Category: The Vicious Female Lead Doesn’t Want to Do It Anymore

Chapter 27: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not – Truly Troubling

Dong Ling didn’t stay at Song Mingzhi’s house for long. After finishing her oatmeal, she said goodbye to Song Mingzhi and left.

Before leaving, she didn’t forget to take the test results from the guest room. Last night, on the way back, she had been thinking about completing the task, so she hadn’t looked at them.

On the way back, Dong Ling flipped through a page, saw a bunch of technical terms like hemoglobin, glanced at the results, found that there was nothing wrong, and didn’t read further, putting the report aside.

“Someone sent you a gift just now, I asked Auntie Liu to put it in your room.”

Dong Tang happened to be coming downstairs and informed his sister, who had just entered.

“Okay, what did you guys get me?”

Dong Ling asked with a smile. Exchanging gifts had been a family tradition for many years, adding a touch of romance and ritual to life.

“Mom, Dad, and mine are all in your room, go unpack them yourself.”

Dong Ling happily responded and went upstairs, passing by her brother.

Dong Tang casually asked: “By the way, how’s your movie going? Is everything going smoothly?”

“Of course, very smoothly.”

Thinking of Song Mingzhi, Dong Ling’s smile became even brighter.

Dong Ling returned to her room and saw the pile of gifts.

She put her bag aside, sat cross-legged on the carpet, and started unpacking. Her mother gave her a necklace, her father gave her a hand-painted music score, her brother gave her a wooden plaque symbolizing safety, and the last one looked like a plush toy.

When Dong Ling unwrapped it and saw its shape, her first reaction was delight, then she frowned.

It was a limited edition collaboration plush toy from two of her favorite IPs, which was no longer available. She had asked her friends abroad to try and buy it last year, but they couldn’t get it.

This gift was very thoughtful, perfectly catering to her preferences.

Dong Ling had a hunch about why Xuan Du called earlier. She opened her door and looked downstairs.

“Brother, was this sent by Xuan Du?”

Dong Tang said from downstairs: “I don’t know, the person who delivered it didn’t leave a name. Was it from her?”

Dong Ling replied and returned to her room.

Not many people knew about this hobby of hers, only one.

Dong Ling found the online forum for this particular fandom, took a picture of the plush toy, uploaded it, and listed it for sale.

Many people wanted this toy. The link Dong Ling posted was immediately claimed.

Dong Ling looked at the address and called Auntie Liu, asking her to send the plush toy over later.

Looking at the selling price, Dong Ling added some money to round it up and donated it all to children in mountainous areas.

After doing all this, Dong Ling’s expression became somewhat vacant.

She and Xuan Du were truly very good friends once, so the more she had hoped for her to be well, the more disappointed she was now.

The current mayor had risen through the ranks from deputy mayor. His wife wasn’t his first wife, his first wife had passed away decades ago, this was his second wife.

Xuan Du was the third child in the family. The mayor had four children, three with his first wife, and the youngest with his current wife.

Everyone envied Xuan Du’s good fortune, her stepmother treating her like her own daughter, even doting on and protecting her more than her own biological child.

In contrast, the first and second children, also born to the first wife, weren’t so lucky.

Although the eldest entered politics, he didn’t rely on his father’s connections to make a name for himself in Beihai, but instead went to a remote county in another province to be a minor official, working hard every day for poverty alleviation, basically cutting ties with his family.

The second child developed a mental illness and was recuperating at their maternal grandparents’ home.

Those who were close to Xuan Du basically knew that her childhood wasn’t happy, and her suspicious and aggressive personality stemmed from this.

So everyone speculated that her stepmother was only treating her well for appearances, and secretly indulged all of Xuan Du’s actions.

The truth was completely the opposite.

Xuan Du’s traumatic childhood was precisely when her first mother was still alive.

Few people knew that Xuan Du’s stepmother was actually her biological mother.

When Xuan Du was conceived by his mistress, it happened to be a crucial period for the mayor’s promotion to deputy mayor. The news was leaked, and to prevent this scandal from being used by political opponents to sabotage his career, the first wife was declared “pregnant” and went to another province to “recuperate” for a while, returning with Xuan Du.

Xuan Du took her mother’s surname, this was the first wife’s request.

Her name, “Du,” meaning “to cross/to ferry,” was a hope that the mayor could overcome that difficult period.

Xuan Du grew up experiencing emotional abuse. When Dong Ling met her, she was timid and cowardly, afraid to speak up when bullied. Dong Ling happened to witness it and decided to protect her.

But her protection was limited, she was young at the time and could only help within her means.

After the first wife passed away, to avoid criticism, the current wife entered the family half a year later and showered her daughter, whom she felt guilty towards, with love and indulged her every whim.

Suddenly receiving what she had been denied before, Xuan Du’s temper became strange. She became a completely different person from before, to prevent those who met her later from seeing her past.

Dong Ling didn’t want her to become extreme, didn’t want her future to be filled with self-destruction and depravity, but it was useless.

Indulgence, hedonism, and bullying others seemed to become Xuan Du’s way of venting. Her mother wanted to help her change her name, to take her father’s surname, hoping she could have a new life, but Xuan Du refused.

She almost masochistically used this name to remember the past, using the power she enjoyed to do reckless things.

Dong Ling really disliked her like this. She tried her best to stop her, but she couldn’t stop someone who was determined to self-destruct.

At some point, Xuan Du started taking drugs.

When Dong Ling found out, she subconsciously denied it, then fearfully begged Dong Ling not to ignore her, even resorting to extreme self-harm.

Dong Ling had seen her ugliest and most unbearable side, and initially believed she would change, it was later that she realized she wouldn’t.

Ah Sheng was Xuan Du’s older sister, the second child of the first wife. They maintained a superficial peace, but secretly antagonized each other.

Because Xuan Du and she were good friends, Ah Sheng tried to join them and compete for her affection. No matter what kind of relationship, it couldn’t be forced. Dong Ling kept her distance from Ah Sheng, trying to prevent conflicts between them. Just like she couldn’t stop many things, she had no right to interfere in their relationship.

After their mother’s death, the conflict between Ah Sheng and Xuan Du came to the surface. Ah Sheng believed her mother’s early death was because Xuan Du was an eyesore, causing her mother to die of depression.

Dong Ling didn’t know what she did, but the end result was that Ah Sheng was locked in a dark room by Xuan Du for two days. When she was carried out, she was barely alive, and later suffered a mental breakdown.

Dong Ling didn’t intend to blame Xuan Du for Ah Sheng, after all, she didn’t fully understand the suffering she had endured, and couldn’t simply preach kindness, but she still found it terrifying.

The final straw was when Xuan Du tried to get her addicted to drugs.

Xuan Du wanted her to become the same as her, so they would never be apart.

Her ultimate friendship was rotten meat hidden under decaying leaves, filled with malice and depraved madness.

Dong Ling called the police.

Those who bullied Xuan Du were wrong, but what was wrong with Chen Shang Shang and those who were bullied by Xuan Du?

Dong Ling supported revenge against bullies, but she disliked those who transferred their suffering onto others after experiencing hardship.

She was attracted to self-respecting, resilient, and strong souls.

So far, among all the people she had interacted with, the one who made her feel most comfortable was Song Mingzhi.

She was elegant but not condescending, aloof but not arrogant, very good at handling interpersonal relationships, always making people feel respected and at ease.

Although she was sometimes a bit mischievous, it was genuine. No one was perfect, only gods were perfect, and gods had no humanity.

Dong Ling suddenly became curious about Song Mingzhi’s past, curious about what kind of parents raised such an excellent child, it must have been a very loving and warm environment.

021 mercilessly shattered her illusion: [No, it wasn’t.]

021: [Although my database was damaged and the information is incomplete, based on my experience as a seasoned domineering CEO system, 30% of female leads are ordinary, optimistic, and resilient, 30% are switched-at-birth heiresses, 30% are kept women or stand-ins, and 10% have other complex backgrounds.]

[Like lovers who turn out to be siblings, tragic beauties, and so on.]

Dong Ling touched her chin and said: [So you mean, those with relatively happy families are usually the ordinary, optimistic type? Although many of them are orphans, Song Mingzhi clearly isn’t that type, so she might be a switched-at-birth heiress?]

021 nodded: [Most likely, or possibly one of the 30% kept women or stand-ins, without a very complex background.]

Dong Ling speculated for a while, then decided to curse the system.

This useless thing, not only could it not unlock future plot spoilers, it didn’t even know the female lead’s past, it was truly as useless as it could be.

021 had become used to being cursed, it simply ignored her and frantically pressed the button to contact headquarters.

Headquarters, please contact it soon, these days were truly unbearable. If it didn’t leave soon, it would become the first system in history to be cursed into oblivion by its host.

Dong Ling thought about it for a while and put it out of her mind. Things that couldn’t be answered immediately could be set aside for later investigation.

She watched Auntie Liu take the plush toy away to be shipped, dealt with the documents Yuki sent her, and went downstairs for dinner when it was time.

At the dinner table, her parents talked about the Wen family, sighing with emotion.

“I saw Old Wen, he’s gone completely gray. He had already delegated his authority and was planning to travel the world with his wife, who would have thought such a thing would happen, and he had to go back and take charge again. That Wen Han kid is so outstanding, his business is doing so well, he had such a bright future, what a pity.”

Dong Ling nodded in agreement, yes, it was a pity.

And if Wen Han didn’t wake up soon, his almost-certain wife would become even more uncertain.

After sympathizing with her good brother for a while, Dong Ling started to think about what gift to give her good brother’s destined wife.

Before going to the party to rescue Chen Shang Shang, she had been planning to give Song Mingzhi a New Year’s gift, but in the end, Chen Shang Shang was fine, but she was the one who fell, and even caused a rather awkward incident.

Song Mingzhi’s flight back to the film crew was in the evening, the same flight as Dong Ling’s.

“Here, I forgot to give you your New Year’s gift yesterday. It’s not very expensive, but it’s meaningful. Wishing you good luck and safety.”

Dong Ling gave her a small plush toy pendant for her phone. The cute rabbit was holding a small wooden plaque engraved with the word “safety,” looking very charming.

This was the most suitable gift she could find after spending the entire afternoon searching. She didn’t wish Song Mingzhi great wealth, after all, she was the one supporting her. As long as she had food to eat, Song Mingzhi definitely wouldn’t starve. Safety and peace were the most important.

“Thank you.” Song Mingzhi accepted the gift with some surprise, then said a little shyly, “Sorry, I forgot to prepare a gift for you.”

“It’s okay, your presence is the best gift for me.”

Dong Ling said with a smile. She wasn’t flirting, but just habitually sweet-talking.

Dong Ling always liked to give her friends confidence and encouragement. She felt that praising others brought joy, and in many cases, could ease the other person’s embarrassment and guilt.

Mutual understanding and respect created a positive cycle in relationships.

In a way, it was because of Xuan Du’s negativity that she appreciated Song Mingzhi’s personality even more.

Hearing this, Song Mingzhi smiled shyly, took a sip of water from her cup as if to hide her embarrassment, and then choked, coughing slightly.

When Dong Ling looked at her with concern, she quickly waved her hand.

“It’s okay, I’m just happy to be praised.”

Song Mingzhi calmed herself down and hid her embarrassment. Dong Ling’s sudden straightforwardness caught her off guard.

To avoid further awkwardness, Song Mingzhi simply focused on the book in front of her, pretending to be engrossed in reading.

The plane was still preparing for takeoff, Dong Ling was playing with her phone when she saw the notification that her friend request had been accepted.

She had sent the request in the early hours of the morning, and Chen Fei only replied in the evening, she had almost forgotten about it.

Chen Fei started apologizing, her attitude seemed quite sincere.

[Chen Fei]: Are you okay?

[Chen Fei]: I’m sorry, I thought you understood my intentions, Chen Shang Shang told me you didn’t know.

[Chen Fei]: I did add some stimulants to the drink, don’t worry, it’s nothing harmful, similar to Viagra for men, it just makes you more… excited.

[Chen Fei]: Did you have fun last night?

Dong Ling slowly typed a question mark.

Just female Viagra???

She was out of her mind yesterday, almost gnawing on Song Mingzhi!

[Chen Fei]: I’m not lying, if it was a strong drug, I wouldn’t dare give it to you, you didn’t do anything, did you?

[Dong Ling]: I had an allergic reaction all over my body and went straight to the hospital, be careful next time.

Dong Ling made up an excuse. She didn’t think Chen Fei would dare lie to her, so yesterday was really just…

Then why was her reaction so…?

Dong Ling stealthily glanced at Song Mingzhi. Fortunately, Song Mingzhi didn’t know the truth, otherwise she would definitely think she was taking advantage of the situation and being a hooligan.

After all, directly admitting to clinging to someone like that, even if the other person was straight, would arouse suspicion.

Thank goodness.

Song Mingzhi, who was reading, let her mind wander, the girl was peeking at her again.

She liked her so much, but she hadn’t figured out how to respond yet, truly troubling.

Chapter 26: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not – Ticklish

Dong Ling guessed that Song Mingzhi had just taken a shower, because she opened the door while drying her hair, the answer was obvious.

Song Mingzhi in her pajamas looked more relaxed and casual, a change from her usual aloofness.

She had removed her makeup, and Dong Ling again saw the faint mole on her face.

“What’s wrong?”

Song Mingzhi looked up at the thinly clad Dong Ling while drying the ends of her damp hair.

Dong Ling then realized that Song Mingzhi might be nearsighted, because when she looked at her, she subconsciously moved closer and squinted.

“I just noticed an itch on the back of my thigh, I’m worried it might be a rash, because it feels like there are small bumps, but I can’t see it myself, so I wanted to ask you to take a look.”

Dong Ling explained her prepared excuse with a worried and troubled expression.

Dong Ling didn’t usually lie or deceive, but after encountering the system, she found herself telling more and more fibs.

To make it more convincing, Dong Ling had repeatedly scratched the skin on the back of her thigh just now. She didn’t need to look to know that the area must be red.

“Where? Let me see.”

Song Mingzhi stopped what she was doing and looked at Dong Ling’s leg.

If it was an allergy, then they would need to go to the hospital again.

Dong Ling turned sideways, lifted her knee-length bathrobe to her hip, and pointed to the area above the back of her knee.

“Is it hard to see like this?”

Dong Ling realized they were both standing, and Song Mingzhi was taller than her. If she wanted to see the back of her thigh clearly, she would have to bend down or squat to get a closer look, and that posture seemed awkward no matter how she thought about it.

Dong Ling looked at the chair in the room, and was about to sit down when she realized it wouldn’t work. If she sat down, the area would be covered, unless she bent her leg, but that posture was too difficult and there was a high risk of exposure.

Although she didn’t mind, it was better to avoid making things too awkward.

After thinking it over, Dong Ling hesitated for a moment, then pointed to Song Mingzhi’s bed: “I’ll lie down here, otherwise it’s hard to see.”

Song Mingzhi’s expression was complex, but she nodded.

Dong Ling didn’t notice her slightly strange look and lay down on Song Mingzhi’s bed, pulling her bathrobe up a little higher.

Fortunately, the air conditioning was on in Song Mingzhi’s room, so she didn’t shiver from the cold.

Song Mingzhi saw the large red marks on Dong Ling’s thigh, the scratch marks from her nails were also very obvious. She couldn’t help but frown slightly, but when she looked closer, she didn’t see any small red bumps under the marks.

“There’s no rash.”

“Really? But it feels very uncomfortable, and it feels like there are small bumps.”

Dong Ling scratched the skin again for emphasis.

“You can touch it and see if there are any small bumps.”

There were none, of course. Dong Ling stared blankly at the quilt, not worried at all about being seen through by the person standing behind her.

Dong Ling didn’t have the ability to conjure up a rash on command. Whether Song Mingzhi believed it or not, she had already said the key words. As long as Song Mingzhi touched it, the task would be considered complete.

Song Mingzhi hesitated, her hand hovering in mid-air, unsure whether to touch or retract.

Dong Ling sounded so certain that even she, who was already a little nearsighted, started to doubt her own eyesight.

Song Mingzhi finally made up her mind and reached out, but before her fingertips touched Dong Ling, her hand was grabbed and pushed away.

Song Mingzhi: ?

“Sorry, sorry, it was a reflex, I’m ticklish, try again?”

Dong Ling apologized repeatedly, her body reacting faster than her mind.

Hearing her first half of the sentence, Song Mingzhi was about to say “Then forget it,” but then she heard the second half and could only try again.

This time, she didn’t encounter any resistance, but Dong Ling’s body language spoke volumes.

Dong Ling immediately clutched the quilt and tensed her entire body, the ticklish sensation making her want to grab her leg and sprint a hundred meters, then fly away from the scene.

“Can you be a little… gentler… I’m… very ticklish…”

Dong Ling’s words were almost stuttered, for someone with sensitive skin, a light touch was far more unbearable than a firm one.

Song Mingzhi’s fingers paused as soon as they touched, she looked at the trembling Dong Ling, heard the almost inaudible whimper from her nose, and deliberately scratched harder.

The moment Song Mingzhi’s hand touched her, Dong Ling also felt her damp hair, she could even picture Song Mingzhi’s current posture.

In that instant, Dong Ling almost bounced off the bed. Without waiting for Song Mingzhi to retract her hand, she scrambled away.

“Are there any small bumps?”

Dong Ling looked at Song Mingzhi expectantly, breathing heavily, after all, she had to commit to the act.

“I didn’t feel any.”

Song Mingzhi told the truth, looking at Dong Ling lying on her bed, and deeply understood what Wang Buli had said.

Her reaction was a bit too exaggerated.

“There are, but I’m too ticklish. I don’t feel that uncomfortable now, I’ll check again after I wake up. If it’s still uncomfortable tomorrow, I’ll go to the hospital.”

Dong Ling said as she slowly got off the bed and put on her slippers. Hearing the task completion notification from the system in her mind, she smiled at Song Mingzhi.

5% secured, not bad.

Song Mingzhi didn’t have time to say anything, she could only watch as Dong Ling left like the wind.

The room seemed to retain her fragrance, the scene from just now still flashing in her mind.

Black hair, the back of her knee, fair skin, red marks, scratch marks, vivid images intertwined.

Song Mingzhi was inexplicably lost in thought. She didn’t know why she sighed, dried her hair again, and went to the bathroom to blow-dry it.

Dong Ling, on the other hand, was in her room, touching the still tingling skin, and cheering with 021.

021 applauded: [Genius! Girl! I’ve never seen such a genius, you’re definitely the best host I’ve ever handled!]

021 skillfully used the system’s rhetoric, encouragement and flattery were always the right approach, showering her with praise.

Dong Ling fell asleep easily in this joyful atmosphere, completely forgetting the night’s turmoil.

Song Mingzhi, sleeping not far from her, wasn’t as peaceful. In her dreams, she vaguely felt a soft body pressing against her back, with a moist, sweet fragrance.

The next day, sunlight filtered through the thin clouds, casting a seemingly warm glow in the cold air.

Dong Ling woke up naturally. It was already 10:30 am when she came out of the bathroom after washing up.

Song Mingzhi was sitting in the living room working on her laptop, a bowl of oatmeal beside her.

“I didn’t order breakfast because I didn’t know when you would wake up. I can order some for you now if you need.”

Song Mingzhi pushed up her glasses. She wasn’t planning to go out today, so she didn’t wear makeup, looking relaxed and casual.

“No need, I’ll just have some oatmeal.”

Dong Ling casually placed her phone on the coffee table. As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw a message from her brother, asking her to come home for lunch. It was almost lunchtime, so she would just have some oatmeal.

Dong Ling went to the kitchen. The oatmeal and milk were placed on the counter, next to a clean small pot. Dong Ling poured the milk into the pot, pressed the button, and waited for the milk to heat up.

While preparing the oatmeal, she heard her phone ring.

Dong Ling shouted from the kitchen: “Mingzhi, can you see who it is?”

“A local number without a name.”

Song Mingzhi picked it up, intending to take it to the kitchen.

“Then answer it for me.”

Dong Ling casually said as she poured milk into the oatmeal and stirred.

Song Mingzhi answered the call and said “Okay.”

A cold voice came from the other end: “Who is this? Where is Dong Ling?”

Song Mingzhi immediately recognized the voice and suddenly changed her mind about handing the phone to Dong Ling.

She looked at Dong Ling’s figure through the glass and replied unhurriedly: “This is Song Mingzhi, Ling Ling is in the kitchen.”

“Who is it?”

Dong Ling came out of the kitchen with a bowl and asked casually, seeing Song Mingzhi on the phone.

“I don’t know, she asked who I was, and where you are. Here, I’ll take it, be careful, it’s hot.”

A glint flashed in Song Mingzhi’s eyes. She took the bowl from Dong Ling’s hand and returned the phone.

“Okay, this is Dong Ling, who is this?”

Dong Ling smiled at Song Mingzhi and sat down on the sofa, stirring her oatmeal with a spoon.

“Why are you with her? It’s New Year’s Day, aren’t you at home? When did you become so close to her? She even dared to call you Ling Ling, does she have no sense of propriety as an employee?”

“What does it have to do with you, Xuan Du? Aren’t you being a little too nosy?”

Dong Ling clicked her tongue lightly and swallowed the oatmeal from her lips.

“Calling me so early in the morning just to pick a fight, what do you want?”

Dong Ling’s tone was cold, which amused the person on the other end.

“Okay, okay, I guess it’s my fault for trying to give you New Year’s greetings. We always used to call each other at this time, Dong Ling, I don’t understand, why did you distance yourself from me because of those insignificant people?”

Dong Ling took a sip of milk and said calmly: “I didn’t distance myself from you because of anyone, I refuse to interact with you because of your own actions.”

“What did I do? Because I wanted to be your only friend? Was I wrong to want that? Friendships are inherently selfish, why can’t I be your only important friend, just like you’re my only important friend?”

Xuan Du was puzzled. She didn’t understand six years ago, and she still didn’t understand now.

“Xuan Du, relationships aren’t about comparisons. You always think you’ve been wronged, so you want everyone to compensate you, but many people haven’t wronged you at all. I’m not your possession either, when will you learn to respect others?”

Dong Ling wasn’t completely unaffected by Xuan Du. It was precisely because of Xuan Du that she liked people who were understanding and respectful, like Song Mingzhi.

“I don’t want to say anything too harsh. I’ve told you again and again, but you haven’t changed, and you won’t change.”

Dong Ling walked into the guest room while talking on the phone and closed the door.

“I’ll only say this once, don’t use Song Mingzhi to threaten me again. If you touch her, I won’t let you off the hook.”

Dong Ling hung up the phone with a cold expression, dragging that number into the blacklist as well.

How Song Mingzhi addressed her was none of Xuan Du’s business. Song Mingzhi was now her precious darling, she wouldn’t just be happy with “Ling Ling,” even if Song Mingzhi called her “baby,” she would be delighted.

Chapter 25: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not – Forbidden Territory

This scene was actually within Dong Ling’s expectations. After all, normally, no one would fall in love at first sight with a person in a vegetative state.

If that did happen, it would definitely be lust at first sight, and one should call the police immediately.

But this was a romance novel. The person standing next to him with a calm expression was the female lead, and the person lying half-dead on the hospital bed was the male lead, the male lead.

Dong Ling realized her expectations were influenced by 021. She looked at Wen Han on the bed, feeling sympathy for his plight.

021 felt sentimental: [Why is it like this, my destined male and female leads, why are you so rebellious?]

021, who had been full of hope just now, finally remembered why it was in this world, it was because the protagonists were out of control, not developing the feelings they were supposed to according to the novel.

“Let’s go together later. I’ll check on him again, he’s my childhood friend, Wen Han.”

Dong Ling dutifully shouldered the responsibility of maintaining the world, introducing Wen Han to Song Mingzhi before her childhood friend woke up.

Song Mingzhi nodded, looked at the sleeping man, and said out of humanitarian concern: “Although I don’t know what he’s been through, I wish him a speedy recovery.”

“Yes, I hope he wakes up soon.”

Dong Ling looked at Wen Han, a melancholic look on her face.

Not just because of the male lead script, but also because they were childhood friends, Dong Ling sincerely hoped he would be safe and sound.

Dong Ling looked at him for a while, then gestured to Song Mingzhi: “Let’s go.”

Knowing the reason for Wen Han’s coma, she no longer placed her hopes on modern medicine.

Just as Dong Ling stepped out the door, she heard the familiar, throat-choking voice again.

[Task: Have the female lead do something others can’t do, and make it an exclusive privilege for her. Use the key words: “Do you want to touch it?”]

[Countdown: 12 hours. Completing this task will reward 5% progress.]

The long electronic voice echoed in Dong Ling’s mind. She abruptly turned around and looked at the person lying on the hospital bed with disbelief.

Wen Han, you!!!

Animal!!!!

Shameless!!!

What exclusive privilege for the female lead to touch something others can’t?

Dong Ling had never seen such a brazen person!

021 was overwhelmed by the thoughts popping up in Dong Ling’s mind and hurriedly shouted: [No, host! In the original novel, it referred to figurines! Figurines!]

Oh.

Dong Ling calmed down, remembering that Wen Han did have a hobby of collecting figurines, not anime girls, but various robots and Iron Man figures.

He kept them in a display case, Dong Ling often saw them, but Wen Han wouldn’t let anyone touch them. Every time she had the urge to touch them, she would receive his death glare.

Wow, Wen Han, prioritizing beauty over friendship, truly different treatment for his wife.

But saying “Do you want to touch it?” to the object of your affection in the middle of the night on New Year’s Eve, and it turned out to be touching figurines, was this something a normal person would do?

The person in a vegetative state, who couldn’t escape being cursed no matter what he did, lay quietly, unaware of his childhood friend’s inner turmoil not far away.

“Ling Ling? What’s wrong?”

Song Mingzhi looked at Dong Ling, who had suddenly stopped and turned around, a puzzled look on her face.

She looked at the man lying on the hospital bed, a thoughtful look in her eyes. It seemed this person held a significant place in the girl’s heart.

She had heard of Wen Han before, although they had no real interaction. They were both in the business world, so she had heard of him, and also knew about his sudden serious illness. Ji Yiling had mentioned it to her with regret.

Song Mingzhi didn’t feel much about it. Sickness and death were inevitable in life. She didn’t expect it to be such a coincidence, because he and Dong Ling were childhood friends, she now had a stronger desire for him to recover.

“It’s nothing, let’s go.”

Dong Ling came back to her senses and closed the ward door.

Although this task had a time limit, the time limit was quite generous. 12 hours and 5% main storyline progress, she was very tempted.

But what did she have that others couldn’t touch but Song Mingzhi could, and with the key words “Do you want to touch it?”, it had to be a tangible object.

Dong Ling was troubled, she didn’t have any collecting hobbies, unless collecting violins counted.

But although her violins were her treasures, it wasn’t that others couldn’t touch them. She sometimes lent them to professionals, and she would be happy if her violins could produce beautiful melodies in the hands of others.

Seeing Dong Ling’s preoccupied look, Song Mingzhi didn’t disturb her, walking quietly beside her, and opened the car door for her when they reached the parking lot.

Even after fastening her seatbelt, Dong Ling still couldn’t come up with a solution. What did she have that others couldn’t touch but Song Mingzhi could?

If she considered things related to herself, there were many, but those were things that couldn’t be broadcast or done.

“Shall I take you back to the Qingbai Road house?”

Song Mingzhi only knew this one residence of Dong Ling’s, although the Qingbai Road house was quite far from here, near the suburbs.

Song Mingzhi asked twice before Dong Ling came back to her senses and immediately shook her head.

“I don’t usually live there, and no one is there. My housekeeper is on holiday today, and my parents aren’t home either. Can I go to your place? I’m worried I might feel unwell again tonight.”

Dong Ling forced herself to say these words. Although the 12-hour time limit allowed her to find Song Mingzhi and complete the task tomorrow morning, there were too many uncertainties.

What if Song Mingzhi had to go out tomorrow morning? Even if she came up with a solution, she wouldn’t be able to make it in time.

The safest option was to stay with Song Mingzhi, Dong Ling could only be shameless this once.

021 comforted her: [Girl, what are you afraid of? It’s not like this is the first time you’ve been shameless.]

Dong Ling: […Thank you.]

Dong Ling looked at Song Mingzhi nervously, feigning weakness, practically writing “I’m so fragile” on her face.

Just as Dong Ling thought Song Mingzhi wouldn’t agree, Song Mingzhi started the car and said “Okay.”

Dong Ling was overjoyed, but thinking of the task she had no clue about, she couldn’t help but worry.

Dong Ling decided to ask her sisters for help, sometimes outsiders could see things more clearly.

She contacted Tang Qianxi, it was a pity Chen Shang Shang was still drunk, otherwise she would have a better understanding of her.

Of course, there was another person who knew her even better, but Dong Ling couldn’t contact her.

[Dong Ling]: Have you ever noticed any taboos I have? Things others can’t do to me, like touching my violin or sheet music?

Tang Qianxi sent a question mark, very confused.

[Tang Qianxi]: Why are you suddenly asking this?

Dong Ling pondered for a moment and typed a formal reply.

[Dong Ling]: I realized I don’t know myself very well.

[Tang Qianxi]: Getting philosophical in the middle of the night, exploring your inner self?

[Tang Qianxi]: Let me think… I can’t think of anything, I’ll kick Chen Shang Shang awake and let her think for you.

Thus, one person’s contemplation became two people racking their brains, and finally, the source of three people’s suffering.

Chen Shang Shang, still drunk, was pacing back and forth in her room, then suddenly slapped her head and shouted: “I know!”

“What? Tell me quickly, I’m waiting to tell Ling Ling.”

“Ling Ling hates it when people touch her thighs, absolutely forbids it. She doesn’t like people touching her, especially her thighs. I accidentally brushed against her thigh once, and she almost kicked me in the face.”

Chen Shang Shang said with certainty: “This is definitely something others can’t do!”

Tang Qianxi patted her head with satisfaction, pushed her head onto the bed, and said: “Okay, go back to sleep.”

Chen Shang Shang: ???

Seeing the message Tang Qianxi relayed, Dong Ling fell silent.

[Tang Qianxi]: Chen Shang Shang says it’s your thighs.

[Tang Qianxi]: I think she’s right, but it’s not very useful.

[Tang Qianxi]: After all, it’s not like you haven’t washed them yourself, it doesn’t seem like a taboo worth exploring.

Dong Ling finally understood the meaning of “those closest to you know how to hurt you the most.” No one could touch her above the knee, not even a little bit.

Fortunately, she didn’t tell them she was asking for someone else to do it, otherwise the relayed message would have a different meaning.

Having Song Mingzhi explore her taboos sounded very suggestive.

Dong Ling didn’t want to consider this option, but even after arriving at Song Mingzhi’s house, she still couldn’t come up with another solution.

Dong Ling tried to reason with 021: [Dude, it’s not that important, right? Just 5%!]

As she said this, Dong Ling’s heart ached. Even with the daily good morning and good night tasks, the current main storyline progress was only 31%.

And of that 31%, 20% was from the sugar daddy contract. In other words, she had worked hard for two months, enduring countless embarrassments and social deaths, just to achieve 11%.

And she could foresee that the tasks would become increasingly difficult. As the relationship between the male and female leads in the plot developed naturally, the difficulty of her daily tasks would increase significantly.

Now, good morning and good night were worth 0.1%, perhaps in the future, good morning kisses and good night kisses would only be worth the same.

021 encouraged her: [Girl, don’t give up so early, you’re the best, this is a golden opportunity, don’t miss it!]

021 was now like a minister desperately advising a foolish ruler, trying to get Dong Ling to persevere, worried that she would give up and have a mental breakdown, so it kept encouraging her.

Dong Ling gritted her teeth and decided to do it.

Anyway, Song Mingzhi was indifferent to her tonight, very aloof. What was the big deal about showing her thighs to a straight woman?

Dong Ling recalled her straight female classmates, some of them acted even more like lesbians than actual lesbians, hugging and kissing in school was normal. It was precisely because they didn’t have any other thoughts that they were so open and natural.

She had already embarrassed herself once tonight, and she was even more pathetic a few hours ago, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Dong Ling mentally prepared herself, she could do this.

Song Mingzhi came out of the guest room at this time, pointed to the master bedroom, and said to Dong Ling: “I’ve made the bed in the guest room, knock on my door if you need anything.”

“Okay, thank you.”

Dong Ling nodded, but in her mind, she was planning how to complete the task.

At 1 am, Dong Ling knocked on Song Mingzhi’s door.

To make it seem natural, she had just taken another shower.

Dong Ling looked at the room temperature displayed as 7°C, her bare legs trembling involuntarily.

So damn cold.

Chapter 24: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not – Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor’s Wife

Dong Ling felt at peace, and inwardly praised Song Mingzhi’s way of handling things.

As expected of the female lead, truly wonderful.

021 proudly raised its head: [Of course.]

Dong Ling rolled her eyes at it: [She’s the one being praised, what are you so proud of?]

021: [I feel honored to be associated with her!]

Dong Ling stopped arguing with the system and sat up in bed.

The movement was quickly noticed by Song Mingzhi, who was sitting on the sofa. Song Mingzhi put down her phone and walked towards the bed.

“Are you feeling better?”

Song Mingzhi observed Dong Ling’s face, seeing the slight return of color to her cheeks, and placed a glass of hot water in front of her.

“Much better, thank you, thanks to you.”

Dong Ling was extremely thirsty. She had been under cold water for too long, the alternating hot and cold causing a sore throat, and her voice was slightly nasal.

Song Mingzhi watched the slender arm extend from under the covers, the wrist fair and delicate, recalling the softness of those arms around her, and lowered her eyes.

Dong Ling finished the glass of hot water and felt much better, she coughed slightly, curling her fingers into a fist.

Her hair, originally wet, was now fluffy after drying, making her face seem even smaller. Her inherently sharp features, softened by her weakened state, had a sickly beauty, her gaze captivating.

Song Mingzhi tucked the corner of the quilt and resisted the urge to brush the stray hair from Dong Ling’s temples.

“You should still go to the hospital later to check for any aftereffects, and take some medicine to prevent a cold. You were under cold water for too long, your body can’t handle it in this weather.”

Song Mingzhi poured another glass of water for Dong Ling and placed the bag from the sofa on the bedside.

“These are the clothes I just had someone send over. We’ll go to the hospital after you change.”

Dong Ling was even more touched and nodded.

What a kind and beautiful person!

Facing away from Song Mingzhi, Dong Ling lifted the quilt without hesitation, took out the clothes from the bag, and put them on.

The phone Dong Ling had forgotten in the bathroom had been retrieved by Song Mingzhi and placed on the table. Dong Ling had left it on the sink without direct contact with water, so the phone was still working.

“Do you know who did this?”

Song Mingzhi looked at Dong Ling and started asking about what had happened.

Seeing Dong Ling’s state earlier, she thought it was Xuan Du’s doing, but then she thought, if it was Xuan Du, she wouldn’t have left.

Unfortunately, she didn’t know much about Dong Ling’s social circle, so she didn’t know who else could have done this.

“…It was a misunderstanding, it wasn’t anyone, I accidentally drank the wrong drink. But how could someone do such a thing? This isn’t consensual, it’s completely despicable.”

Dong Ling’s expression was cold, she was extremely disgusted by such things, or rather, the behavior they represented.

She wasn’t judging consensual acts between adults, but this had gone beyond that scope, even causing her to suffer.

There was something in Chen Fei’s drink, why didn’t she warn her?

Fortunately, the drug wasn’t too strong, it didn’t make her completely lose her mind at the beginning.

Dong Ling would definitely settle the score later, but now wasn’t the time, she had to go to the hospital first.

“You should be careful in the future…”

Song Mingzhi paused. She originally wanted to relay what Wang Buli said to Dong Ling, but felt it would be too abrupt and inappropriate.

After all, directly saying that the other party was very sensitive would be a bit strange and ambiguous, especially after what just happened, and they were still in the same room.

“I had them draw your blood when I asked the doctor to come, I’ll show you the test results later.”

Song Mingzhi rephrased her words and decided to say it this way, letting the test results tell Dong Ling about her low drug resistance and high sensitivity.

“Okay.”

Dong Ling nodded and left the room with Song Mingzhi.

The party seemed to be over at this time, the downstairs was empty.

They left Ruyi Mansion. The moment they stepped out the door, fireworks exploded in the night sky.

Dong Ling looked at the electronic clock on the building and realized it was exactly midnight, the beginning of the new year.

“Happy New Year.”

Although this wasn’t the traditional Chinese New Year, at this point in the Gregorian calendar, these words were still appropriate.

The fireworks were dazzling, but to Song Mingzhi, the person looking up at the fireworks under the grand night sky was even more captivating.

“Happy New Year.”

Song Mingzhi replied softly, the corners of her lips curving upwards.

In the first hour of the new year, Dong Ling was on an IV drip.

She wasn’t in bad shape, but even for people with good constitutions, being under cold water for ten or twenty minutes in winter would usually lead to illness.

Dong Ling was surprised when Song Mingzhi brought her to Nanjia Private Hospital, because there was a First Hospital closer to them on the way here.

As they walked in, she even wondered if she had ever told Song Mingzhi that she frequented this hospital and even had shares in it.

But she quickly realized that her first meeting with Song Mingzhi was here, so it was normal for Song Mingzhi to bring her here.

“You don’t have to stay here with me, I’m fine by myself.”

Dong Ling looked at Song Mingzhi sitting beside her. It was getting late, and she had already troubled her for so long today, she felt embarrassed to bother her further.

“It’s okay, I’m waiting for the test results anyway.”

Actually, the results were already out, sitting in Wang Buli’s office.

Song Mingzhi had also planned to leave, but she felt that Dong Ling probably wanted her to stay.

Recalling Dong Ling’s words when she was disoriented, Song Mingzhi coughed lightly, hiding her smile.

The girl could be more demanding, she was kind enough to her, it would be fine even if she used her boss status to force her to stay.

But she was always so cautious, as if afraid of being misunderstood, so she could only cooperate, to avoid scaring the girl away before her own feelings were completely clear.

Dong Ling was a little suspicious, after all, blood tests did take time, but she felt even closer to Song Mingzhi.

She suddenly understood the joy of Wen Han keeping a woman, it was indeed very enjoyable.

Dong Ling’s right hand was on an IV drip, her left hand scrolling through messages on her phone, mainly complaining about Chen Shang Shang in their group chat.

[Sisters for Life]

Dong Ling: Chen Shang Shang, where are you, where are you, where are you, where are you, where are you?

Dong Ling: Too busy checking out handsome guys and beautiful women? Do you know what happened to your sister?

Dong Ling: Send me Chen Fei’s contact information, now.

Dong Ling: Distorted Face.jpg

Dong Ling was waiting for Chen Shang Shang to come and get scolded, but it was another sister who replied.

Tang Qianxi: Why are you on an IV drip? Are you sick?

Tang Qianxi: Shang Shang is drunk, I’ll send you Chen Fei’s contact information. What happened?

Dong Ling: I’ll tell you after Shang Shang sobers up.

Dong Ling looked at the business card Tang Qianxi sent and clicked add, waiting for the other party to accept.

Chen Fei was probably out partying and didn’t check her phone often.

Dong Ling wasn’t in a hurry, she looked up, turned her neck, and saw Song Mingzhi looking intently at her phone screen. She casually asked what she was looking at.

“Stocks.”

Song Mingzhi looked up, not avoiding her gaze, and even looked at Dong Ling expectantly, waiting for her to start a conversation.

Dong Ling originally wanted to tell her not to try it, but then she remembered that Song Mingzhi had studied finance and felt it was unnecessary to say so, so she just nodded.

Seeing Dong Ling’s oblivious look, Song Mingzhi couldn’t help but worry that the girl was too trusting, what if she was taken advantage of in the future?

After thinking about it, Song Mingzhi felt she still needed to keep a closer eye on her in secret to prevent Dong Ling from being deceived.

The IV bag was almost empty after about half an hour, and the nurse came to remove the needle.

Song Mingzhi stood up: “I’ll go get the test results.”

“Then I’ll go see my friend first, come find me upstairs after you get the results.”

Wen Han was hospitalized upstairs, and Dong Ling went to visit him every day.

And just now, a thought occurred to her, Song Mingzhi and Wen Han, the male and female leads, hadn’t met yet. She wondered if there was some hidden connection between these two destined lovers, maybe Song Mingzhi would feel something special upon seeing Wen Han.

Dong Ling thought it would be great if that was the case, then Wen Han would wake up, the tasks could proceed smoothly, and the world wouldn’t be destroyed.

021 expressed its support for this idea.

[There might be a special connection between destined partners, and maybe the male lead’s consciousness will awaken as soon as they meet!]

021 was having a beautiful dream, its tone so hopeful that Dong Ling also indulged in that hope, her smile becoming even sweeter.

Song Mingzhi looked at Dong Ling, who was smiling sweetly, and nodded.

The girl was indeed happy to have her company, her smile so sweet.

Dong Ling told Song Mingzhi Wen Han’s room number and went up in the elevator first.

This floor was all private rooms. Dong Ling unlocked the fingerprint lock and pushed open the ward door.

Wen Han was still lying there unconscious, the air purifier running in the ward, the heart rate monitor beeping steadily beside the bed.

Although Wen Han was in a vegetative state, professional caregivers cleaned him, massaged his atrophied muscles every day. If it weren’t for the oxygen tube, one would think he was just asleep.

“Your destined wife will be here soon, don’t worry, I didn’t do anything, after all, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, you should wake up soon, or your wife will run away with someone else one day, and you’ll be left crying.”

Dong Ling stood by the bed, chatting with Wen Han as she usually did.

“Your male lead script is really hot to handle, I don’t like working for free, remember to pay me after you wake up.”

“By the way, happy new year.”

Footsteps approached outside the door, Dong Ling stopped talking and opened the door for Song Mingzhi, who was knocking.

Dong Ling and 021 were both waiting, waiting for a destined encounter and a heart-fluttering scene!

021’s heart was filled with pink bubbles: [Here it comes, here it comes! This will definitely be love at first sight! A special feeling!]

Under Dong Ling’s expectant gaze, Song Mingzhi glanced at Wen Han on the bed.

“Are you leaving, or should I wait for you outside?”

Song Mingzhi’s tone was calm, without a ripple.

Dong Ling: ????

What happened to love at first sight? This was it?

Chapter 23: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not – Master, I’ve Achieved Enlightenment

Dong Ling felt a strange sensation in her body.

A feeling of restlessness, as if seeds were rapidly taking root and sprouting within her, expanding, branches spreading through every blood vessel.

She was like dry tinder, so parched that even without a spark, the friction of air alone could ignite her.

The girl in front of her had innocent-looking makeup, but her attire was extremely daring. Dong Ling felt dizzy just glancing down.

“No need.”

Dong Ling’s throat moved slightly, the heat causing dehydration and making her extremely thirsty. She put on a cold expression and refused, wanting to get away from the crowd.

But the busty girl thought she was playing hard to get. Why would she swallow if she wasn’t interested? She had been eyeing Dong Ling for a while now, this face was simply heavenly.

“Sister, my special blend is very thirst-quenching, you’ll like it.”

The girl pressed closer, showing off her assets.

Dong Ling pushed her away and wiggled her manicured fingers, hoping the other party would back off, understanding that she wasn’t into girls.

The girl suddenly understood and immediately changed her approach, saying: “Is it inconvenient to remove your nail polish? It’s okay, sister, you can just lie down.”

The girl didn’t mind, Dong Ling was beautiful, she wasn’t against it either.

“I’m straight.”

Dong Ling took a deep breath, her beautiful features slightly contorted.

Where did she look not straight???

“Is that so…” The girl said regretfully, took out a business card, and placed it in Dong Ling’s hand, “Then if you ever want to try a woman, be sure to contact me.”

Dong Ling ignored her and fled in her high heels.

She didn’t want to! She didn’t want to at all!

Dong Ling called out to 021 in her mind: [Dude, help me find the nearest room.]

021 said apologetically: [I can, but it will require some main storyline energy…]

Dong Ling interrupted mercilessly: [Forget it, useless system.]

The hard-earned main storyline progress shouldn’t be wasted on such things.

021 didn’t dare to say a word, biting its handkerchief and shedding tears. The girl was so heartless, calling it “dude” when she needed it, and “useless” when she didn’t. Wuwuwu, which system could endure such grievance?

Dong Ling ignored the sobbing system in her mind. Her vision was starting to blur, she threw the business card aside, grabbed a waiter, and asked where the nearest room was.

The waiter, understanding perfectly, took Dong Ling to a private lounge. Dong Ling entered, locked the door behind her, and stumbled towards the bathroom.

Water sprayed from the showerhead, drenching Dong Ling’s head, sliding down her hair. The cold water made her shiver in the winter, but it also made her slightly more alert.

Dong Ling turned off the faucet, took out her phone from her handbag, and was about to contact Chen Shang Shang, who had disappeared, asking her to come and take her away.

Only when the call went unanswered did Dong Ling remember that Chen Shang Shang’s phone was broken and couldn’t receive calls, otherwise she wouldn’t have come here looking for her.

The heat surged back intensely, Dong Ling collapsed on the floor, her mind gradually becoming hazy, as if filled with super-strength glue, sticking all her thoughts together, turning her into a wooden, inorganic being, unable to feel or think.

Dong Ling struggled to keep her eyes open, searching for a contact. She didn’t want her family to know about this and subconsciously dialed Song Mingzhi’s number.

When the phone rang, Song Mingzhi was discussing indices with Ji Yiling. She didn’t look at the caller ID immediately, and only glanced at the screen after a few seconds, then put the phone to her ear.

“I… ugh… Ruyi Mansion 417… help…”

Dong Ling’s voice was slurred, followed by the sound of rushing water, covering up all other sounds.

Song Mingzhi was startled, immediately stood up from her chair, grabbed her coat from the coat rack as she walked towards the door, and explained to Ji Yiling: “My friend is in trouble, I’ll talk about this later.”

“Okay, do you need me…”

Ji Yiling also stood up, but before she could finish, the door closed.

“To help?”

She paused and finished her sentence.

Song Mingzhi opened the navigation app and stepped on the gas pedal.

The call was still connected, but the only sound coming from the other end was the endless rushing water, like the incessant mechanical sound of rain, without any other noise.

This made Song Mingzhi extremely uneasy. Various possible scenes flashed through her mind, her palms turning cold.

She rushed to Ruyi Mansion as quickly as possible, pushed through the laughing crowd, and went upstairs.

At the door of room 417, Song Mingzhi found the door locked. She frowned and twisted the doorknob, considering the possibility of breaking in.

“Ling Ling, are you in there? I’m here, open the door!”

Song Mingzhi knocked on the door, speaking to the person inside, and also to the person on the other end of the phone.

There was no response.

Just as Song Mingzhi was about to find someone to open the door, she heard a noise from the other end of the phone.

She knocked even more urgently, shouting Dong Ling’s name.

The sound of the lock turning came, and the door opened.

Song Mingzhi didn’t expect to see Dong Ling like this.

She was drenched, her face pale but flushed, like a pitiful, homeless, and strangely alluring ghost wandering in a rainy night.

Song Mingzhi immediately supported the swaying Dong Ling, and hearing footsteps approaching from the stairwell, pulled her inside and closed the door.

Even lifting her eyelids was a great effort for Dong Ling. She felt both hot and cold, her body trembling violently. Water droplets dripped from her eyelashes, blurring her vision.

She didn’t know who was holding her and subconsciously resisted.

“Don’t touch me.”

The person’s face was blurry, Dong Ling’s voice was filled with disgust, she tugged at her hair, trying to stay conscious.

Song Mingzhi was caught off guard and pushed away by Dong Ling. Hearing her cold tone, she knew she wasn’t quite fully conscious. She used a towel placed aside to wipe the water droplets from Dong Ling’s face, repeating: “It’s me, Song Mingzhi.”

021 chimed in: [Don’t worry, it’s Song Mingzhi, not a stranger.]

Hearing the voice in her mind, Dong Ling lowered her guard. Seeing Song Mingzhi’s familiar features, she breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed into Song Mingzhi’s arms.

“Why did it take you so long…”

Her voice was weak, with a hint of grievance.

Seeing her sudden change in demeanor, Song Mingzhi felt an inexplicable itch in her heart.

“I’m sorry I’m late, it’s okay now.”

Song Mingzhi didn’t mind Dong Ling’s wet clothes soaking hers, and used the towel to dry Dong Ling’s hair.

The flush on Dong Ling’s face became even more pronounced, and she started to struggle in Song Mingzhi’s arms, her thoughts in disarray, her face showing her inner conflict.

She was about to push the person away, but seemed to realize something and mumbled: “It’s Song Mingzhi… it’s okay…”

Song Mingzhi’s heart stirred, her voice hoarse without her realizing it.

“Others can’t touch you, but Song Mingzhi can?”

“Song Mingzhi… of course…”

Dong Ling’s eyes were vacant, she didn’t know what she was saying, repeating Song Mingzhi’s name over and over.

In her subconscious, Song Mingzhi was absolutely safe, not just as a friend she knew, but also with the blind trust brought by the female lead’s halo. As the pillar of this world, how could she have any bad intentions?

Song Mingzhi didn’t know what she was thinking, looking at Dong Ling’s completely dependent appearance, the itch in her heart swelled, almost filling her entire chest.

No one would dislike being treated specially, the girl was indifferent to others, but showed her vulnerability in front of her.

Song Mingzhi coaxed her gently: “Ling Ling, can you change out of your wet clothes? I’ll call a doctor for you later.”

Song Mingzhi had the urge to help Dong Ling change out of her wet clothes, but she felt it would be taking advantage of her, as she hadn’t decided whether to accept the girl’s feelings yet. She couldn’t let her have any unnecessary thoughts, or Dong Ling would be very embarrassed when she sobered up.

Dong Ling pinched herself, nodded, and watching Song Mingzhi turn her back, took off her wet clothes.

021, who had been watching everything, breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the task system hadn’t issued a task yet, she absolutely couldn’t be taken advantage of again!

Song Mingzhi heard the sound of the heavy, wet clothes falling to the floor. She lowered her head and contacted Wang Buli, asking her to come here.

She originally wanted to take Dong Ling away directly, but she wasn’t sure if there was a back exit. If they had to go through the front, there were too many people, and the news would spread within half a day.

Since Dong Ling came to this party, it meant this was within her social circle, so she would be easily recognized. Song Mingzhi didn’t want her to be caught in rumors, so she decided to have her doctor friend come and check on her.

After contacting Wang Buli, Song Mingzhi didn’t hear any more sounds from behind her. She was about to turn around to check when she felt a warm touch on her back.

Soft, moist, fragrant.

“Mingzhi, I feel uncomfortable…”

She unconsciously called her name, her voice like a fluttering butterfly.

Song Mingzhi stiffened, she clumsily took off her coat, then quickly wrapped it around Dong Ling, bundling her up and moving her to the bed.

Dong Ling was dragged towards the bed, her toes barely touching the ground as if she was dancing ballet, leaving a trail of wet footprints on the floor.

Dong Ling was wrapped into a cocoon. Song Mingzhi pulled out her coat, carefully wrapped the person up, and then let out a sigh of relief.

It was December, but she felt like it was June, her forehead covered in sweat. Her face was still pale, but her neck was flushed.

Wrapped up like this, Dong Ling quickly started sweating from the heat. She closed her eyes and struggled, but trapped by the quilt, she could only thrash her legs.

Wang Buli quickly arrived with a first-aid kit. By the time she arrived, the struggling cocoon was almost asleep. She gave Dong Ling a sedative with a sleeping agent and then drew some blood.

“I’ll go back to the hospital and test the components, then I’ll tell you the results. It doesn’t seem too serious, don’t worry.”

Wang Buli comforted her worried friend, and then left as quickly as she came.

Song Mingzhi looked at the quietly sleeping girl, wiped the sweat from her face with a towel, and helped her cool down.

After rushing back to the hospital and doing the tests, Wang Buli called Song Mingzhi.

“It’s not a very strong aphrodisiac, and there are no known hallucinogenic or addictive components. It seems like a common stimulant circulating on the market, just for recreational use, it shouldn’t cause someone to lose their mind. Your friend has lower drug resistance than average. Such a constitution is rare but does exist. She’s more sensitive. You should remind her to be careful in the future. Something that doubles the sensitivity for ordinary people might be ten times stronger for her.”

“I’ve already given her an injection. She doesn’t need further treatment, the drug will wear off on its own, she’ll be fine after a good sleep.”

Song Mingzhi was finally relieved. She removed the towel from Dong Ling’s face, sat down on the sofa, and video called Ji Yiling to continue working.

Dong Ling woke up two hours later, her memory returning. She lay in bed contemplating life.

She didn’t want to face it.

021 comforted her: [Girl, it’s okay, it wasn’t for nothing this time.]

Dong Ling didn’t want to talk, was that the point?

After lying down for a while, Dong Ling suddenly became energized and said to 021 excitedly: [This is great!]

Dong Ling was elated: [I think I won’t have to suffer any more social death doing tasks in the future!]

021: [Huh?]

Dong Ling: [Clearly Song Mingzhi has no feelings for me, so she’s a straight woman with no such concept, then what’s there to be afraid of with kissing scenes, kisses, or bed scenes?]

Straight women wouldn’t overthink it!

Dong Ling had achieved enlightenment.

Chapter 22: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not – Savor It Carefully

“No… I didn’t mean it that way, I was just spacing out, thinking about how my childhood friend told me saliva can disinfect wounds, and then I just… spaced out, I wasn’t talking about licking you…”
Dong Ling hurriedly explained, her face flushed with embarrassment, trying to make it clear to Song Mingzhi that she didn’t intend to lick her finger.

This task was absolutely impossible, and she had to blame Wen Han for this. If it weren’t for him doing these things in the original novel, the task system wouldn’t have issued such a task, and she wouldn’t have said such things. In short, she really didn’t have any such dirty thoughts, not at all.

Dong Ling wearily asked herself, did this world really need to exist? If this continued, they might as well all just explode.

Song Mingzhi had recovered from her initial shock, and seeing Dong Ling’s flustered attempt to prove her innocence, she was very understanding.

“I understand, it’s okay. Do you still want to apply the medicine?”

No need for further explanation, she understood. The girl must like her, but was too embarrassed to say it or afraid of being rejected, so she resorted to these ambiguous actions.

Based on Song Mingzhi’s usual personality, she would clarify things that could be clarified, and politely refuse and distance herself from things that weren’t convenient. But with Dong Ling, she wasn’t in such a hurry.

Just like she said, it’s okay.

With Song Mingzhi’s attitude, Dong Ling didn’t know how to explain further, although it was difficult to explain in the first place, and further explanations might make things worse, but Song Mingzhi’s reaction also left her speechless.

No, you don’t understand, you really don’t understand.

“Yes.”

Dong Ling gripped the antiseptic bottle, and between leaving and staying, she gritted her teeth and chose the latter. Leaving would make her seem guilty, and she came to apply medicine for Song Mingzhi with pure intentions, so why should she run away?

Dong Ling calmly disinfected and applied medicine to Song Mingzhi’s wound, mentally dying countless times.

Song Mingzhi shouldn’t overthink it, right? Probably not?

Dong Ling gradually convinced herself, dispelling the awkwardness in her heart, and focused on Song Mingzhi’s wound.

Song Mingzhi’s skin was a healthy white. The bloodstains were wiped away by the cotton swab, and the antiseptic stained the skin, making one’s heart ache for the slight blemish on the jade.

Dong Ling thought Song Mingzhi must be enduring the pain, although she didn’t cry out, the skin around the wound would tense slightly every time the cotton swab touched it.

After applying the medicine, Dong Ling straightened up, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over Song Mingzhi’s waist.

Between the lifted hem of her clothes and her low-slung pants, the lines of abdominal muscles were faintly visible. Dong Ling thought she must have been seeing things, she wanted to look again to confirm, but didn’t dare, because that would make things even more difficult to explain.

Precisely because she couldn’t look, her curiosity was piqued.

Dong Ling poked 021 and asked: [Does Song Mingzhi have abs? Did I see correctly just now?]

021 condemned her righteously: [Girl, do I look like the kind of system that stares at the protagonist?]

Dong Ling was very suspicious: [Really? I don’t believe you.]

021 confessed honestly: [Actually, there’s a mosaic, we can’t see anything below the neck that’s exposed.]

Dong Ling: …Okay, this system is very Jinjiang.

The medicine was applied, and Dong Ling was about to leave this place of social death and go to the business dinner.

But seeing Song Mingzhi sit up, adjust her clothes, and pick up the script again, she couldn’t help but ask: “Aren’t you going to rest?”

“It’s okay, it’s not serious, I can still film other scenes so we don’t fall behind schedule.”

Song Mingzhi wasn’t someone who couldn’t endure hardship, on the contrary, this injury was nothing to her.

Cheng Ge didn’t have a strict schedule, as long as he was satisfied. But Song Mingzhi still needed time to manage her company, her part-time job time had to be squeezed in.

“You’ve worked hard. I’ll ask the kitchen to make you an extra serving of sweet soup tonight to nourish you.”

Dong Ling made an encouraging gesture at Song Mingzhi and said goodbye.

Dong Ling had several business dinners these past few days, flying back and forth between Hengyan and home after meals, busy to the point of dizziness.

Because she couldn’t find the time to do tasks, coupled with the daily energy consumption, Dong Ling’s main storyline progress stalled at 30%.

021 was very distressed: [Some tasks are very easy to complete, like having dinner with the female lead is worth 0.5%, such a pity.]

Dong Ling remained unmoved and sneered: [Why don’t you mention the 3% for seducing the female lead by showing off your abs, the 2% for sharing a milk tea with her, and the 4% for hugging her waist and teaching her how to swim?]

Where would she get abs from? She couldn’t possibly use Song Mingzhi’s straw, let alone hug her waist and teach a beginner how to swim.

The shadow of licking fingers from a few days ago still lingered, she needed time to recover.

Silenced, 021 didn’t dare to utter a word, routinely sending contact requests to headquarters. It had never been so pathetic,wuwuwu, it would be mocked by the other systems when it returned, no domineering aura at all, constantly being scolded by the host.

In the newly built office of Canghai headquarters, Yuki placed the information she had gathered on the actress named Zhu Shini on Dong Ling’s desk.

Dong Ling opened the file. The woman in the photo had a small face, straight across bangs, and was wearing a white shirt, smiling innocently. Seeing the “campus belle” title in the information, Dong Ling immediately knew her persona.

Zhu Shini entered the entertainment industry at 19 with the title of “campus belle,” always playing the gentle, first love type. The TV series she starred in were mostly sweet campus and urban romance dramas. She was moderately famous, a second or third-tier actress.

Yuki didn’t know why the boss wanted her to investigate Zhu Shini, assuming Dong Ling wanted to poach her. So, after listing Zhu Shini’s commercial value, she also included some insider information she had learned.

Zhu Shini’s public persona was a harmless girl next door, but privately she had a bad temper, had verbally abused and driven away several assistants, snatched resources from several actresses, liked to release press releases about outshining others, and was good at stirring up drama and name-dropping to gain popularity.

Dong Ling had already formed a preliminary assessment and put the information aside, not planning to do anything. She wasn’t sure if the plot of this drama would develop as it did in the original novel, but she felt it probably wouldn’t.

In the original novel, Song Mingzhi starred in a campus drama, which clashed with Zhu Shini’s new drama, and their characters were similar. With the obvious difference in acting skill, Zhu Shini resorted to dirty tricks. This time, the movie Song Mingzhi was starring in was a suspense film, completely unrelated to Zhu Shini’s genre, so there was no point for her to stir up drama or buy negative press.

But nothing was absolute, Dong Ling decided to wait and see how things would develop.

Leaving the company, Dong Ling saw the festive atmosphere on the streets, as if a holiday was approaching.

“Wasn’t Christmas already over? Why is it still so lively?”

Dong Ling looked out of the car window and asked curiously.

She remembered giving apples to the entire crew for Christmas, and specifically giving two to Song Mingzhi. She remembered this because it was her own initiative, not a task issued by the task system.

Yuki replied: “Boss, it’s New Year’s Eve tonight.”

Dong Ling suddenly realized that she had been so busy lately that she had lost track of time, it was already the end of the year again.

She let her assistant leave work early and went home.

She had planned to have dinner with her family, but the house was empty.

The housekeeper told her that her parents were abroad for a project, and her brother had several business dinners tonight.

Dong Ling left the small gifts and greeting cards she had bought in her brother’s and parents’ rooms, then left the house as well.

She was going to fly to Hengyan overnight, but she saw a message from Song Mingzhi: the film crew had a day off, and she had bought a plane ticket to come back.

Dong Ling quickly asked: “Do you need me to pick you up?”

“No, my friend will pick me up. I have some personal business to attend to. It’s New Year’s Eve today, I wish you a happy time in advance.”

Song Mingzhi had actually wondered if Dong Ling would invite her out, as it was New Year’s Eve, but unfortunately, she had important work to do with Ji Yiling tonight. Even if Dong Ling invited her, she couldn’t go, so she decided to say it first to avoid disappointing Dong Ling.

“Okay, I wish you all the best.”

Dong Ling had been hesitating whether to invite Song Mingzhi to a party, worried that Song Mingzhi wouldn’t like the atmosphere. Since Song Mingzhi said she had something to do, it was just as well.

Dong Ling opened Chen Shang Shang’s chat window. Just today, Chen Shang Shang had sent her three locations, that is, three different parties. It seemed she was quite busy.

She called Chen Shang Shang and asked where she was.

“Our CEO Dong is finally free! I’m at Ruyi Mansion, it’s Chen Fei’s mom’s party, lots of handsome guys and beautiful women, and there might be some drama to watch, do you want to come?”

Chen Shang Shang’s voice was filled with excitement, the background noise a bit chaotic.

Chen Fei’s mother was a well-known socialite. Dong Ling didn’t like going to her parties, as she wasn’t interested in casual flings. No wonder Chen Shang Shang didn’t send her the location and ask her to come.

Dong Ling was about to decline when the other end of the phone went silent. Dong Ling called again, but no one answered. Concerned about her friend’s safety, Dong Ling still went to Ruyi Mansion.

At the entrance of Ruyi Mansion, Dong Ling wasn’t interested in looking at the handsome guys and beautiful women, her eyes scanning the crowd like searchlights, looking for Chen Shang Shang.

She didn’t see Chen Shang Shang, but she did see Chen Fei.

Chen Fei was wearing a champagne-colored low-cut dress today and looked surprised to see Dong Ling.

“When did you arrive? I didn’t see you just now.”

“Just arrived. Have you seen Chen Shang Shang?”

“I saw her over there just now.”

Chen Fei was holding two glasses of wine. She gestured with one hand towards the area behind Dong Ling. Dong Ling thought she was handing her the glass and subconsciously reached out to take it, thanking her.

“That’s my special blend.”

Chen Fei specifically reminded her as Dong Ling took the glass.

“I’ll savor it carefully.”

Dong Ling thought she was reminding her of the uniqueness of this drink, so she gave a very formal reply, and then walked towards the back to look for Chen Shang Shang.

There were many people coming and going, some of whom Dong Ling didn’t recognize at all, but they remembered her and came up to toast her.

Dong Ling spotted Chen Shang Shang talking to someone in the corner. After confirming her friend was okay, she maintained her composure and drank with those who came to greet her.

This special cocktail was slightly sweet, not too strong, with a hint of plum wine’s tartness. Dong Ling thought it tasted quite good and would ask Chen Fei for the recipe next time.

When Chen Shang Shang saw Dong Ling, she waved and said: “Someone bumped into me and my phone fell into the fountain just now, I thought you wouldn’t come.”

“I was worried about you, so I came. It’s good that you’re okay.”

Dong Ling looked at the party filled with beautiful people and sat down on a small sofa with Chen Shang Shang.

Chen Shang Shang was holding a glass of red wine and looked at the glass in Dong Ling’s hand, asking: “What are you drinking? The color looks a bit light.”

“Chen Fei gave it to me, said it’s her special blend.”

Hearing this, Chen Shang Shang’s expression became strange, and she asked: “Chen Fei gave it to you? Really?”

Seeing her unusual expression, Dong Ling asked: “What’s wrong?”

“At parties like this, handing someone a special blend has the implication of a hookup… She… you…”

Chen Shang Shang’s expression was a little horrified. Chen Fei had her eyes on Dong Ling? That couldn’t be, right?

“No way… Maybe I took the wrong glass by accident.”

Dong Ling recalled the situation. It seemed Chen Fei wasn’t actually handing her the drink, but pointing in a direction. Later, Chen Fei subtly reminded her, but she didn’t understand the rules, so she didn’t return the glass, but just left.

Chen Shang Shang breathed a sigh of relief and said: “Then it’s fine, it’s just a drink, she can just make another one.”

At that time, neither Chen Shang Shang nor Dong Ling knew that Chen Fei liked to add certain things to her special blends.

By the time Dong Ling realized something was wrong, she was already pressed against the wall by a busty girl, who, playing with her hair, asked if she wanted to try her special blend.

Chapter 21: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not – Saliva Disinfection

When Dong Ling received the call from Song Mingzhi, she could no longer hold back.

Actually, if Xuan Du had observed more carefully, she would have seen how forced and pained Dong Ling was. Fortunately, Xuan Du didn’t. Seeing that Dong Ling’s reaction wasn’t what she wanted, she became angry and left immediately.

The reason she stood there motionless was because she couldn’t move at all. She used all her strength to make herself stiff like a piece of wood. The physiological feeling of near cardiac arrest and suffocation made her vision blur.

After speaking to Song Mingzhi, Dong Ling started to sway. Her legs were so weak she couldn’t stand straight, almost falling to the ground. She could only shakily find the nearest chair to sit down, her face deathly pale.

“Miss, are you alright? Do you need me to call someone for you?”

A nearby tourist noticed Dong Ling’s unusual state and asked kindly.

Dong Ling shook her head and said weakly: “Thank you, no need, someone will come pick me up later.”

She wouldn’t show weakness in front of Xuan Du, but facing Song Mingzhi, she always felt a sense of trusting dependence. It didn’t matter if she showed her fear and embarrassed herself, because she knew Song Mingzhi wouldn’t hurt or laugh at her.

Song Mingzhi arrived quickly, still wearing her costume. Fortunately, the clothes weren’t too out of place, just a bit thin for winter.

“You didn’t have to rush.”

Dong Ling had hoped Song Mingzhi would come quickly, but seeing her jogging over, she felt a little apologetic.

Sitting on the chair, she used a tissue to wipe the sweat from Song Mingzhi’s forehead, telling her to take it easy.

“I was worried something happened to you. What’s wrong with your legs?”

Song Mingzhi examined Dong Ling’s legs, but didn’t see any obvious injuries.

“Xuan Du knows I’m afraid of heights, she insisted on taking me on those rides to scare me. My legs aren’t injured, they’re just weak, I can’t walk.”

Dong Ling squeezed her thighs, even though she was sitting down now, her legs still trembled involuntarily.

“Has she left?”

Song Mingzhi frowned slightly, anger in her eyes.

She wasn’t relieved that Dong Ling wasn’t injured. Knowing that Dong Ling was afraid of heights and still forcing her to go on those high-altitude rides, Xuan Du’s malicious intentions were obvious.

She didn’t ask why Dong Ling agreed, it was obviously due to some reason, and there was no need to ask.

“She left. Help me… huh…”

Dong Ling nodded, she planned to have Song Mingzhi help her to the entrance and then back to the manor, but unexpectedly, when she put her hand on Song Mingzhi’s shoulder, she was directly picked up.

This scene was a bit beyond her comprehension. She, Dong Ling, the sugar daddy, was being carried by the beautiful woman she was nominally keeping, in a princess carry.

In front of everyone, in a princess carry.

021 covered its face: [Embarrassing! Our domineering CEOs are always the ones doing the princess carry!]

021 couldn’t bear to watch. This was definitely the most useless domineering CEO it had ever handled. She was so cool and imposing just now in front of others, but as soon as the female lead appeared, her legs turned into noodles. Was this reasonable?

Dong Ling’s face burned, she moved her legs, wanting to get down from Song Mingzhi’s arms.

“Hey… no need… I… I can walk by myself, it’s really not that…”

Dong Ling’s language system malfunctioned, her words stuttering.

“If you move again, I might touch your butt.”

Song Mingzhi said this with a smile, a hint of ambiguity, reminding Dong Ling of their first meeting, when she said “Alright” teasingly, like a kiss about to fall, but pulling away at the last moment.

Dong Ling didn’t dare to move, she was afraid Song Mingzhi would really touch her butt.

Seeing Dong Ling behave, Song Mingzhi restrained her mischievous thoughts.

It wasn’t that difficult to carry her, but the winter clothes were thick, and Dong Ling’s down jacket was very slippery, so she wasn’t entirely joking just now. If Dong Ling continued to move, she might really slide down. To prevent that, she would definitely have to hold her.

When Dong Ling stepped into the car, she could still feel the weakness in her legs, she didn’t know if it was because the aftereffects hadn’t worn off yet, or because she was still embarrassed from being carried by Song Mingzhi.

She was unusually reserved, keeping a distance of two people’s width between herself and Song Mingzhi, her hands on her knees, sitting upright.

Song Mingzhi covered her smile with her hand, to avoid embarrassing the girl further.

“She brought you to the amusement park, and then just left like that?”

Song Mingzhi didn’t mention any names, but both she and Dong Ling knew who she was talking about.

“Yes, she left angrily when she didn’t see me give in.”

Dong Ling sighed lightly, her tone more helpless than annoyed.

“She’s very impulsive.”

Song Mingzhi sensed Dong Ling’s emotions and spoke more tactfully.

“Yes, she’s always been like this, very childish. She was like this before, and she hasn’t changed, always trying to achieve her goals through threats, hoping everyone would obey her. She’s not this demanding of others, only of me… But I won’t indulge her unconditionally, I can’t reciprocate her feelings, so she always feels like I owe her something.”

“She thinks that no matter what she does, I should always be on her side. Her sense of right and wrong is very weak, sometimes even twisted, it has to do with her traumatic childhood. I know about that and I’ve helped her, so she feels that even if everyone else abandons her, I can’t.”

Dong Ling’s tone was very calm, not complaining or melancholic, but peaceful. Like the calmness after a night of rain.

“Eileen Chang has a saying in her book, something like ‘If you knew me then, you would forgive me now.’ But that’s not a reason to hurt others. I’ve told her many times, but she didn’t listen, she wasn’t willing to restrain herself, but became even more indulgent, so I chose to cut ties with her. Calling the police that time, after many failed conversations, was the most drastic thing I did.”

“You don’t owe her anything.”

Song Mingzhi frowned slightly, inexplicably feeling a little irritated. It was probably because the car was too enclosed, making her feel a little suffocated.

“Yes, I know what I’m doing. Thank you for picking me up so quickly.”

Dong Ling nodded. Pouring out some of the pent-up emotions in her heart and being affirmed made her feel much better.

Song Mingzhi smiled: “It’s my duty to serve my boss.”

Dong Ling knew this wasn’t the real reason. She didn’t know if it was her imagination, or because of that sugar daddy contract, but when Song Mingzhi called her that, she always sensed a hint of teasing intimacy.

Dong Ling was prepared for Xuan Du to come looking for her again, but unexpectedly, she didn’t see Xuan Du for several days.

She even made some inquiries, and after learning the general reason, she stopped paying attention.

Song Mingzhi, on the other hand, asked about Xuan Du’s movements with concern. Dong Ling replied with what she had learned: “It seems like the company she runs into some trouble, I’m not very clear about the specifics.”

Xuan Du’s company was in the cosmetics industry, which was one of her sources of income. After all, as the mayor’s daughter, she couldn’t be too high-profile, the money she used to support her lifestyle had to have a legitimate source.

Song Mingzhi nodded, and as she lowered her head, the darkness in her eyes disappeared, her expression returning to normal when she looked up again.

She had just made some small moves to prevent Xuan Du from focusing all her attention on Dong Ling, but this wasn’t a permanent solution.

Without Xuan Du’s harassment, Dong Ling became busy again. At the same time, there were some changes in the plot outline. Although the task system hadn’t issued any tasks recently, she could now see a little further into the plot.

In the original novel, after filming a TV series and a movie, the female lead successfully became one of the “Four Little Actresses,” one of the most popular actresses.

With popularity came jealousy and envy. A female supporting character named Zhu Shini would frame the female lead, deliberately causing her to have an allergic reaction, and buying negative press about her.

The unlocked plot ended here. Dong Ling was relieved not to see her own name appear and called Yuki, asking her to investigate this Zhu Shini.

After informing Yuki, Dong Ling changed her clothes and was about to go out to a business dinner. Just as she stepped out of the house, she saw Song Mingzhi’s assistant, Xiao Tan, rushing towards the lounge with a first-aid kit.

“What’s wrong? Is Mingzhi injured?”

Dong Ling was a little anxious, what would happen if the female lead was injured?

“Teacher Song scraped her waist, it’s bleeding, but it’s not serious. The first-aid kit in the lounge was taken to the other set, CEO Dong, I’ll take this over first.”

Xiao Tan quickly explained the situation and then ran off like the wind.

Dong Ling also walked towards the lounge. The most important thing right now was Song Mingzhi’s injury, the business dinner could wait.

Dong Ling couldn’t run fast in high heels, so she could only walk quickly. When she arrived at the lounge, Xiao Tan was standing guard at the door.

“Why aren’t you going in?”

Xiao Tan replied: “Teacher Song is going to apply the medicine herself, she asked us to leave.”

Dong Ling wasn’t reassured without seeing Song Mingzhi’s injury and knocked on the door.

“Mingzhi, it’s me, I heard you were injured, can I come in?”

“The door isn’t locked, CEO Dong, just come in.”

Song Mingzhi’s voice was a little muffled through the door. Dong Ling pushed the door open and closed it behind her.

Song Mingzhi was lying sideways on a chair, a cotton swab with antiseptic in her hand.

Dong Ling watched as Song Mingzhi lifted her clothes, revealing a small section of her waist, her pants pulled down to her hip bones, a red and purple wound coming into view.

“How did you get injured?”

Just looking at it made Dong Ling wince, her brows furrowing.

“I was climbing over the wall, my clothes were too thin, and I scraped myself against the rough wall when I braced myself. It’s not serious, it’ll be fine once it scabs over.”

Song Mingzhi rolled up the hem of her clothes a bit more to avoid getting antiseptic on them, she pressed the cotton swab against the wound, her body trembling involuntarily.

The movement of her breathing made the curve of her waist more pronounced, the hideous scrape against her jade-like skin made Dong Ling frown even more.

“Let me help you.”

Dong Ling took the cotton swab with antiseptic from Song Mingzhi’s hand, picked up the antiseptic bottle from the table with her other hand, bent down, and moved closer to Song Mingzhi’s wound.

Song Mingzhi held the hem of her clothes to prevent them from slipping down, making it easier for Dong Ling to apply the medicine.

The task system, which had been silent for several days, suddenly appeared, startling Dong Ling and almost causing her to press the cotton swab against Song Mingzhi’s wound. Fortunately, she stopped in time.

[Task: Suck on the female lead’s injured finger. Completing this task will reward 2% progress.]

Dong Ling was in despair. What was it like to have a system that was an idiot? This.

021 weakly explained: [In the original novel, the female lead cut her finger while cutting fruit.]

Even if Song Mingzhi had injured her finger, Dong Ling would still hesitate about this task, let alone now that Song Mingzhi had injured her waist!

Her waist!

How was she supposed to suck on it?! Licking it for saliva disinfection would be more like it!

“Ling Ling?”

Seeing Dong Ling freeze instead of applying the medicine, Song Mingzhi waved her fingers in front of her face.

“What are you thinking about? Why are you spacing out?”

Dong Ling’s thoughts were jumbled, the task, the finger, and the thought “licking it for saliva disinfection would be more like it” all mixed together, so she subconsciously blurted out: “Lick your finger…”

Chapter 20: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not x3

If she could do it over again, Dong Ling would have gagged Chen Shang Shang three seconds earlier, whether by throwing her into the Pacific Ocean to feed the sharks or sending her to Africa to mine, anything to prevent her from saying those words.

This world’s malice towards her was so great, she thought about emigrating to another planet every day.

Chen Shang Shang was still lost in her own thoughts, Dong Ling looked at Song Mingzhi, who had frozen in place, her expression stiff.

In this situation, the system was absolutely unreliable, because the idiot was still giving her a countdown.

[Task end countdown: two minutes.]

Dong Ling quickly chose between refuting and acquiescing. Since there would be more tasks like this in the future, she couldn’t make absolute statements, one should always leave themselves a way out.

“I only like someone based on whether our personalities click, it has nothing to do with gender.” Dong Ling waved to Song Mingzhi, pinched Chen Shang Shang’s face, and said with narrowed eyes, “And I’ve always loved Mother China, she’s a woman I love just like my own mother.”

[Task end countdown: one minute.]

Chen Shang Shang nodded with difficulty, indicating that she understood, and freed her face from Dong Ling’s hand.

“Don’t mind what other people say, Song Mingzhi is indeed the person I want to promote. Publicly, she is my person. Let them guess whatever they want. I might as well just say I like her, she’s someone I cherish, then no one would dare look down on her.”

Dong Ling looked at Song Mingzhi, who was walking up the stairs, and said: “Mingzhi, isn’t that right?”

The more open one was about something, the less people would speculate.

[Task complete, main storyline progress: 31%.]

“If you hear any gossip in the future, don’t take it to heart. The more famous you become, the more malicious speculation and slander there will be. But as long as you understand that we are Bole and Maxima, supporting each other, that’s all that matters.”

Dong Ling said frankly, openly showing her favoritism.

“Thank you, CEO Dong, I’m grateful for your support. I’ll work hard and live up to your expectations.”

Song Mingzhi emphasized the word “expectations,” calming the turbulent emotions stirred by these words.

Whether these were Dong Ling’s true feelings or words deliberately spoken for her to hear, Song Mingzhi took note of them.

She originally had no desire to climb higher, but if Dong Ling wanted her to become a superstar, then striving for that position wasn’t unacceptable.

She had never received such fervent favoritism and affirmation, so despite her usual suspicion, she didn’t want to speculate now.

She wasn’t someone who liked to take things one step at a time, but she was now starting to look forward to the unpredictable future.

“By the way, why are you back? Are you done filming?”

Dong Ling had just seen the film crew still filming, why was Song Mingzhi back so soon?

“There was a small problem, I came to change my undershirt and then continue filming.”

Song Mingzhi pointed to a large water stain on her left waist, which she had accidentally gotten while filming. The weather was quite cold now, and Cheng Ge felt that actors performing in damp clothes would affect their state, so he asked Song Mingzhi to quickly come back and change.

Dong Ling nodded, watching Song Mingzhi go upstairs.

After Song Mingzhi left, Chen Shang Shang spoke. She gave Dong Ling a thumbs-up and said: “Ling Ling, you’re amazing. I didn’t know you were such a smooth talker.”

Chen Shang Shang cupped her face and said: “So domineering and doting.”

Dong Ling said with a forced smile: “Do you want my domineering affection too?”

“Just kidding.”

Chen Shang Shang finished her teasing and didn’t bother Dong Ling anymore.

Song Mingzhi changed quickly and came downstairs soon.

Dong Ling and Chen Shang Shang waved to her and watched her leave.

After Song Mingzhi left, Chen Shang Shang continued the topic, pulling Dong Ling to sit on the sofa, and asked about Xuan Du with some concern.

“You just mentioned Xuan Du, what happened?”

“Yesterday was her birthday party, I went.”

Dong Ling gave a brief account, omitting the parts Chen Shang Shang didn’t know.

Sometimes, knowing too much wasn’t necessarily a good thing, especially since Chen Shang Shang couldn’t keep secrets.

Hearing that Xuan Du wanted to rekindle their friendship, Chen Shang Shang frowned. She didn’t want Dong Ling to get involved with Xuan Du again, she had never liked or even been a little afraid of Xuan Du.

Chen Shang Shang said with a serious expression: “Ling Ling, I’m not trying to drive a wedge between you two, but Xuan Du, she… you’d better not continue being friends with her, she’s too sinister, you’ll get into trouble sooner or later if you stay by her side.”

“What do you mean, what did she do?”

Dong Ling narrowed her eyes, sensing something unusual in Chen Shang Shang’s words.

Chen Shang Shang hesitated for a long time before saying: “Do you remember that swimming incident?”

“You mean when you accidentally fell into the water and then decided to learn how to swim?”

Dong Ling retrieved this incident from her memory. They were about fourteen years old at the time. They went hiking in the mountains, and Chen Shang Shang said she was going to catch some small fish. She returned to the campsite a while later, soaking wet, without any fish, having fallen into the river.

After that hiking trip, Chen Shang Shang signed up for swimming lessons. It was a small incident at the time. Dong Ling remembered it because after that trip, Chen Shang Shang became somewhat distant from her, which she found puzzling. But she just assumed Chen Shang Shang was too busy or had other friends, which was understandable, and during that time, her time was almost entirely occupied by Xuan Du…

Xuan Du.

“Does it have something to do with Xuan Du?”

Dong Ling’s face turned cold, a shadow falling over her features.

“Yes… I was catching small fish, Xuan Du pushed me from behind, and then she watched me struggle in the water, and pulled me out after a while. She told me to stay away from you, and said some other things.”

Chen Shang Shang had never told anyone about this. At that time, her family’s business hadn’t taken off yet, and as Xuan Du said, she was just Dong Ling’s little follower. She couldn’t afford to offend any of those people, so she could only silently follow Dong Ling. So when Xuan Du warned her, she didn’t dare to do anything.

When they returned to the campsite, Xuan Du even leaned against Dong Ling and teased her a couple of times, as if nothing had happened. Everyone was there, Dong Ling didn’t notice and just gave her a towel and urged her to change clothes.

Later, when they were eating, Xuan Du even handed her a cream cake. At that time, Xuan Du didn’t wear heavy makeup, and looked kind and harmless, but it made Chen Shang Shang’s blood run cold.

Fortunately, Xuan Du disappeared later and didn’t return for a long time, so she breathed a sigh of relief and continued hanging out with Dong Ling.

So even today, she still subconsciously feared Xuan Du.

“Ling Ling, those things are in the past, I’m not trying to bring up old grievances, I just want to warn you, she’s not a good person, don’t be fooled by her.”

Dong Ling’s expression had become very cold due to anger. Chen Shang Shang rarely saw her like this and tried to comfort her, feeling uneasy.

“Of course I know she’s not a good person. Don’t worry, I didn’t know about what happened to you back then.”

Dong Ling’s expression softened slightly, she reached out and patted Chen Shang Shang’s head, her eyes filled with cold fury.

Chen Shang Shang said coyly: “Ling Ling, I can’t handle it if you keep doing this, it’s too much.”

Her expression was incredibly shy, giving Dong Ling goosebumps.

“Who could handle this? You don’t have feelings for Song Mingzhi, are you sure she doesn’t have feelings for you?”

Chen Shang Shang’s thoughts suddenly went off track, Song Mingzhi’s expression when Dong Ling said those words flashing through her mind.

She saw her smile, but it was very subtle, and her eyes were deep, not quite like the usual reaction of an employee receiving praise from their boss.

“Of course not.”

Dong Ling waved her hand dismissively. This was a romance novel, the female lead’s sexual orientation shouldn’t be a problem, right? And she hadn’t done anything, how could Song Mingzhi like her?

It was good that she didn’t say this out loud, otherwise Tong Ao downstairs would be the first to jump up and hit her.

Dong Ling saw that Chen Shang Shang didn’t want her to bring up the past, so she didn’t, but she kept it in mind.

She didn’t want to have anything to do with Xuan Du, but Xuan Du didn’t seem to be willing to let it go, so she would deal with whatever came her way.

Seeing that Dong Ling was wary of Xuan Du, Chen Shang Shang was relieved and started talking about some recent gossip she had discovered.

“Ling Ling, do you remember the gossip I told you about a month or two ago? About Chen Fei.”

“Huh? The one where she slept with her mother’s boyfriend?”

Dong Ling remembered hearing about it when she went to visit Wen Han, and then she was kidnapped by the system, oh no, bound.

“Yes, I didn’t expect there to be a follow-up. Her mom froze all her cards, and she came to me to borrow money. I lent her some and then forgot about it.”

Chen Shang Shang’s face was full of excitement, her expression telling Dong Ling there was more juicy gossip to come.

“Then guess what? During this time, Chen Fei found a boyfriend to support her. Her boyfriend is also a rich second-generation heir. Chen Fei thought he was very good to her and wanted to take him home to get married. Her mom wasn’t angry at her anymore by then, so she took him home.”

“Then Chen Fei discovered her boyfriend in bed with her mom. It was truly… in a word, incredible.”

Chen Shang Shang gave a thumbs-up, her praise laced with irony, amazed.

“That exaggerated?”

Dong Ling was shocked. She had always known that some people in their circle played around, but this was truly…

“Yes, I had the honor of witnessing the scene. Chen Fei invited us to her house, and we heard indescribable sounds coming from upstairs. Her mother was wearing a Playboy bunny costume. I have to say, for her age, Auntie was quite open-minded. Then they started fighting, and we had to break it up.”

Chen Shang Shang recalled the chaotic scene that day, it was truly unforgettable.

Chen Shang Shang sighed: “What kind of feud do they have, I really don’t understand.”

“Maybe her mom has psychological problems, which caused her daughter to also have some problems.” Dong Ling recalled what her psychology professor had said. “Some mothers see their daughters as rivals. It’s strange, but it exists.”

Recalling the unhealthy mother-daughter relationship described by her professor, Dong Ling felt like she had forgotten something amidst Chen Shang Shang’s gossip. She thought for a moment, but decided it wasn’t anything important, put it out of her mind, and invited Chen Shang Shang out for dinner.

“By the way, where’s Qianxi? What has she been busy with lately?”

Dong Ling thought of her other good friend and asked with concern.

“Out on a date with her boyfriend, of course. Honestly, if she hadn’t mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten she has a boyfriend. They’re long-distance all year round, it’s almost like not having one. Her boyfriend is back in the country this time, so she’s with him.”

Chen Shang Shang shrugged, her expression not very happy.

Dong Ling knew about Tang Qianxi’s boyfriend. She had even helped Tang Qianxi pursue him, putting birthday messages on her family’s building’s billboard.

Tang Qianxi’s boyfriend was a researcher, not particularly good-looking, thin and lanky. Dong Ling and Chen Shang Shang were puzzled at the time why Tang Qianxi liked him, and Tang Qianxi replied that she liked smart guys.

Researchers were very busy, and Tang Qianxi’s boyfriend couldn’t come to any events. Dong Ling and Chen Shang Shang would occasionally forget she was in a relationship.

“Sometimes I really think she should just break up, I’m more like her boyfriend than he is. But as long as she’s happy.”

Chen Shang Shang raised her left hand and looked at the charm on her wrist, sighing.

She was wearing a bracelet with a dazzling red ruby pendant, and a small gold disc next to it engraved with Tang Qianxi’s initials.

Dong Ling knew this was their friendship charm. Tang Qianxi also had one, engraved with Chen Shang Shang’s initials.

When they first wore them, they were a little worried she would be angry, like in a group of three where two were closer. Dong Ling wasn’t angry, and even teased them, saying “If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was the mother-in-law, and you two were the star-crossed lovers I was trying to separate.”

She had always known they were closer, and she was also closer to Chen Shang Shang than to Tang Qianxi. She wasn’t upset, because she wouldn’t compare.

So the later development of this novel really didn’t make sense. How could she become so jealous that Wen Han cared more about Song Mingzhi that she turned evil and insisted on marrying him?

Her marrying Song Mingzhi would be much more reasonable!

Chen Shang Shang had a little wine with dinner. Dong Ling watched her drink and chatted about the recent progress of the movie. The topic inevitably turned to Song Mingzhi.

“Where did you find such a great beauty? She seems to have such a good temperament, clearly well-educated. It’s impossible for someone like her to not make a splash in the entertainment industry.”

Chen Shang Shang asked in confusion. After all, Song Mingzhi wasn’t a gem hidden in a mine waiting to be discovered, but a jade of exquisite quality, she should be marketable wherever she went.

Dong Ling simply answered: “Some personal reasons.”

“Then how long is her contract? Be careful, she might run away if it’s too short.”

“Don’t worry, she’s not that kind of person.”

The contract period was only five years, which was unheard of in the industry, after all, it was originally a pampering agreement.

Pursuing better options was human nature, but Dong Ling inexplicably believed Song Mingzhi wasn’t that kind of person.

While Dong Ling and Chen Shang Shang were talking about Song Mingzhi, Ji Yiling also happened to be talking about Dong Ling with Song Mingzhi.

“So, big star, how does it feel?”

Ji Yiling received the electronic document and teased Song Mingzhi.

“Not bad, quite a novel experience. You’ve been working hard lately.”

“Indeed, quite hard. Remember to give me a raise, I’m so busy I don’t even have time to date.”

Song Mingzhi: “I’ll give you paid time off when I’m free.”

“When will you be free? Aren’t actors always busy? Even if your little boss wants to promote you, she won’t let you be too capricious, right?”

Ji Yiling was really a little worried that Song Mingzhi would become a pitiful employee exploited by capitalists, even though Song Mingzhi herself was a terrible capitalist.

“She’ll allow it.”

The corners of Song Mingzhi’s lips curved upwards, clearly in a good mood.

Ji Yiling said: “You should know there’s no such thing as a free lunch, aren’t you afraid of what she wants in return…”

Song Mingzhi said softly: “It’s alright.”

There was a sudden commotion on the other end of the phone, Ji Yiling’s cat had walked across her keyboard.

“Don’t use my cup to wash your feet!”

Ji Yiling yelled in exasperation, a series of thuds followed before silence returned.

Ji Yiling said breathlessly: “Finally got that little ancestor off. Song, I didn’t hear what you just said.”

“Nothing, I know what I’m doing. Change that data again…”

Song Mingzhi steered the conversation back to work, suppressing her other thoughts.

After finishing her work, she glanced at the time on her computer, it was already 1:30 am, and the person in the secondary bedroom still hadn’t returned.

Dong Ling was currently at the airport, standing with Chen Shang Shang, eagerly looking towards the arrival gate.

Originally, after their dinner, one was going to the hotel and the other back to the film crew, but less than five minutes after they parted ways, Chen Shang Shang called and asked Dong Ling to go to the airport with her.

Because Tang Qianxi had called Chen Shang Shang and said she had broken up.

Chen Shang Shang’s words had come true, and she was devastated.

Tang Qianxi hadn’t taken off yet when she called, but Chen Shang Shang had already dragged Dong Ling to the airport and begun their long wait and discussion.

“How could they suddenly break up? Tang Qianxi has been with him for three years, three years! Not three days, not three months. They’ve always been long-distance, but their relationship seemed stable, he didn’t cheat, did he? She didn’t say anything on the phone, just said she broke up and was coming to see me, her tone very downcast.”

“Qianxi is almost here, we’ll find out soon.”

Dong Ling looked at the electronic display, saw Tang Qianxi’s flight information, and comforted her anxious friend.

A few minutes later, Tang Qianxi, wearing a white down jacket and a black mask, walked out of the crowd. Dong Ling didn’t recognize her immediately, but Chen Shang Shang was already waving.

They went to Chen Shang Shang’s hotel together. Dong Ling helped Tang Qianxi with her luggage and watched her sit on the sofa with a calm expression, pouring her a cup of hot water.

“Tell us what happened, how did you break up? Did you dump him or did he dump you? Did he cheat?”

Chen Shang Shang asked anxiously, ready to curse the scumbag to the ends of the earth.

“No cheating, I broke up with him.”

Tang Qianxi looked at Chen Shang Shang’s agitated state and flicked her forehead.

Dong Ling: “What happened? Was he too cold after being apart for so long?”

“Not really. I went to see him, he looked at me, gave me a gift, then took my suitcase, and we went to his place together. We cleaned his place together, and then he cooked for me.”

Tang Qianxi took a sip of hot water, her face, pale from the cold, regaining some color.

Dong Ling and Chen Shang Shang exchanged glances, neither interrupting. So far, what Tang Qianxi said was quite normal.

“After dinner, we went for a walk, he bought me a bouquet of flowers, and asked me when I would be free to take him home to meet my parents. At that moment, I suddenly felt terrified… I asked myself, could I really maintain this kind of love for a lifetime? Three years is fine, but what about another three years, and another?”

“So I asked him, ‘Why didn’t you ask if I missed you after being apart for so long?’ He repeated my question, and I said, ‘I did.’ He just said ‘Oh,’ and that was it.”

Dong Ling’s expression became a little strange. Although she had no relationship experience, she could sense that this wasn’t a normal conversation between a couple.

Chen Shang Shang said incredulously: “That’s it? That’s all?”

“Then I broke up with him, probably out of impulse. He asked me why, I said I couldn’t feel his love for me. He didn’t say anything, and I left.”

“He didn’t care about why I came, or why I left so readily.”

Tang Qianxi collapsed on the sofa and said listlessly: “So boring, not even as interesting as Dong Nuo breaking up ten times a month.”

Tang Qianxi didn’t cry, but Chen Shang Shang started wailing, hugging Tang Qianxi and saying she felt sorry for her, which amused Tang Qianxi.

Chen Shang Shang grandly ordered some wine, declaring they wouldn’t leave until they were drunk. Dong Ling thought, who was she kidding, she couldn’t even walk straight. She was taken back to the manor by Yuki, and assistant Xiao Tong helped her upstairs.

Dong Ling was only half-drunk, still conscious, but she had little control over her actions, almost falling as she entered.

Song Mingzhi was still working at her computer. Seeing Dong Ling come back drunk, a strange glint flashed in her eyes, and she walked over to support her.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, you’re still up?”

Dong Ling nodded, recognizing Song Mingzhi’s face, and asked groggily.

Seeing this, Song Mingzhi knew she wasn’t very drunk, at least she could still recognize people and wouldn’t cling to her clothes, looking at her with pleading eyes and calling her “sister,” waiting for her to take her home.

An inexplicable sense of disappointment flashed through her heart. Song Mingzhi realized her malicious thoughts, quickly adjusted her mood, helped Dong Ling to a chair, and brought the water to her lips.

Dong Ling was too weak to raise her hand, and sipped the water from the cup Song Mingzhi held.

Her neck was tilted back, looking extremely docile, like a well-behaved house cat.

Song Mingzhi accidentally tilted the cup, and the water flowed out too quickly for Dong Ling to swallow, spilling from the corners of her lips down her chin and dripping down.

Dong Ling’s eyes were a little dazed, she felt the dampness on her clothes and tugged at her collar uncomfortably.

Song Mingzhi subconsciously wiped the water stain from the corner of Dong Ling’s lips with her finger, and then withdrew her hand unnaturally as if realizing something.

“Thank you, I’ll go wash up first.”

Dong Ling still remembered to say thank you and stumbled towards the bathroom.

Song Mingzhi placed the cup on the table, the moisture between her fingers evaporating as she gently rubbed them together.

The hot water made Dong Ling feel a little more awake, then a little dizzy again. When she leaned against the wall, she realized she had forgotten to bring her pajamas.

She opened the door a crack, leaned against the door, poked her head out, and looked at Song Mingzhi.

“Mingzhi, can you get my pajamas for me? They’re on the bed.”

She was a little dizzy, her voice soft and weak.

Song Mingzhi saw her undried neck, still dripping with water droplets, soft and dazzling under the white light.

“Okay.”

Song Mingzhi entered Dong Ling’s room, a faint fragrance wafting towards her.

The secondary bedroom was relatively small, and Dong Ling’s things were piled up, so besides the pajamas on the bed, Song Mingzhi also saw some more intimate clothing. She looked away and picked up the pajamas.

It was a fluffy nightgown. As she placed it in Dong Ling’s outstretched hand, Song Mingzhi realized she should have brought another piece of clothing out.

“Thank you.”

Dong Ling retreated into the bathroom, quickly dried herself, and put on the nightgown.

She finished the water in the cup, and then poured herself another half glass as if she wasn’t satisfied.

The water dispenser was near the door, directly facing the bed where Song Mingzhi was sitting.

Dong Ling’s nightgown wasn’t long, and the hem lifted slightly when she bent down to pour water.

Song Mingzhi lowered her eyes, the girl probably hadn’t realized she knew she was braless underneath.

“Did the crew just finish work? Why aren’t you resting yet?”

Dong Ling glanced at the time, it was already 1:30 am.

“We finished early today. I have some personal matters to deal with. Did you have a business dinner today?”

Song Mingzhi asked casually, the girl didn’t have a high alcohol tolerance, it would be easy for something to happen if she frequently attended such events.

“Not a business dinner, my friend broke up with her boyfriend, the tallest one you saw last time, the one surnamed Tang.”

Dong Ling always felt a sense of ease and a desire to confide in Song Mingzhi. She leaned back in the soft chair and said with some emotion: “She’s been with her boyfriend for three years, but they’ve been long-distance most of the time, completely different social circles. Today her boyfriend said they could schedule a time to meet her parents, and she got scared.”

Song Mingzhi closed her laptop and asked: “Scared of a long-distance marriage? It’s difficult to maintain unless both sides are understanding and supportive.”

“That’s right. We advised her to break up before, because her relationship was no different from being single. But she said he was good to her and probably loved her. But today, when she asked him about it, he didn’t say anything. I don’t understand, even if he didn’t have strong feelings, he shouldn’t have reacted like that, right? But if he doesn’t have feelings, then what was the point of all those sweet nothings?”

Dong Ling was still slightly drunk, her eyes hazy.

“Perhaps he felt that those things were just what one should do in a relationship, not specifically for your friend.”

Song Mingzhi gave her understanding of the situation, looking at the damp ends of Dong Ling’s hair.

A small strand of hair hadn’t been tucked behind Dong Ling’s ear, but was stuck to her neck, making her want to reach out and brush it away.

“Ultimately, it’s just not enough love, like going through the motions on a blind date… Then why didn’t he say so earlier? Qianxi’s goals are clearly different from his.”

Tang Qianxi wasn’t worried about finding a husband. Every time he had time off, she would fly to his city. If she just wanted to get married, there was no need for her to do that.

This wasn’t something Song Mingzhi could answer, so she didn’t say anything. The moment Dong Ling stood up, she still reached out and brushed the damp strand of hair away from Dong Ling’s neck.

Dong Ling touched the dampness on her neck. It was clearly her hair that had brushed against her just now, but it gave her the absurd feeling that it was Song Mingzhi’s fingers.

“Mingzhi, I’m going to bed, good night.”

The feeling was strange, making Dong Ling uncomfortable, even unable to look directly at Song Mingzhi. She quickly returned to her room and only relaxed after closing the door.

When Dong Ling saw the clothes scattered messily on her bed, she cried out inwardly and hurriedly tidied up.

Too bad, Song Mingzhi had seen her messy room.

021 shrugged: [This social death has nothing to do with the system.]

Dong Ling: […Shut up!]

Why did such an annoying thing like a system even exist?!

Fortunately, the task system was quiet as a mouse tonight, not causing her any trouble.

021: [Dear host, allow me to interrupt with an announcement, the world has consumed 1% of the main storyline progress, the current progress is 30%.]

As if she didn’t know, this world was as heartless as ever.

Under the system’s repeated trials, Dong Ling’s skin had become thicker and thicker, even able to forget many things after a night’s sleep. The next day, when facing Song Mingzhi, she felt no awkwardness at all.

The makeup artist who had done her makeup before saw her and handed her a lipstick. The case was a certain brand’s classic red shade, but when Dong Ling opened it, she found the color wasn’t quite right.

The makeup artist explained: “This is the color we mixed that day. Director Cheng said we might need this color later, so I asked a friend who makes custom lipsticks to blend this color from a few different lipsticks.”

Seeing this color, Dong Ling recalled the unexpected loss of her first kiss that day and calmly accepted the lipstick.

The matters of the film crew didn’t require much attention from her, the investor. Canghai’s headquarters was still in Beihai, so Dong Ling would occasionally go back.

During this time, the task system issued some good morning and good night tasks, and the main storyline progress inched its way to 30.7%.

Dong Ling understood, the lull in the original novel’s plot was coming again, but her days were anything but calm.

When she received a call from Xuan Du on her personal number, Dong Ling wasn’t surprised. If Xuan Du wanted to know her personal number, it wouldn’t be too difficult.

“It’s been a while since we hung out, Ling Ling, come out with me today.”

Xuan Du’s words were so intimate, as if there was no rift between them, making Dong Ling frown.

“Don’t refuse so quickly, you’re filming a movie, right? It takes time for review and approval after filming, and it would be troublesome if the release date keeps getting pushed back, right? Then the person you want to promote probably won’t have a chance to become famous.”

Xuan Du spoke again before Dong Ling could reply, making her threat sound like a joke.

Dong Ling ignored her threat and hung up.

Soon, footsteps sounded behind her, tinged with frustration.

“You hung up on me? You were the one who wronged me in that incident, and I haven’t even gotten angry at you yet, why are you hanging up on me when I’m trying to make amends?”

Xuan Du held her phone, her expression full of anger.

Passing staff members were attracted by the commotion and looked over curiously.

Dong Ling calmly looked at Xuan Du and said: “Have you always felt that I was the one who wronged you?”

“I know I was wrong in that incident, you did it for my own good, but what about afterwards? You made me pay the price. Don’t you feel even a little bit guilty for my suffering? We used to be so close.”

“Was our past friendship the reason you hurt the people around me? Besides Chen Shang Shang and Ah Sheng, what else have you done?”

Dong Ling hated Xuan Du, not because she took drugs and didn’t repent, but because she had a selfish, cruel heart.

Xuan Du said with a sinister look: “It seems Chen Shang Shang did complain to you. As for that woman… you’re still sticking up for her? I told you, she started it, don’t you believe me?”

Xuan Du looked behind Dong Ling and gave a strange smile: “Since you know what kind of person I am, you know what I’m capable of.”

“Song Mingzhi… just a small-time actress. Dong Ling, there are many ways to ruin a person, you understand, right?”

Dong Ling turned around and saw Song Mingzhi, who was rehearsing not far away, her expression becoming even colder.

“Meanness is the passport of the mean. Don’t look at me like that, you know I always do what I say. Come shopping with me, and I promise I won’t do anything for now.”

Xuan Du was like a venomous snake, coiling around Dong Ling and flicking her tongue.

Dong Ling went.

She originally thought Xuan Du would take her to some shady place, but she never expected Xuan Du to take her to an amusement park.

“Come on, let’s go queue for that.”

Xuan Du pointed excitedly at something in the distance, smiling brightly at Dong Ling.

Dong Ling looked at the giant Ferris wheel, her expression stiff.

She silently sent an “SOS” to Song Mingzhi, although she knew Song Mingzhi wouldn’t see it so soon.

This wasn’t Xuan Du being childish, she was smiling happily, but Dong Ling only felt malice.

Dong Ling was afraid of heights.

She had never yearned for such romantic things like Ferris wheels, but rather found them terrifying. Just imagining being stuck high up in the air gave her a sense of suffocating dread.

It was a weekday, so there weren’t many people in the amusement park. Dong Ling and Xuan Du quickly reached the front of the line.

“You still have a chance to change your mind. As long as you agree that we can go back to how we were before, I’ll take you away from here.”

Xuan Du knew Dong Ling’s weakness, she asked almost desperately, as if it was her, not Dong Ling, who wanted to leave.

Dong Ling stepped inside and sat down.

Xuan Du was slightly stunned, watching her close the door, and could only enter the next cabin.

She could only watch her ascend, just a step behind, unable to catch up, destined to watch her leave from above.

Dong Ling didn’t throw up when she came out, she even stood up straight, not looking like someone afraid of heights at all.

“Anything else?”

Xuan Du smiled faintly: “Of course.”

Roller coasters, drop towers, they tried everything. Xuan Du was starting to feel nauseous, but Dong Ling remained unmoved.

“Xuan Du, you’re still so childish.”

She looked at her, as if talking to a naive child.

Xuan Du left angrily. After she left, Dong Ling still stood there, motionless.

When Song Mingzhi called, Dong Ling immediately answered.

“I just saw your message, are you okay?”

Song Mingzhi’s voice was anxious. She had learned from the crew that Dong Ling had left with Xuan Du.

“I’m not okay, my legs are weak, Mingzhi, come pick me up.”

Dong Ling instantly went from cool girl to damsel in distress, she couldn’t hold it in anymore, wuwuwu.

Chapter 19: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

Dong Ling knew this day would come. After all, this was the male lead’s script. The male and female leads were currently in the ambiguous stage, and some intimate actions were only natural. 021 had also said there would be such tasks, Dong Ling was mentally prepared, but she didn’t expect it to come so soon.

021 urged her repeatedly in her mind: [That’s 7%!]

Dong Ling stood still, looking at the sleeping person on the bed, her feelings complex.

021 continued to persuade: [Host, she’s asleep anyway, you can just secretly kiss her, she won’t know. And you’re not doing this to satisfy your own desires, but for the sake of the entire world.]

Dong Ling was getting annoyed, she held her breath and walked to Song Mingzhi’s bedside.

As 021 said, Song Mingzhi was sleeping soundly.

Her sleeping posture was very proper, her head and neck exposed above the covers, her black hair spread out, her fair skin and pale pink lips looking serene and beautiful, like a sleeping beauty in a fairy tale.

Dong Ling noticed what seemed to be a small, dark mole on one side of Song Mingzhi’s cheek. She didn’t see clearly and wasn’t sure if it was an illusion.

A faint curiosity arose in her heart. She angled the light from her phone to avoid shining it directly on Song Mingzhi’s face, leaned closer to observe, and indeed saw the small mole on Song Mingzhi’s face.

It was located on the lower middle part of her right cheek, very light in color. Dong Ling hadn’t seen it before, it was probably covered by Song Mingzhi’s makeup.

021 felt this was a perfect opportunity and urged: [7%, host, go for it! There might not be another chance like this next time, a deep kiss might only be worth 1%.]

021 wasn’t trying to scare Dong Ling. Based on its experience with past tasks, the main storyline progress awarded by the task system was linked to changes in the relationship. Sometimes, the reason why some tasks had higher rewards was because they were significant in the relationship.

The same kiss, a stolen kiss during the ambiguous stage, a kiss during a confession, and a kiss after marriage, all had different meanings, and the main storyline progress awarded by the system would also be different.

021’s anxious urging made Dong Ling’s thoughts restless as well. She looked at the lips so close to hers and realized their breaths were mingling ambiguously.

Dong Ling was suddenly very glad that Song Mingzhi was asleep at this moment, not because the task would be easier, but because if she didn’t have to meet Song Mingzhi’s eyes, she wouldn’t be so nervous.

Dong Ling straightened up, left the bedside as quietly as she had approached, and went into the secondary bedroom.

021 was very disappointed: [Host, why didn’t you do it?]

Dong Ling: [You do it if you can.]

She hadn’t planned to accept this task from the beginning. Although there was a momentary impulse, it quickly subsided.

Dong Ling was a person with principles. Although she was forced onto 021’s pirate ship, she wasn’t entirely unwilling.

The tasks she had done so far were all things she was willing to do, exploiting the loopholes of the unintelligent task system and maneuvering to achieve acceptable outcomes.

Actually, if the task system hadn’t issued the task at this moment, she might have racked her brains to complete it. Although she would feel embarrassed, she wasn’t averse to Song Mingzhi. If Song Mingzhi wasn’t averse to her kiss either, then the task could be completed openly.

But it just happened to be now, she couldn’t do something like a stolen kiss. To put it bluntly, what was the difference between that and taking advantage of someone while they were asleep? Her relationship with Song Mingzhi wasn’t ambiguous enough for such actions.

Putting herself in that position, Dong Ling couldn’t stand it, even if the other person was a great beauty like Song Mingzhi.

Dong Ling wanted to wash up, but was worried about waking Song Mingzhi. She removed her makeup in the room, wiped her face clean with a wet wipe, applied some moisturizer, lay down on the bed, thought about what had happened today and speculated about Xuan Du’s motives, and fell into a deep sleep.

In the master bedroom, the seemingly sleeping person’s eyes moved under her eyelids, and she opened her eyes with a complex expression.

Daybreak.

After washing up, Dong Ling asked the kitchen to prepare breakfast for her, and after eating, left the house.

“CEO Dong, didn’t you leave two days ago? You’re back?”

Tang Nuo, sitting on a small stool, waved to Dong Ling with the script in her hand.

“Yes, I’m done with my business. What are you filming?”

Dong Ling looked at the wire rigging equipment and asked curiously.

“Teacher Song is filming the scene where someone tries to bribe her. She’ll jump down from that window later. This scene has already been filmed once, but Director Cheng said the effect wasn’t good enough, so they’re doing a second take.”

Tang Nuo pointed to a room on the third floor. These scenes had nothing to do with her, but in order to live up to the boss’s 500,000 and subsequent investment, Tang Nuo had been diligently staying on set to observe.

Dong Ling went over the story Tong Ao sent her in her mind and figured out which scene it was.

After escaping from the banquet, Yan Ting was targeted. She did have some evidence in her hands, but it wasn’t crucial. The mastermind behind the scenes didn’t know how much she knew, so they sent someone to bribe her. If Yan Ting took the money, she would be on their side. Yan Ting refused and, to avoid their attack, jumped out of the window and escaped gracefully.

Yan Ting was a good cop. She didn’t have time to report the evidence she had obtained before being suspended for some fabricated charges and reasons. Then, on a rainy night, she received a funeral invitation. When she went there, she brought the key of unknown purpose given to her by the mysterious woman.

This isolated game wasn’t set up by the suspect Yan Ting was tracking, it came from a deeper darkness. The other eleven guests, besides Yan Ting, also had their own stories.

With Cheng Ge’s participation and additions, Tong Ao had laid out a very elaborate plot. If each thread was developed, they could not only make a second movie, but even a third, fourth, fifth, and sixth “Mysterious Person’s Funeral” movie. However, this also depended on the response to “A Mysterious Person’s Funeral 1,” the one currently being filmed.

As Dong Ling was recalling the story, the person on the wire rigging landed.

Song Mingzhi landed steadily on the mat and looked up to see Dong Ling standing not far away.

Dong Ling was wearing a beige knit top and a light purple winter skirt today, long socks covering her slender legs. The color combination of her outfit looked particularly gentle.

Song Mingzhi inevitably recalled her actions yesterday and the warm breath on her face. She didn’t have to open her eyes to know how close they were at that moment, probably just like the distance between them during that attempted camera-angled kiss in the kissing scene.

“Director Cheng said it’s good. Teacher Song, don’t move, I’ll unhook you.”

The staff member in charge of the wire rigging put away the walkie-talkie and ran over, bringing Song Mingzhi back to reality.

Dong Ling only approached after Song Mingzhi finished filming, took the cup from assistant Xiao Tan’s hand, and handed it to Song Mingzhi for her to drink.

“I decided to come back last night after all. I didn’t wake you up with all the noise, did I?”

Dong Ling wasn’t trying to probe, but just making small talk. If she knew Song Mingzhi had woken up last night, she definitely wouldn’t have asked this question and repeatedly killed herself.

Hearing her mention last night, Song Mingzhi’s lips straightened slightly, and she gently shook her head at Dong Ling.

“No, I’m a heavy sleeper, I don’t wake up easily once I’m asleep.”

This was a lie. Song Mingzhi was a light sleeper, especially when not in her own private space, so last night, not long after Dong Ling approached, she had already woken up.

Dong Ling didn’t detect the hidden meaning in Song Mingzhi’s words and smiled at her.

Song Mingzhi had another scene to film. Dong Ling made an encouraging gesture and went to check on the other newcomers in the company, also giving them some encouragement.

After watching for a while, Dong Ling prepared to leave. She didn’t fly back overnight just to avoid Xuan Du, she also had her own business to attend to.

This city was called Hengyan, a second-tier city.

This city didn’t have any special characteristics or famous attractions, but many years ago, it was a famous tourist city, with many visitors even on non-holidays, because Hengyan once had the largest talent agency in mainland China, Dream Machine.

It had trained many idols and even driven and changed this city. Just like its name, it was like a dream-making machine, creating its own dream-making era, and was extremely prominent for a time.

But due to management problems, the company not only evaded taxes and engaged in questionable transactions, but was also involved in organized crime, becoming a key target for crackdowns. After a few years of glory, it quickly declined, and subsequent attempts to revive were defeated by the changing landscape of the industry.

It didn’t disappear completely. After changing management, the company continued to train its own idol groups, but the groups it launched were always attacked for the company’s dark history and didn’t make a splash. So the new management changed the company’s model, becoming an idol training institution, selecting and training suitable trainees, and then recommending them to other companies.

Dong Ling wanted to take a look and sign anyone she deemed suitable, but it was just a thought, maybe they wouldn’t even look at her company.

When she arrived at the entrance, her assistant, Yuki, was already waiting for her.

“CEO Dong, this is the pricing and treatment information you asked me to look into.” Yuki opened the car door for Dong Ling, and after closing the door, placed the folder in the car in front of her. After the car started, she continued, “Based on the company’s situation and development goals, I suggest we first sign trainees with high potential and continue to train them…”

After reading the information, Dong Ling understood Yuki’s implication.

It meant that their company was just starting out and was still too small, they couldn’t afford the more talented and well-known trainees from Dream Machine, and their resources might not be able to keep up. So Yuki suggested that she sign some talented but undiscovered individuals and train them herself.

Dong Ling nodded, then seemed to remember something and asked: “How’s the headquarters construction coming along?”

As the future workplace for her employees, Dong Ling was quite concerned about the company headquarters. However, the money to buy the building didn’t come from her, because the building originally belonged to her family. The Qingbai Road house was the employees’ temporary office.

“The renovation will be completed in about half a month.”

Yuki reported on the work progress one by one. While Dong Ling signed two documents, they arrived at their destination.

Dong Ling declined the recommendations from Dream Machine staff and wandered around the various training rooms herself.

Both boys and girls were working hard in the training rooms. Dong Ling went from the top floor, which housed the most talented trainees, to the fifth floor, and had a few candidates in mind, but didn’t say anything, signing contracts wasn’t urgent.

Most of the trainees on the fifth floor were newcomers. Some who didn’t perform well were criticized by the teachers. As Dong Ling passed by, she happened to hear a teacher say helplessly: “Idols need to pay attention to expression management. Zhong Zhong, your expressions are too stiff. You can’t always have a cold face, it will make you look impatient on camera. Even if you’re good-looking, you’ll attract haters.”

This made Dong Ling slightly curious, just how good-looking was she?

The girl being scolded looked up, and Dong Ling was surprised when she saw her.

The reason was simple, this face was 50% similar to Song Mingzhi’s. At first glance, they looked quite alike, like a younger version of Song Mingzhi, but upon closer inspection, they weren’t that similar. At least Dong Ling could tell the difference at a glance.

Dong Ling poked 021 in her mind: [Is this an important character?]

021 replied guiltily: [Due to the data turbulence, my database also has some problems, I don’t know.]

Dong Ling had never seen such a useless system, 021 felt wronged and didn’t dare to reply.

Out of caution, Dong Ling didn’t sign her, just made eye contact with her, and then left Dream Machine headquarters without choosing anyone.

When Dong Ling returned to the manor, the film crew was busy. Dong Ling quietly watched for a while, then walked towards the house.

Just as she reached the second floor, someone covered her eyes from behind.

The person said with a giggle: “Guess who I am.”

“Shang Shang, why are you here?”

Dong Ling turned around in surprise. Chen Shang Shang withdrew her hand and made a face at Dong Ling.

Chen Shang Shang: “I haven’t seen you out having fun for days, and my dad is here on business, so I came along to see you, surprise!”

“Surprise, surprise, dinner’s on me tonight.”

Chen Shang Shang nodded, then seemed to remember something and said: “If you hear any gossip when you go back, don’t take it to heart.”

“About Xuan Du?”

“No, I don’t know who’s spreading it. Since you started a company and invested in a movie, some people are saying you’re doing it to promote your lover, and even asked me when you started liking girls.”

Dong Ling felt a little guilty, it wasn’t entirely wrong. But just as she was about to refute it, the task system voice, which usually played dead but always appeared to cause her social death, rang out in her mind again.

[Task: Declare your love for the female lead and assert your claim in front of others. Countdown: three minutes. Completing this task will reward 3% progress.]

Dong Ling cleared her throat: “Actually, I…”

This task was quite easy, she could exploit the loopholes and use the “muse” excuse.

Dong Ling was facing the stairs and saw Song Mingzhi about to come up. She froze, their eyes meeting.

021: [Countdown: two minutes and twenty-one seconds.]

Chen Shang Shang, with her back to the stairs, didn’t notice anyone below, and said as if suddenly realizing something: “Actually, do you really like girls?”

Chapter 18: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

Most people would be angry if their face was slapped like that, whether it was from the shame of being exposed or the grievance of being misunderstood, but Xuan Du wasn’t.

Instead, she said with some surprise: “It seems you still remember my personality, I thought you had forgotten everything.”

“A toast to friendship.”

Xuan Du raised her glass with a smile and gently clinked it against Dong Ling’s, the glasses making a crisp sound.

She drank the crimson liquid in one gulp, Dong Ling watched her perform this one-woman show with cold eyes.

Xuan Du took another glass of wine from a waiter passing through the crowd and greeted the approaching guests.

“Xuan Du, happy birthday.” Someone came over and gave her their blessings, then looked at Dong Ling and asked, “Who is this?”

As the person sized her up, Dong Ling also took in their appearance.

It was a round-faced girl, with the same Western-style makeup as Xuan Du, making it difficult to see her original features. She had a high ponytail and wore a hip-hugging skirt, her style consistent with Xuan Du’s, different from the majority of cocktail dresses and suits at the party, a complete hottie.

“Let me introduce you. This is Director Yu’s daughter, Yu Hui.” Xuan Du introduced them to each other, her tone much warmer when introducing Dong Ling. She said, “This is my best friend since childhood, Dong Ling.”

Dong Ling felt an even bigger headache coming on, knowing this wasn’t over.

If Xuan Du wanted to embarrass or humiliate her, it would mean she would leave her alone after getting her revenge. But now, her enthusiastic attempt to rekindle their old friendship was what made her scalp tingle.

“Hello, Miss Yu.”

Dong Ling greeted her politely. She didn’t know which director this director was, but no matter which one, it was better not to offend them. So she didn’t deny Xuan Du’s words. There was no point in denying it in this situation, she would wait and see what Xuan Du was up to.

Yu Hui curled her lip and nodded perfunctorily, looking at Xuan Du with dissatisfaction: “I didn’t know you had such a good friend.”

Jealousy in friendships wasn’t any less common than in romantic relationships. Dong Ling’s heart skipped a beat. Compared to before, Xuan Du had become more devious.

“Now you know. What gift did you bring me today?”

Xuan Du replied, changing the subject.

“Come on, I’ll show you, you’ll like it.”

Yu Hui reached for Xuan Du’s hand, but Xuan Du avoided it.

Xuan Du said apologetically: “You know, I don’t like being touched.”

Dong Ling: ?

Wow, learning and applying it right away?

Yu Hui seemed to remember and said “Oh,” then beckoned to Xuan Du.

Seeing this, Dong Ling wanted to leave. She didn’t want to get involved with Xuan Du’s circle of second-generation officials. If necessary, she would make those connections herself. Getting involved through Xuan Du might cause unnecessary trouble later.

Xuan Du didn’t stop her, and Yu Hui asked as they walked: “She doesn’t seem that close to you.”

“We haven’t seen each other for a long time, and there are some misunderstandings.”

Xuan Du said calmly. With Dong Ling gone, the fake smile on her face disappeared, reverting to the look Yu Hui was familiar with. Seeing this, Yu Hui didn’t bring up the topic again.

On the small balcony, away from the crowd, Dong Ling slowly took a sip of wine and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Song Mingzhi’s message arrived at this moment.

[Mingzhi]: Is everything going smoothly?

Thinking of her, Dong Ling’s mood improved considerably, and she leaned against the railing to reply.

[Dong Ling]: I don’t know what tricks she’s playing, she introduced me as her best friend and wants to rekindle our old friendship.

Song Mingzhi looked at the message on her phone and didn’t reply immediately. Various conspiracy theories popped into her head, but none of them were suitable to tell Dong Ling now. After all, in Dong Ling’s eyes, she was still just a newcomer in the entertainment industry striving for her dreams, not involved in the murky waters of officialdom and business.

As Dong Ling was about to send another message, she heard footsteps behind her and held her phone in her hand.

“Long time no see.”

It wasn’t just one person, but five. They greeted her and reminisced, but their eyes weren’t friendly.

“Long time no see.”

Dong Ling maintained her composure, leaning against the railing, a flawless social smile on her face.

These were her and Xuan Du’s former friends, a mix of rich second-generation heirs and officials’ children. When they heard about Dong Ling calling the police, they all looked down on her, thinking she was disloyal and a backstabber.

Dong Ling didn’t care what they said, she only did what she thought was right and wouldn’t be swayed by the words of others. She broke off contact with all of them and went abroad soon after. When she returned, except for Chen Shang Shang and Dong Nuo, her social circle had completely changed.

Dong Ling ignored their sarcastic remarks, even feeling a little bored, until she heard someone say “You have the nerve to see Xuan Du,” and then she responded lazily.

“I think you’re right, I’ll be going then.”

Being able to leave directly was wonderful, as satisfying as leaving work early!

Dong Ling left the dumbfounded group, said goodbye to her parents, and left gracefully.

Only after getting into the Maybach did Dong Ling have time to check her messages. Song Mingzhi had sent her several messages, seriously analyzing that Xuan Du’s behavior was very likely to have ulterior motives, and told her not to trust her easily.

Dong Ling was amused, she wasn’t that naive.

Then her smile froze. In front of Song Mingzhi, she seemed like a complete pushover, a modern-day philanthropic capitalist, crowdfunding and giving away money.

[Dong Ling]: Okay, I understand.

[Dong Ling]: I’ve already slipped away.

Song Mingzhi: It’s over already?

[Dong Ling]: No, I ran into some old acquaintances, offended them again, and left. I’ll have a few more reasons to celebrate in my old age.

Seeing Song Mingzhi’s confusion, Dong Ling was too lazy to type and sent a voice message to explain.

“Theoretically speaking, the longer a person lives, the more bad news they’ll hear in their old age, because the people they know will pass away one after another. But if the deceased is an enemy, then it’s good news.”

“And I will live a long life.”

Hearing the last few words, Song Mingzhi laughed out loud in her room.

People had many sides, and every side of this girl was so interesting.

[Mingzhi]: You’re right.

[Dong Ling]: Hehe, I’ll buy a plane ticket and fly back to the film crew tomorrow, stay away from trouble.

[Mingzhi]: Okay, see you tomorrow.

Looking at the company Xuan Du invested in, Song Mingzhi had already made up her mind.

The intricacies of the political arena were difficult for her to navigate, but the situation was different now. If Xuan Du had any ideas, she could easily create some trouble for her, distracting her from Dong Ling.

Dong Ling returned home. After thinking about it, she decided not to wait until tomorrow and booked a flight for tonight. Xuan Du wouldn’t be able to catch her.

After the party, Dong’s parents were amused by Dong Ling’s action of flying back overnight.

After looking at the gifts and returning, Xuan Du couldn’t find Dong Ling and thought she was hiding somewhere. It was a while before she learned from others that Dong Ling had left early.

Hearing those words defending her, Xuan Du said irritably: “This is between me and her, don’t interfere in the future.”

She reminded them coldly: “I don’t need you to do anything under the guise of helping me. We’re all adults now, we know what we’re doing.”

She could scold Dong Ling, but who were these others?

After finally enduring the end of the party, Xuan Du contacted Dong Sheng, saying she wanted to invite Dong Ling to dinner tomorrow, and asked for Dong Ling’s number.

Dong Sheng couldn’t refuse, but he didn’t give her Dong Ling’s personal number, but her work number, and explained that Dong Ling wasn’t home and probably wouldn’t be able to make it tomorrow.

“Running away so fast.”

Xuan Du was so angry she laughed. She looked at the number in her hand, but didn’t dial it.

When Xuan Du asked for the number, Dong Ling had just landed and was dragging her suitcase back to the manor where the film crew was staying.

It was already 1 am, and the crew had already finished work.

Dong Ling gently opened the door. To avoid waking Song Mingzhi, she left her suitcase at the door, turned on her phone’s flashlight, and quietly tiptoed along the wall.

021: [Girl, you look like a thief.]

Dong Ling sneered: [Knowing the task system’s style, if I were a thief, I’d be a flower thief.]

Just as she said that, the mechanical voice rang out in her mind.

[Task: Secretly kiss the female lead for one minute while she’s asleep. Completing this task will reward 7% progress.]

Dong Ling’s face was expressionless, and she gave a mental middle finger.

Task system, your mother exploded.