”

“Understood, Miss,” the housekeeper said, then left.

Tao Ning, alone in the spacious living room, heard a notification from her laptop. She opened her eyes and leaned in to look.

The message was from Zhou Tong, reporting that all the “players” were in position, and asking if Tao Ning wanted to attend the Nangong patriarch’s birthday banquet.

Tao Ning wasn’t interested. They were still just teenagers, their backers hadn’t made their moves yet. Attending would be a waste of time, just a bunch of veiled threats and posturing.

She closed the laptop, intending to go upstairs and get ready for bed, but her plans were thwarted by Lü Xinxi, who, seizing the opportunity, dragged her off to play video games.

Jin Yue was also present, admiring her freshly manicured nails, taking photos for her social media, the likes accumulating rapidly, a testament to her popularity.

She had rushed home after school, eager for her nail appointment, but she had already decided to remove them after the holiday. They made writing difficult.

After saying this, Jin Yue paused, then shook her head. “It’s official. I’ve become a study addict.”

Lü Xinxi, contemplating dyeing her hair back to its natural color – the upkeep was time-consuming – muttered, “Me too.”

Tao Ning, her back to them, expertly manipulating the game controller, smiled to herself.

Neither of them bothered asking about Tao Ning’s holiday plans anymore. They knew her answer: I’m going to the beach. The beach of knowledge.

After gaming until midnight, Tao Ning finally escaped and went home. She had spent the past two days with Xu Qiuyi, trying to discern the cause of her distraction, but everything seemed normal.

Her father was still absent, his disappearance a source of peace. Her mother was working as usual. Her sister was healthy and happy. Xu Qiuyi had even mentioned receiving her scholarship money.

Mingrui, despite its flaws, was efficient when it came to financial matters, having deposited the money into Guan Ruolin’s account just before the bank holiday.

520, seeing Tao Ning’s troubled expression, asked, [Any progress?]

Tao Ning’s face was serious. “I’ve made an observation.”

520, curious, asked, [What is it?]

Tao Ning replied, “Xu Qiuyi trusts me.”

520: […] Sometimes, you’re impossible.

The naive, innocent novice was gone, replaced by a scheming mastermind who enjoyed teasing her system. How long had it even been?

Tao Ning, resting her chin on her hand, looked out the window.

Her skin was fair, and simple clothes only accentuated her delicate features. Her usual nonchalant expression, however, often misinterpreted as aloofness or even disdain, masked the warmth in her eyes.

She tapped her fingers on the table, a rhythmic beat accompanying her thoughts.

The timing was right, according to the original timeline. But Xu Qiuyi had received her scholarship money, eliminating the need for a risky part-time job. There shouldn’t be any problems.

Xu Qiuyi returned with two ice cream cones, finding Tao Ning staring out the window, her gaze fixed on something. Xu Qiuyi followed her gaze.

A group of girls in frilly dresses, their petticoats creating a cupcake-like silhouette, giggled and chatted as they walked past.

Xu Qiuyi looked down at her own jeans and canvas shoes. Does she prefer that style? she wondered.

However, even after the girls had passed, Tao Ning continued to stare out the window, and Xu Qiuyi realized she was looking at a statue.

Tao Ning, oblivious to the potential misunderstanding her intense gaze might have caused, accepted the Oreo McFlurry, and they chatted while they ate.

After finishing, they parted ways. Tao Ning watched as Xu Qiuyi boarded the bus, then got into Uncle Liu’s car, which was waiting discreetly around the corner.

Uncle Liu didn’t understand his employer’s sudden desire to experience public transport, but he always ensured he was available to pick her up and drive her home.

The October air was still warm, but the bus’s air conditioning provided a welcome relief.

The bus wasn’t crowded, and Xu Qiuyi found a seat. As soon as she sat down, her phone buzzed.

She pulled it out and saw a message from Tao Ning.

[A. Ningning: Let me know when you get home.]

A tap on her shoulder startled her. Two girls, who had been whispering behind her, were now looking at her. One of them, a girl with short hair, said, “I love your jeans! Can you send me the link?”

Xu Qiuyi’s smile faded slightly. She turned to them. “I bought them years ago at a physical store. I don’t have a link.”

The girl started to say, “Then, can you…”

Xu Qiuyi had already turned back, her attention on her phone, typing a reply to Tao Ning.

Seeing her disinterest, the girl gave up, mouthing the words “rejected” to her friend.

Her friend patted her shoulder sympathetically.

A few stops later, Xu Qiuyi got off the bus and walked the familiar route home.

Xiao’an Village never changed. It had looked the same since her childhood, the same narrow alleyways, the same low-rise buildings, the occasional glimpse of the towering skyscrapers of the CBD peeking out from behind the rooftops.

The old woman on the first floor was sitting on her stool, sorting through her collection of cardboard boxes, a spray bottle filled with water beside her. She would spray the cardboard to increase its weight before selling it.

Seeing Xu Qiuyi approach, she shifted on her stool, coughed loudly, and spat on the ground, then ground it into the pavement with her shoe.

Xu Qiuyi’s conflict with the old woman wasn’t particularly deep-seated. The old woman used to brag about her grandson, constantly comparing him to Xu Qiuyi, fueling the boy’s arrogance and prompting him to target Xu Qiuyi.

He would pull her backpack, tug her hair, even try to scare her with insects. But Xu Qiuyi wasn’t easily intimidated.

Their rivalry escalated until one day, he threw a dead rat at her, triggering Zhichun’s asthma.

The entire neighborhood had then witnessed the usually quiet and reserved Xu Qiuyi chasing the boy through the alleyways with a rusty pipe she had grabbed from the old woman’s scrap pile, the terrified boy, his mouth bloody from two missing front teeth, screaming and crying.

The incident had created a rift between the two families.

What angered the old woman the most, however, was that her grandson, upon reaching puberty, had developed a crush on Xu Qiuyi, conveniently forgetting the pain of his lost teeth. The old woman, disgusted by his infatuation, had redirected her resentment towards Xu Qiuyi.

Xu Qiuyi, unfazed, walked past her, heading towards the stairs. The old woman, however, couldn’t resist a parting shot. “Looking for your father? He just got back. Seemed to be in a hurry.”

Xu Qiuyi’s expression changed slightly, and she quickened her pace.

The old woman smirked, pausing in her work, listening intently. A few moments later, she heard the familiar sounds of crashing and yelling.

“I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t desperate! I’m desperate, Ruolin! They said they’ll cut off my hand if I don’t pay!” Xu Zhihong wailed, his gaunt face streaked with tears.

Guan Ruolin’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I thought you were working construction! Where’s the money?”

Xu Zhihong’s gaze darted around. “The… the client hasn’t approved the work yet. They only gave me a small deposit. They haven’t paid the rest. Ruolin, please, help me. Just this once.”

“Just this once? How many ‘just this once’ have there been?” Guan Ruolin’s voice choked with tears. “Qiuyi and Zhichun are still young! What kind of father are you?!”

Xu Zhihong started crying too. “I’m doing this for you! For our family! I wouldn’t gamble if I didn’t want us to have a better life! Last time, I won twenty thousand! I gave you fifteen! I only kept five for myself! And the time before that, I gave you four and a half! I even bought Zhichun a learning tablet! I know Qiuyi doesn’t have a phone. I was planning to buy her one this time! But then… someone tricked me… I know I was wrong…”

Tears streamed down his face, his expression contorted with anguish. “I’m doing all of this for our family!”

Guan Ruolin’s voice was firm. “How many times have I bailed you out, Xu Zhihong? I’m not made of money! Ask your friends for help!”

Xu Zhihong continued to cry, almost collapsing at Guan Ruolin’s feet, but his trembling knees never quite touched the ground. “I’ve asked everyone! I’ve already borrowed most of it! They’ve been generous! I just need a little bit more! I wouldn’t come to you if I had any other choice! Ruolin…”

Guan Ruolin, her eyes closed, tears streaming down her face, remained silent.

Xu Zhihong grabbed her hands, his grip tight, his face filled with remorse. “Fine, don’t lend me the money. You’re right. But they said they’ll cut off my hand! I… I can’t come home after that. You’ll have to take care of our daughters on your own. Pretend I’m… dead.”

Guan Ruolin pulled her hands away, her voice breaking. “You’re doing it again! What do you want from me?!”

She pounded his shoulders, her voice filled with pain and frustration. “Why can’t you just stop gambling?!”

Xu Zhihong didn’t resist, standing there and taking her blows.

Outside the door, a figure leaned against the wall, her eyes closed, her expression revealing she had already anticipated this outcome.

Even if she intervened, she would only be met with, “Do you want to see your father die?” “He promised he’ll change.” “Give Dad another chance.” “You’re all ganging up on me! What am I supposed to do?”

A few minutes later, the door opened, and Guan Ruolin, still crying, walked slowly down the stairs, oblivious to the figure standing in the shadows.

Xu Qiuyi stepped inside, finding her mother cleaning up the mess, her eyes red and swollen. “Qiuyi, you’re home. Want some noodles?”

It was a peace offering, a silent apology. Guan Ruolin couldn’t bring herself to abandon her husband, nor could she be the strong figure her daughters needed. She was torn, indecisive, yet undeniably their mother.

Xu Qiuyi, seeing her own reflection in her mother’s helplessness, couldn’t bring herself to be cold. Another weight settled on her heart. She shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”

Not wanting to see her mother’s expression, not wanting to reveal her own emotions, she quickly retreated to her room.

Guan Ruolin sighed, sweeping the floor, the broom scraping against shards of broken glass. A panicked cry echoed from Xu Qiuyi’s room. “Zhichun? Zhichun! What’s wrong?! Where’s your medicine?!”

Chapter 21: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love(The Cold School Beauty’s Fierce Love)

The culprit likely hadn’t anticipated that, despite his precautions, he would be caught. He had covered his face throughout the entire act, only to slip up on his way back to the locker room.

The high-definition camera had captured every detail, even the moles on his face.

The disciplinary head, taking a photo with his phone, asked, “Which class is he in? Tall fellow. Knew enough to wear a hat.”

The other two teachers, both from the disciplinary office, didn’t recognize him. They shook their heads.

Tao Ning, glancing at the security guard, whose face had paled considerably, turned to Xu Qiuyi. “Do you know him?”

Xu Qiuyi frowned, then said, “I think I’ve seen him somewhere, but I don’t know him. Is he in our year?”

“I think so,” Tao Ning replied.

The disciplinary head said, “I’ve sent the photo to the teachers’ group chat. Someone will recognize him.”

The security guard shifted in his chair. “I need to use the restroom…”

Tao Ning, however, stopped him. “No need to trouble yourself, Mr… Cheng. I’m sure our security guard here can identify him much faster.”

The teachers looked at the guard, who had started to rise from his chair.

“You know this student?” Mr. Cheng asked.

“I don’t,” the guard replied.

Tao Ning and Xu Qiuyi said simultaneously, “Of course, he does.”

The guard glared at Tao Ning, his face reddening. “What proof do you have that I’m protecting him? Even if you’re the chairman’s daughter, you can’t just accuse people without evidence. I’m off duty. What’s the point of this?”

Tao Ning looked at him, feigning surprise. “You two look like you could be twins. It’s a perfectly reasonable assumption. When did I accuse you of protecting him? And if you don’t know him, why are you so nervous? You’re sweating buckets in here, with the AC on full blast.”

520, intrigued, asked, [Is he really sweating?]

Tao Ning replied, “I don’t know. Just a bluff. But he can’t leave now.”

Now that Tao Ning had mentioned it, everyone noticed the sweat stains on the back of his shirt. He was clutching something in his fist, his phone lying untouched on the desk.

He wasn’t overweight, and the room was cool. There was no reason for him to be sweating so profusely.

The guard, exasperated, said, “I told you I need to use the restroom! Don’t you people have anything better to do?”

Xu Qiuyi, suddenly understanding, said, “There’s a saying: ‘Like nephew, like uncle.’”

Tao Ning looked at Xu Qiuyi with an expression of pure gratitude. Having a teammate who understood your tactics was a blessing.

The resemblance between the guard and the student in the photo wasn’t that striking, but Tao Ning’s suggestion had planted the seed of doubt. Whether they were related or not, the guard’s reaction was suspicious.

“Stay here. We need your cooperation,” the disciplinary head said. His phone buzzed, and he looked down at the message. “It’s Wu Zhilin from Class F. His homeroom teacher is at the hospital with his elderly mother, waiting for her surgery. We have a parent’s phone number.”

The disciplinary head tried the number, but it went unanswered.

Another message appeared in the group chat, providing a different number. Clearly, the homeroom teacher had also tried the first number and, in desperation, had contacted a student for a personal number.

The disciplinary head tried the new number. This time, it was answered, the faint sound of traffic audible in the background.

Tao Ning, pushing her rolling chair, nudged the security guard forward. “Speak.”

The guard, his lower back hitting the edge of the desk, stumbled forward, grabbing his back and turning around angrily. “What are you doing?!”

A young male voice on the phone asked, “Uncle? Did you get a new number?”

Voices were often distorted over the phone, but recognizing someone based solely on their voice required familiarity.

The teachers exchanged glances, their expressions serious. The disciplinary head identified himself and instructed the person on the other end to come to the school immediately, with a parent.

As the room quieted, Tao Ning turned to Xu Qiuyi. “Do you remember how many times your photos on the honor roll were defaced?”

The teachers looked at Xu Qiuyi.

Xu Qiuyi, after a moment of thought, replied softly, “Six.”

Tao Ning repeated, “Six.” And this was the first time anyone had bothered to investigate.

It wasn’t that no one had noticed before; it was that no one had made a fuss.

Half an hour later, Wu Zhilin arrived alone, claiming his parents were out of town on business.

Tao Ning said, “Not quite. Isn’t your uncle right here?”

Both Wu Zhilin and the security guard’s faces darkened. Wu Zhilin had been deliberately ignoring the guard since he entered, pretending not to know him.

Glancing at Xu Qiuyi, he asked accusingly, “You reported me, didn’t you?”

He knew Xu Qiuyi had seen him addressing the guard as “uncle” outside the school, while she was handing out flyers for one of her part-time jobs.

Tao Ning spoke up. “I did. Problem?”

Wu Zhilin, seeing who it was, fell silent.

Students were inherently intimidated by teachers, and under the disciplinary head’s questioning, he confessed.

The female teacher repeated his words, incredulous. “You vandalized her photos six times just because you lost a competition spot?” The extent of the damage suggested a deep-seated grudge.

“When did this happen?” the disciplinary head asked.

“Freshman year,” Wu Zhilin mumbled.

Both teachers exclaimed, “Freshman year?!”

Xu Qiuyi said calmly, “I remember now. There were three spots available for that competition. I was first in the qualifying round. You were fourth.” His resentment seemed misplaced.

Wu Zhilin blurted out, “You were the teacher’s assistant! You were close to her! Who knows if she gave you the questions beforehand!”

Xu Qiuyi countered, “And what about the actual competition? Was I also close to the organizers? Did the judges give me the answers so I could win the gold medal?”

Wu Zhilin was speechless, but he still muttered stubbornly, “Who knows…”

“How many times did you do this?” the disciplinary head asked.

Facing the disciplinary head, Wu Zhilin finally showed some restraint. He thought for a moment, then said, “Five or six times. Whenever I was feeling… upset. I know I was wrong. I’ll write an apology. Give me a demerit. I’ll even read it over the school’s PA system.”

He thought he was being cooperative. Most Mingrui students came from privileged backgrounds. While his family wasn’t exceptionally wealthy, they were comfortable. He had never heard of anyone having to read an apology over the PA system.

The female teacher still couldn’t understand. “You vandalized her photos for two years just because you lost one competition spot? Really?”

Wu Zhilin muttered, “You don’t understand! I worked so hard for that competition! And because of that, I ended up in Class F! My parents have been nagging me about it for two years! No one understands!”

Xu Qiuyi, her voice calm, pointed out, “That’s why you started in your sophomore year. So no one would suspect you.”

Or perhaps he had always planned it, and the schedule change in his sophomore year had simply made it more convenient.

He couldn’t accept his own shortcomings, blaming others for his failures, convinced he had tried his best.

Tao Ning, who had been quietly sipping her tea, finally spoke. “Who cares about your apology?”

Setting down her teacup, she said, “In any other school, this kind of bullying would result in suspension, even expulsion. An apology is the bare minimum. Xu Qiuyi has been too kind to bother with you. But you’ve tarnished Mingrui’s reputation. In this digital age, one video, and the entire school’s image could be ruined. Do you think the school board members are going to let this slide? You’re eighteen, aren’t you? Time to act like an adult.”

Wu Zhilin’s face flushed crimson. “You… you’re just using your family’s influence to bully me!”

“Bully you?” Tao Ning smiled. “This isn’t bullying. Let me show you what real bullying looks like.”

She took a step closer, lowering her voice, and whispered something in his ear. Wu Zhilin’s eyes widened, his initial defiance quickly replaced by fear.

He had only heard about the Tao family’s power from his parents, but he had never truly understood it, never felt the fear they expressed, even dismissing it as exaggeration.

It was like an ant trying to comprehend the vastness of a whale. The sheer scale of it, the distance, prevented any real sense of awe or fear.

Until now. Tao Ning’s words, though not entirely clear, filled him with a primal dread.

Tao Ning, her eyes smiling, said, “Don’t let me find out you’ve been careless. Hide your tracks well.”

Wu Zhilin stood frozen, speechless.

Xu Qiuyi, who had never seen this side of Tao Ning, looked at her with a mixture of awe and fascination.

The male teacher, feeling a pang of sympathy, said, “Isn’t this a bit… excessive?”

Tao Ning turned to him, her voice gentle. “I’m sorry, Mr. … but six times, and no one noticed? The seventh time, I’m making a fuss. Just because a wound heals doesn’t mean the pain disappears. Emotional scars are the deepest, often lasting a lifetime. I’m sure you, as an educator, understand the complexities of adolescent psychology.”

Mr. Cheng, a veteran administrator at Mingrui, a master of conflict resolution, waited until Wu Zhilin’s parents landed before calling to inform them that their son had been expelled.

The news sent the already stressed parents into a tailspin.

And that wasn’t the end of it. Mrs. Wu also learned that her half-brother, the security guard, was being investigated for secretly recording students, his memory card containing footage dating back to his first year on the job. The evidence had been handed over to the police, and the school would be pursuing legal action.

Mr. Wu, ignoring his wife’s near-fainting spell, frantically called his superiors, hoping to arrange a meeting with the Tao family to apologize.

Expulsion was a minor inconvenience compared to offending the Tao family’s only daughter.

His superiors, however, were also facing their own problems. Mr. Wu’s niece had been involved in a… uniform-related incident, and the Wu family was facing consequences, albeit minor ones, but enough to create significant tension.

After hanging up, Mr. Wu, his face ashen, shook his head at his wife’s hopeful expression. Their hopes for a reprieve were dashed.

Night had fallen, the stars twinkling in the sky.

Tao Ning, having driven Xu Qiuyi and her bicycle back to Xiao’an Village, stopped at the familiar intersection. This time, Uncle Liu had managed to navigate the narrow streets without incident.

Tao Ning, standing beside the car, asked, “Do you think… I went too far today?”

Xu Qiuyi, her hands gripping the handlebars of her bicycle, had noticed Tao Ning’s tendency to seek her approval. She smiled. “I think you did the right thing. I’d like to… treat you to dinner sometime, to thank you.”

Tao Ning, who had been desperately trying to figure out how to spend the seven-day holiday with Xu Qiuyi, immediately agreed. “Sure! It’s a date! I’ll bring my homework too. I’m more productive when I study with you.”

520, listening to her seamless lies, wanted to roll its non-existent eyes. Who was the person who had efficiently completed her homework alone in her study, then immediately contacted Assistant Zhou for a progress report on her plan?

They said their goodbyes, and Xu Qiuyi, pushing her bicycle, started walking home.

After a short distance, she turned back. The car was still there, the girl in the school uniform standing under the streetlight, waving, urging her to go home.

Xu Qiuyi’s heart skipped a beat, and in that moment, she realized: this was what it felt like to have a crush.