Category: You’re Not Allowed to Kiss Me Anymore! [Quick Transmigration]

Chapter 56 p2

After thanking the crew for their kindness and support, Xin Yao, her spirits lifted, finally turned her attention to work.

Director Gao, still worried about her, approached her, her gaze a mix of concern and affection.

“Yao, are you really okay? Shouldn’t you rest for a few more days?”

“I’m fine, Director,” Xin Yao smiled. “I can’t hold up the production any longer.”

“Sigh,” Director Gao sat down beside her, her voice gentle. “You don’t have to be so considerate of others. Take care of yourself too.”

Xin Yao, always putting others’ needs before her own, her kindness sometimes bordering on self-sacrificing, nodded earnestly.

Director Gao, however, was still worried.

“I’ve sent you the scripts for the next two scenes. They’re quite emotionally charged…”

“Don’t worry, Director,” Xin Yao, knowing her concern, reassured her. “I’m fine. The past is behind me. I’m moving forward. My future is bright.”

Director Gao, relieved, nodded.

“That’s good.”

But despite her words, she still treated Xin Yao with extra care.

Considering her emotional state, she decided to film a few less intense scenes first, a gradual transition back into the story.

Since their intimate moment on Wen Sigu’s birthday, Lu Duanjing and Wen Sigu’s love had blossomed, their desire for each other a constant, burning flame.

They would steal moments together whenever they could.

One winter evening, Wen Sigu, under the pretense of delivering something to Lu Duanjing, had waited outside her house in the cold, just for a brief glimpse of her beloved, their conversation stilted and formal due to the presence of others.

But even a few stolen glances were enough.

During the school holidays, Lu Duanjing would visit Wen Sigu’s home for her lessons, Wen Sigu waiting for her on the street, their umbrellas shielding them from the falling snow as they walked side by side, their hands almost touching, yet not quite, their unspoken desires a silent language.

Their secret romance continued, the weather growing colder as winter deepened.

The relationship between the Lu and Wen families also deepened, Lu’s father often taking Lu Duanjing with him on his visits to the Wen residence.

Like today.

In the Wen family’s living room, Lu Duanjing sat quietly on the sofa, listening as her father and Wen’s father discussed the recent incident in the slums, the government’s crackdown on suspected criminals.

Lu Duanjing had witnessed the violence firsthand, the soldiers firing their guns indiscriminately, killing so many people. Who were they chasing?

Unable to contain her curiosity, she asked, “Did they ever catch him?”

Wen’s father, his gaze gentle, shook his head.

“No, they didn’t. Apparently, he was a drug dealer. Someone seems to be helping him. He’s still at large. But Duanjing, you were quite shaken by that incident, weren’t you?”

Lu’s father, surprisingly, expressed his concern.

“It was a traumatic experience for her. Thankfully, Ms. Wen was there to help her.”

Wen’s father, his daughter praised, smiled.

“She did the right thing.”

Just then, the front door opened, and Wen Sigu entered the room, her clothes dusted with snow.

Her father, seeing her, smiled.

“Speaking of the devil…”

Wen Sigu, still carrying the chill of the winter air, her shoulders covered in snow, her gaze immediately found Lu Duanjing.

Lu Duanjing, sitting quietly on the sofa, also looked up at her.

Their eyes met across the warm room, their gazes lingering, their unspoken love a silent language.

And Xu Jingyu and Xin Yao, playing their roles, their own feelings mirroring their characters’, their gazes even more intense, more daring, the air between them crackling with unspoken desire.

Even the crew, watching from the sidelines, felt a vicarious thrill, their hearts racing.

But the professional actresses continued their performance.

Wen Sigu sat down, exchanging pleasantries with their fathers, then, at an opportune moment, turned to Lu Duanjing.

“Duanjing, I just remembered, I left the book I wanted to lend you in my room. Would you mind coming with me to get it?”

Lu Duanjing’s eyes flickered, and she nodded softly.

“Okay.”

They entered Wen Sigu’s room.

Without a word, their eyes meeting, they embraced, their lips finding each other in a hungry, passionate kiss.

Like two flames merging, their bodies intertwined, their tongues tangling, their breaths mingling.

It was a scene Xin Yao and Xu Jingyu had played out countless times in their own lives.

Their performance was effortless, their chemistry undeniable, the heat of their passion almost tangible, even through the camera lens, making the crew blush, their throats tightening.

Their connection was electric.

But as the kiss ended, and they emerged from the room, they had to become Lu Duanjing and Wen Sigu again, their love a secret they had to keep hidden.

Their forced separation only intensified their longing for each other.

They would steal moments together whenever they could, their kisses stolen in the darkness of their rooms, or in the quiet solitude of a deserted garden.

And now, in the twilight of a winter evening, in a secluded grove of trees, their bodies hidden from prying eyes, they met again.

It had been days since they had last seen each other, and as they embraced, their lips found each other in a desperate, hungry kiss.

Xin Yao, as Lu Duanjing, took the lead, pushing Xu Jingyu against a tree, her arms wrapping around her neck, her lips claiming Xu Jingyu’s.

Xu Jingyu, her back against the rough bark of the tree, the cold snow falling on her neck, a stark contrast to the warmth of Xin Yao’s lips, her breath catching in her throat, her fingers instinctively gripping Xin Yao’s waist, was about to deepen the kiss when Xin Yao, distracted by a snowflake landing on Xu Jingyu’s neck, pulled away, her eyelashes fluttering, her gaze fixed on the delicate white crystal.

Then, standing on tiptoe, she kissed the snowflake, her warm lips melting it against Xu Jingyu’s skin, the moisture trickling down her neck, a warm, sensual trail.

Xin Yao’s eyes, half-closed, her gaze lingering on the glistening water droplet, she leaned closer, her tongue tracing the path of the melted snowflake on Xu Jingyu’s skin.

“Hiss!”

Even Xu Jingyu, her self-control usually so strong, couldn’t suppress the shiver that ran down her spine, her eyes darkening as she turned her head, capturing Xin Yao’s lips in a fierce, possessive kiss, her passion ignited by the unexpected intimacy of the moment.

As they kissed, lost in their embrace, the crew, their attention focused on the monitor, didn’t notice the small heads popping up, one after another, like curious meerkats, from behind the wall near the brightly lit set.

It was the zombie movie crew, of course.

Led by Meng Wanqing, they had climbed the wall, eager to witness the kissing scene, their hushed whispers and excited squeals echoing through the quiet night.

“Ooh!”

“They’re kissing! They’re kissing!”

“Oh my god, that’s hot!”

Meng Wanqing, however, gritted her teeth, muttering under her breath, “Damn you, Xu Jingyu! You sneaky little…”

They had come here specifically to watch the kissing scene.

Their own set, filled with explosions, gunshots, and gruesome zombies, was unbearable.

Hearing that the “Unseen Spring” crew was filming a kissing scene, they had decided to sneak over for a peek.

Their excited chatter, however, had apparently been a bit too loud, coinciding with the end of the take.

Xin Yao, lifting her head from Xu Jingyu’s embrace, her gaze drawn to the sound, had looked up and seen the row of heads peering over the wall, her eyes widening in surprise.

Caught red-handed, the zombie crew, unfazed, started cheering.

“Encore!”

“Kiss again!”

“One more time!”

Meng Wanqing, however, pounded on the wall, her voice filled with mock outrage. “You scoundrel! How dare you kiss our Yaoyao! I’ll kill you!”

Xin Yao, mortified by the sudden attention, her face burning, buried her face in Xu Jingyu’s embrace, too embarrassed to look up.

Director Gao, noticing the intruders, rushed towards them, waving her script like a weapon.

“Get back to your own set! Go be zombies! We don’t want you here!”

The zombie crew, however, continued their cheering, their voices echoing through the night.

“Director Gao is so scary! We’re so scared!”

Director Gao: “Scared, my ass! Get out of here! Meng Wanqing, you first!”

As the director chased them away, Xin Yao remained hidden in Xu Jingyu’s embrace, Xu Jingyu’s arm still around her, her hand gently stroking her hair.

Then, as Xin Yao stirred, about to sit up, Xu Jingyu’s fingers tightened around the back of her head, pulling her closer, her other hand gently stroking Xin Yao’s hair, her gaze, cold and sharp like a blade, fixed on a figure lurking in the shadows near the wall.

The figure, startled by her gaze, their hand trembling, froze.

It was a paparazzi, who, after much effort, had finally managed to sneak onto the set, hiding in the bushes, braving the cold winter night.

They hadn’t expected to be discovered by Xu Jingyu.

And now, her gaze, cold and menacing, as she held Xin Yao close, was a clear warning: This is my wife. Touch her, and you die.

The paparazzi, already freezing, now also terrified, their finger instinctively pressing the shutter button, capturing the intimate moment, the two women embracing in the moonlight, a photo that would soon be shared online.

Chapter 56 p1

Waking up in Xu Jingyu’s bed, Xin Yao stretched languidly in the warm sunlight, rubbing her sleep-tousled hair before getting out of bed.

As she stood up, her pale gray pajama pants, much too large for her, pooled around her ankles.

She was wearing her girlfriend’s clothes.

Xu Jingyu was much taller than Xin Yao, and everything of hers seemed oversized: her hugs, her clothes, even her hands, her fingers a full knuckle longer than Xin Yao’s.

A single touch, a gentle caress, was enough to make Xin Yao cry.

Having successfully resolved a major issue the previous day, Xin Yao had been in a good mood, her initial resistance crumbling as she surrendered to Xu Jingyu’s passionate embrace, their lovemaking lasting late into the night, Xin Yao’s tears a mixture of pleasure and exhaustion.

She had slept in late, finally waking up when the sun was already high in the sky.

Padding across the floor in her oversized slippers, she opened the bedroom door and looked at the living room.

At first glance, it looked like Xu Jingyu’s old apartment, its minimalist decor, the black, white, and gray color scheme, the only splash of color being the wall of candy, a stark contrast to the cold, impersonal atmosphere.

But Xin Yao had been here last night.

Unlike the aloof and almost robotic Xu Jingyu, Xin Yao was more carefree and spontaneous.

She had tossed her bag onto the table, her coat onto the sofa, the warm air from the heating making her shed her outer layers.

Then, amidst laughter, tears, and whispered moans, their lovemaking had begun on the sofa, her pale green lace bra now discarded on the coffee table, the expensive rug still bearing the marks of their passion.

Xu Jingyu’s usually pristine apartment, now slightly disheveled, felt more lived-in, more like a home.

Xin Yao stood in the doorway, looking towards the kitchen.

Xu Jingyu, wearing a simple white T-shirt, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing her slender arms and elegant hands, was cooking.

It was almost lunchtime, and she was making Xin Yao’s favorite dish: braised beef with tomatoes.

The morning sunlight illuminated her face, her long, dark hair cascading down her back, her appearance both elegant and gentle.

President Xu, the aloof movie queen, was now simply Xin Yao’s girlfriend.

Hearing Xin Yao approach, Xu Jingyu looked up, her eyes lighting up as she saw her.

She set down her utensils, wiped her hands, and walked towards Xin Yao.

Xin Yao, however, raised her hand, stopping her.

“Stay there! Don’t move!”

Xu Jingyu, slightly puzzled, obeyed, her movements stilling.

Xin Yao stretched, then, taking a deep breath, bent down slightly, as if preparing to run.

The next moment, she was running towards Xu Jingyu, a bright smile on her face, her arms outstretched, her legs kicking out playfully as she jumped into Xu Jingyu’s arms.

“Catch me!” she exclaimed, her legs wrapping around Xu Jingyu’s waist.

Xu Jingyu caught her effortlessly, her strong arms holding her securely, her body not even swaying from the impact.

Waking up to see her lover’s face, to hold her close, it was a perfect start to the day.

Xu Jingyu felt like she was melting, her heart overflowing with warmth and affection.

She wanted every morning to be like this, to wake up with Xin Yao in her arms.

Her hand gently caressing Xin Yao’s waist, her head buried in her neck, she murmured, “Yaoyao, let’s get married.”

Wow.

Xu Jingyu was truly obsessed with marriage.

Seeing Xin Yao’s stunned silence, she shifted her grip, one hand cupping Xin Yao’s bottom, the other gently stroking her neck, her lips brushing against her skin, her voice a soft, seductive murmur.

“Marry me?”

Xin Yao giggled, her body squirming playfully in Xu Jingyu’s embrace, the touch ticklish against her sensitive skin.

“No way! Why are you so eager to get married?”

Xu Jingyu’s touch became more insistent, her fingers tracing Xin Yao’s skin.

As they flirted and laughed, the world outside was in chaos.

The news from the previous day had been the biggest scandal of the year, no, of the decade, perhaps even the century.

Countless people, their minds still reeling from the shocking revelations, had stayed up all night, glued to their phones and computers, refreshing their social media feeds, poring over the evidence.

Even the next morning, their eyes dark and sunken from lack of sleep, they continued to discuss the scandal, their voices filled with outrage.

Li Xu was a scumbag!

His reputation was in tatters.

And how could it not be? He had been arrested on live television!

His remaining fans, however, were still in denial, claiming that he had simply been taken in for questioning, that the truth was yet to be revealed.

Perhaps Xin Yao and Ying Xi had made false accusations.

And some, huddled together in online forums, were crying, urging each other to stay calm and wait for the official results of the investigation, their faith in their idol unwavering.

Their delusional posts, however, had been quickly screenshotted and shared online, becoming the laughingstock of the internet.

As time passed, the initial shock and excitement subsided, replaced by a cold, hard reality.

Li Xu’s actions, his years of manipulation and deceit, were far more sinister than they had initially imagined.

And then, people who knew him personally started coming forward.

A former classmate and neighbor of Li Xu’s posted online:

[I was Li Xu and Xin Yao’s neighbor. We were all poor back then, barely making ends meet.

I was in the same class as Li Xu in middle school, but we weren’t close. Honestly, when he became famous, I was happy for him.

I thought he had finally escaped poverty, that he wouldn’t have to suffer anymore. But it turned out he was the only one who escaped. After becoming famous, he never visited his parents again. He even cut ties with them.

I don’t understand why. His parents were so good to him. They gave him everything he wanted. I was so envious.

But two years ago, when his mother died, his father called him, crying, begging him to come home. He just said he understood and hung up. He didn’t even come back for the funeral.]

[What the hell? He abandoned his own parents?]

[I also live nearby. I’ve heard them arguing. Basically, he was ashamed of his family’s poverty and resented them.]

[He’s even worse than I thought.]

[Those three women are so unlucky.]

[Mo Yuwei is fortunate. I feel the worst for Xin Yao.

Mo Yuwei slapped her in public, and she was slandered by that scumbag.

The online hate she endured was horrific.]

[Shouldn’t those people apologize to Xin Yao?]

[I’m raising my hand! I’m guilty! I’m so sorry, Xin Yao! I believed those reports. I was so stupid!]

But some people refused to admit they were wrong.

[So what? Xin Yao is fine. She even went to his engagement party to cause trouble. It’s not a big deal.]

Qian Yu, a crew member who had been glued to her phone since the scandal broke, couldn’t take it anymore.

[Not a big deal?! It’s easy for you to say!

I work with Xin Yao. That “not a big deal” was a mountain of online hate, a constant barrage of insults and accusations.

It’s easy for you to dismiss it when it’s not happening to you. No one knows how close she came to breaking down!]

[What do you mean, “breaking down”?]

[You mean suicide?!]

[Holy shit! And Ying Xi, the other woman, has reportedly suffered a mental breakdown! How could Xin Yao be fine after experiencing the same abuse and pressure?]

[I’m crying! This is so sad!]

Qian Yu wasn’t the only one on the “Unseen Spring” set who was following the news.

The entire crew, even the director, was glued to their phones.

Inspired by Qian Yu’s post, other crew members started speaking up for Xin Yao.

[I also work on the set. I always knew Ms. Xin was a kind person, but I never realized how much she had suffered.

And you know what’s even more ridiculous? She’s the one who’s always taking care of us!

When I had a family emergency, she was the only one who noticed, coming over to comfort me, even though she was going through her own difficult time.]

[While the director is frantically trying to call Ms. Xu, who’s probably yelling at her, let me just say that Xin Yao is truly an amazing person. Everyone who meets her loves her.]

[Go, Xu Jingyu!]

[I’m an extra on the zombie movie set next door, and I’m officially a Xin Yao fan!]

[Another zombie here! Yaoyao often buys us food! She’s so nice!]

With so many crew members vouching for Xin Yao’s character, public opinion began to shift.

And just then, a new post appeared on Xin Yao’s social media page.

[OMG, look at this! //@GetWellSoonXiaoJian: I have to say something. Xin Yao is a truly wonderful person, not just as a celebrity, but as a human being. She’s the kindest person I’ve ever met. I’m just an ordinary father, and my daughter is seriously ill…]

[And this! //@XiaoJianLovesYaoyao: Long story short, my name is Jian Ru’yin, and I’m terminally ill. I was in so much pain that I wanted to give up. Until one day, my favorite celebrity brought me a taste of spring…]

Jian Ru’yin and her father had shared their story online, detailing Xin Yao’s kindness, her unexpected act of compassion.

Having learned about Xin Yao’s own struggles, they felt compelled to speak up for her.

Their posts, heartfelt and detailed, quickly gained traction, trending on social media.

[OMG, I was there! It was the park near my house!

My parents and I ran outside when we saw it! The entire park was filled with flowers! We thought it was some rich kid’s romantic gesture! It was Xin Yao, trying to cheer up a fan?! Here are some photos I took! [Photos] [Photos]]

[Wasn’t that the “One Night Spring” story that went viral a while ago? Everyone thought it was a romantic gesture, but it was actually an act of kindness!]

[Xin Yao is so romantic!]

[I was feeling down this morning, and this story gave me hope. Not just for that girl, but for myself. It’s so inspiring.]

[I’m crying! This is so beautiful!]

[Are you Xin Yao fans keeping secrets from us? I’ve never seen such a dedicated celebrity!]

[You were arguing with me just the other day because I’m a Xin Yao fan!]

[I’m officially a fan!]

Xin Yao, however, oblivious to the online frenzy, was sitting on the sofa, watching as Xu Jingyu, her expression slightly annoyed, hung up the phone.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice soft.

Xu Jingyu tossed her phone onto the sofa and sat down beside Xin Yao.

“Director Gao was asking where I was, why I wasn’t on set. She wants me there now.”

Xin Yao had taken a few days off to deal with the Li Xu situation, and Director Gao, understanding, had readily agreed, saying they would focus on filming Xu Jingyu’s scenes in the meantime.

She hadn’t expected Xu Jingyu to be unavailable.

Xin Yao, hearing this, couldn’t help but laugh.

“Wow, is she really that oblivious? I think we’re being pretty obvious. Even the crew has noticed.”

Xu Jingyu, surprisingly, sighed.

“She’s incredibly dense.”

“Then let’s just get married,” Xin Yao leaned closer, kissing Xu Jingyu on the cheek. “That’ll definitely shock her.”

Xu Jingyu, easily swayed by any mention of marriage, her eyes lighting up, replied, “Today, then. Or tomorrow, if that’s too soon.”

Xin Yao, amused by her eagerness, playfully dodged her embrace.

“Xu Jingyu, you’re ridiculous! Tomorrow isn’t any less ‘soon’!”

Having spent a few days recovering in the comfort of her girlfriend’s embrace, Xin Yao, the workaholic, was eager to return to work.

Neither the Li Xu situation nor the online discussions had affected her as much as everyone had feared.

But Xu Jingyu, worried about her, had insisted she take a few more days off.

Five days later, Xin Yao finally returned to the set, her energy restored, her mood bright, arriving with Xu Jingyu.

As they entered the set, the crew, seeing her, fell silent, their gazes fixed on her.

Xin Yao, slightly intimidated by their stares, smiled, about to greet them as usual.

Just then, one of the crew members walked towards her and, without a word, placed a flower in her hand.

“Huh?” Xin Yao took the flower, confused, about to ask what it meant, when the person turned and walked away.

And then, as if triggered by her action, other crew members approached her, each one placing a flower in her arms.

Xin Yao, her questions unanswered, could only accept the flowers, her arms soon filled with a bouquet of red roses, so large that she could barely hold them.

She opened her mouth to speak, but looking at the roses, at the concerned faces around her, she didn’t know what to say.

Her eyes reddened slightly, her voice a soft murmur.

“What’s all this about?”

Xu Jingyu, standing beside her, her gaze soft, replied, “They probably saw the ‘One Night Spring’ video and thought you liked flowers.”

“Just accept them, Yaoyao. You brought spring to someone else, and now they want to return the favor.”

Then, she pulled a single red rose from somewhere, a rose she had clearly chosen and prepared carefully, its stem wrapped in a delicate glass tube, tied with a ribbon, unlike the others.

Her long, slender fingers gently placed the rose among the others in Xin Yao’s arms, her eyes soft and warm.

“This one is my spring for you.”

The roses, their vibrant red color a stark contrast to the gray winter sky, their beauty a symbol of hope and renewal, warmed Xin Yao’s heart, her eyes filling with tears.

She looked at the single, perfect rose among the others, a symbol of Xu Jingyu’s love, her possessiveness, her desire to be the only one in Xin Yao’s eyes.

Chapter 55 p3

Ying Xi, oblivious to the online frenzy, turned to Mo Yuwei.

“Well, well, well, Miss Mo. You called Xin Yao a homewrecker, but it turns out you’re the other woman! Or rather, the fourth woman!”

“Shouldn’t you apologize to Xin Yao? After all, you slapped her in public and encouraged people to bully her online!”

Her words were like slaps to Mo Yuwei’s face.

She had been raised in a world of privilege, sheltered from hardship and humiliation. And now, she was the subject of public ridicule.

Her face pale, she wanted to faint, but she couldn’t, her body frozen in place, a silent scream trapped in her throat.

But Ying Xi, her anger directed solely at Li Xu, not at Mo Yuwei, who was also a victim, turned to glare at him.

“You tried to kill me!”

“You bastard! I told you I was pregnant with your child, and you tried to kill me!”

“How could you be so cruel?!”

Li Xu, his body trembling under the weight of everyone’s stares, finally snapped, his voice a furious roar.

“You’re lying!”

“You crazy bitch! You and Xin Yao are working together! You’re trying to ruin me!”

He had to silence her!

He took a step towards her, his expression menacing.

Just then, the doors to the ballroom opened.

Everyone turned to see several plainclothes police officers entering the room, their gazes scanning the crowd.

“Which one of you is Li Xu? He’s under arrest for attempted murder.”

Li Xu, frozen mid-stride, slowly turned around.

As he was being led away, his mind still reeling from the sudden turn of events, he felt like he was in a dream, his world crumbling around him.

Then, he saw Xin Yao, sitting in a quiet corner, her gaze cold and indifferent as she watched him being taken away.

He finally understood who was behind this, his teeth grinding together in frustration.

But it was too late.

He was now in the same position as the original Xin Yao, silenced and condemned, his life ruined.

And Xin Yao, watching him go, her expression impassive, wouldn’t waste a single word on him.

Meanwhile, the news of Li Xu’s arrest was spreading like wildfire online.

His fanbase, already dwindling after the news of his relationship with Mo Yuwei, had now completely turned against him.

He had been with Xin Yao all along, cheating on her with another woman, exploiting both of them for his own gain.

And after finding a richer girlfriend, he had not only dumped them but had also tried to destroy their reputations.

He was a monster!

[Industry insiders reveal Li Xu’s history of social climbing.]

[Those three women are so pitiful!]

[It’s disgusting!]

But what was truly terrifying was the realization that he was capable of murder, that he wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate anyone who stood in his way.

He was a dangerous man.

The news was so shocking that many people had initially dismissed it as fake, until a video of Li Xu being arrested surfaced online, confirming the rumors.

Even his most devoted fans were now silent, their faith in him shattered.

[Wait, if this is all true, then Xin Yao is the real victim! She was bullied and slandered online!]

[She tried to explain! She tried so many times, but no one listened!]

[Ying Xi is also a victim! I’m her neighbor! She’s been devastated by this!]

As the evidence mounted, Li Xu’s carefully constructed image crumbling, public opinion shifted, no longer condemning Xin Yao, but sympathizing with her.

[They’re so pitiful! Exploited for years, then targeted for murder! He’s a modern-day Chen Shimei!]

[I’m crying! I’m a Xin Yao fan! I’ve always believed in her! I knew she wasn’t capable of such things! You all judged her without even knowing her!]

[I get upset when people say mean things about me online. I can’t imagine what Xin Yao has been through.]

The comments section exploded, the online discussions heated and passionate.

Xin Yao, her eyes glazing over at the sheer volume of messages, closed the live stream and put away her phone, no longer wanting to read them.

She looked at the chaotic scene before her, the engagement party in ruins, Mo Yuwei slumped in her chair, the guests whispering amongst themselves, then quietly slipped out of the ballroom.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly.

Ying Xi emerged a few moments later, standing beside Xin Yao, a triumphant smile on her face.

Xin Yao turned to her. “Want to grab some dinner? Or I can drive you home.”

Ying Xi, her eyes shining, suddenly hugged Xin Yao, her voice a soft whisper in her ear.

“Thank you.”

Then, releasing her, she smiled, her usual cheerful demeanor returning.

“I think I’ll pass on dinner. I need some rest. I have an appointment tomorrow… to take care of this.”

“It’s such a beautiful day. I hope it stays like this.”

“Safe travels, Xin Yao. And it seems someone’s waiting for you.”

Huh?

Xin Yao, following Ying Xi’s gaze, turned around.

Xu Jingyu, dressed in black, her face hidden behind a mask and a hat, stood by a car, her long legs crossed, the sunlight illuminating her figure, making her look even more beautiful.

Seeing Xin Yao, she put away her phone and stood up straight.

Xin Yao said goodbye to Ying Xi and ran towards Xu Jingyu, throwing herself into her arms, her embrace filled with the joy and relief of their reunion.

Xu Jingyu’s arms wrapped around her, her chin nuzzling against Xin Yao’s head.

The gentle touch made Xin Yao giggle, her arms tightening around Xu Jingyu’s waist.

“Have you been waiting long?”

“Yes,” Xu Jingyu murmured, her voice soft, “a very long time.”

Xu Jingyu had wanted to accompany Xin Yao, to support her, but Xin Yao had insisted on handling it alone, not wanting to involve her.

So, Xu Jingyu had waited outside, her anxiety growing with each passing moment, time seeming to slow down.

The street wasn’t the best place for a conversation, their identities too easily recognized, so after a brief exchange, they got into the car.

Xin Yao had expected Xu Jingyu to ask about the engagement party, about what had happened, about how she was feeling.

But Xu Jingyu simply turned to her and asked, “It’s getting late. Are you hungry?”

Xin Yao, surprised, then thoughtful, replied, “Is there anything you want to eat?”

“How about malatang?”

“Huh?” Xin Yao looked at her, surprised. “Ms. Xu, you don’t seem like the type to enjoy malatang.”

Xu Jingyu’s tastes were usually light and delicate, her aversion to spicy food well-known.

Xu Jingyu smiled.

She had been studying Xin Yao’s preferences, learning about her likes and dislikes, her love for spicy food a stark contrast to Xu Jingyu’s own.

She wanted to try the things Xin Yao enjoyed.

And Xin Yao, of course, wouldn’t refuse.

Twenty minutes later, they sat at a small malatang restaurant recommended by Meng Wanqing, their phones untouched, ignoring the online frenzy, the unanswered calls piling up.

It was still early, and the restaurant was almost empty, just the two of them.

Like the time they had shared a bowl of wontons, they sat close together at the small table, their arms almost touching.

Xu Jingyu, trying malatang for the first time, frowned slightly, a thin sheen of sweat on her forehead.

Xin Yao, seeing her reaction, couldn’t help but tease her.

“Ms. Xu, you can’t handle the spice?”

How dare she question her tolerance?

Xu Jingyu, her expression unchanged, took another bite, then declared, her voice calm and even, “I’ve adapted.”

“Oh really?” Xin Yao drawled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

She glanced around, making sure no one was watching, then leaned closer, her lips brushing against Xu Jingyu’s ear, her voice a husky whisper.

“I can make you lose your composure with a single sentence. Want to bet?”

Xu Jingyu’s eyelashes fluttered, her dark eyes glancing at Xin Yao’s face.

“What sentence?”

Xin Yao leaned even closer, her breath warm against Xu Jingyu’s ear, her voice a seductive murmur.

“Want to come over to my place tonight?”

Xu Jingyu choked, the spice suddenly overwhelming, a burning sensation spreading from her stomach to her throat.

She covered her mouth with her hand, coughing, then grabbed a napkin and wiped her lips, taking a sip of water to soothe her burning throat.

She looked at Xin Yao, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and something darker, more intense.

“Yaoyao, you did that on purpose.”

“Mm-hmm,” Xin Yao raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her face. “I did.”

Then, her voice softening, she added, “Or how about… you come over to my place?”

In the end, they went to Xu Jingyu’s apartment.

As they reached the door, Xin Yao realized it was her first time visiting Xu Jingyu’s home, a sudden excitement filling her.

But as she opened the door and turned on the lights, she froze, her eyes widening in surprise.

One wall of Xu Jingyu’s living room was covered in shelves, and the shelves were filled with jars of candy, all shapes and sizes, their colorful wrappers creating a dazzling display, like a miniature galaxy.

It was clearly a collection, carefully curated and meticulously organized.

But Xu Jingyu didn’t like candy. Who was it for?

A tear rolled down Xin Yao’s cheek.

Her heart swelled with emotion, like a thousand butterflies taking flight.

She had thought she was the only one who remembered, the only one who carried the torch of their past love, her memories a bittersweet burden.

But Xu Jingyu, even without her memories, had been loving her, instinctively, her soul recognizing Xin Yao’s.

Even without remembering, you still loved me.

Xin Yao turned to Xu Jingyu, her voice trembling slightly.

“When did you start collecting these?”

Xu Jingyu, seeing Xin Yao’s tears, rushed towards her, gently wiping them away.

“Why are you crying? I thought you would like it.”

“I don’t remember when I started. I just… one day I realized I was collecting them.”

Her words only made Xin Yao cry harder.

Xu Jingyu, her hands cupping Xin Yao’s face, her voice gentle and concerned, asked, “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”

“I… I’m just worried about getting cavities,” Xin Yao sobbed, her nose wrinkling slightly.

“Then don’t eat too much.”

“And I think they’re expired!”

“No, they’re not. I take good care of them. I throw away the expired ones.”

“That’s not it. I just…” Xin Yao looked at her, her eyes shining with tears, “I just like you too much.”

Xin Yao’s tears softened Xu Jingyu’s gaze, and she gently kissed Xin Yao’s forehead.

“Me too. I like you… too much.”

Chapter 55 p2

As the Mo family and the hotel staff struggled to contain the chaos, the video montage continued, now showing a series of photos and screenshots.

While Xin Yao didn’t have any direct evidence of their relationship, she did have proof of her efforts to advance his career.

Photos of her attending business dinners, drinking herself into the hospital, all for Li Xu’s benefit, flashed across the screen.

While the photos didn’t explicitly name him, it was clear who she had been working so hard for.

And then, interspersed with Xin Yao’s photos, were images of Ying Xi.

From her early days as a university student, her innocent devotion to Li Xu, to her role as the president of his fan club, the evidence of his manipulation, his exploitation of her and his fans for financial gain, was presented in a clear and concise manner.

Ying Xi knew that revealing this information wouldn’t be good for her.

But what else could she do? Keep his secrets forever?

He had manipulated her into doing these things.

And later, he had become increasingly distrustful, excluding her from his schemes, keeping her at arm’s length, only using her to manage his fans.

She wasn’t entirely blameless, but her culpability was far less than his.

And thankfully, she had been smarter than the original Xin Yao, keeping evidence, a safety net for herself.

The video continued, the images of Xin Yao’s sacrifices and Ying Xi’s complicity a stark reminder of Li Xu’s cruelty, his years of deception.

It was clear that he had been two-timing them all along.

Then, the video ended, the screen returning to the original scene, Li Xu kneeling before Mo Yuwei, confessing his love.

Mo Yuwei, her hand covering her mouth, her eyes filled with tears, had just said, “I do.”

The cheerful music now sounded mocking, almost cruel.

Mo Yuwei stood there, her face pale, her body trembling, as if she were standing in a blizzard.

They were telling her, showing her, that they weren’t the homewreckers, that they were the victims.

She had believed Li Xu’s lies, her impulsive nature and her love for him blinding her to the truth.

She had been the other woman, the one who had unknowingly interfered in their relationship.

And the man she loved, the man she had defied her parents for, was a two-timing scumbag, exploiting women for his own gain.

The realization made her stomach churn, her body swaying slightly.

Li Xu rushed to her side, but she slapped him hard across the face, the sound echoing through the silent ballroom.

The guests, their initial amusement fading, their expressions turning serious, watched the drama unfold.

What had started as a simple case of infidelity had escalated into something far more sinister.

He had been two-timing them, exploiting them, then, after finding a richer, more influential partner, had tried to destroy their reputations.

They had to be more careful, they thought, avoid men like him, gold-diggers preying on wealthy women.

But it wasn’t over yet.

The final, and most damning, piece of evidence was yet to come.

Li Xu’s manipulation of his fan club, his encouragement of their excessive spending, even urging them to take out loans, was already illegal.

But he had done worse. He had tried to kill them. He had hired someone to kill them.

Screenshots of his messages with Xin Yao’s cousin, the gambling addict, clearly showing his instructions, his encouragement of the cousin’s harassment of Xin Yao, flashed across the screen.

The messages had been provided by the cousin himself, retrieved by the dog system through some legal but unconventional methods.

Even the heartless cousin had expressed some concern.

[My cousin is emotionally fragile. Will this push her over the edge?]

Li Xu, at the time, had been annoyed, his patience worn thin by the scandals with Xin Yao and Ying Xi’s pregnancy. He had wanted them both gone.

And believing the messages would be deleted, he had replied carelessly.

[If she kills herself, the money is all yours.]

He hadn’t expected the system to be able to recover the deleted messages.

The room, already tense, fell silent, then erupted in a cacophony of gasps and whispers.

This wasn’t just manipulation or extortion, it was attempted murder!

And as if that wasn’t enough, another video began playing.

A man, dressed in rags, his appearance disheveled, his body bruised and battered, was crying, his voice filled with despair.

A woman’s voice, trembling slightly, asked him, “Did Li Xu hire you to kill me?”

It was from the day Xin Yao, having learned through the system that Li Xu had hired someone to kill her, had confronted the man, along with Ying Xi and Liu Nuan Nuan.

The man, initially hesitant, then thoroughly beaten by Liu Nuan Nuan, had confessed everything.

In the silent ballroom, as the hotel staff fumbled with scissors, trying to cut the projector’s power cord, Mo’s father, his hand raised, stopped them.

“Wait,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.

And then, in the tense silence, the man’s voice, clear and distinct, echoed through the room.

“Yes.”

“Li Xu said he would pay me if I killed you, so I could afford my daughter’s medical treatment.”

The video ended, the screen going black.

The room was silent, the silence so profound that you could hear a pin drop.

The guests, having witnessed the entire spectacle, were speechless.

Even the wealthy and influential, usually so detached and indifferent, felt a chill run down their spines.

What had started as a simple gossip about a cheating boyfriend had escalated into a criminal investigation, a tale of manipulation, extortion, and attempted murder.

He was a monster!

The woman who had been live-streaming the event to her friends, her voice filled with disbelief, muttered, “Don’t bother coming. Just watch it on the news tomorrow.”

The engagement party was in chaos.

And so was the internet.

Because Xin Yao’s phone, placed strategically on the table, had been live-streaming the entire event, using Liu Nuan Nuan’s account.

And Liu Nuan Nuan, following Xin Yao’s instructions, had been releasing the evidence online, timed perfectly with the video montage.

The internet was practically melting down, Xin Yao’s live stream flooded with viewers, the servers struggling to keep up.

The top trending topic was:

[Li Xu’s Engagement Party Live Stream]

Followed by:

[Li Xu and Xin Yao Were Really Together]

[Li Xu Cheated on Three Women]

[Li Xu Exploited Women for Fame and Fortune]

[Li Xu Used His Fan Club for Financial Gain]

But as the final two pieces of evidence were revealed, the hashtag [Li Xu Hired Hitmen to Kill Two Women] quickly climbed to the top, replacing the live stream.

And Xin Yao’s live stream exploded with new viewers.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, the entertainment industry was clearly trying to end the year with a bang. This wasn’t just gossip, it was a full-blown scandal!

All those cheating scandals and celebrity breakups were nothing compared to this! This was the first time a celebrity had been accused of attempted murder!

Ying Xi, sitting beside Xin Yao, smoothed her hair.

“That’s enough. It’s my turn now.”

Xin Yao looked at her, wanting to say something, to stop her, but she hesitated, then let her go.

Ying Xi was sick, not physically, but mentally.

The betrayal, the breakup, the unexpected pregnancy, it had all been too much for her.

And then she had discovered that the man she loved had tried to kill her.

Her already fragile mental state had crumbled, leaving her a mix of despair and rage.

Xin Yao had advised her to be more discreet, to remain anonymous, to let the evidence speak for itself.

But Ying Xi needed to speak, to confront him, to release her pent-up emotions. Her therapist had agreed that it would be cathartic for her.

So, Xin Yao had relented.

Ying Xi stood up and walked towards the stage, her steps firm and resolute.

Unlike Xin Yao, who had planned everything meticulously, her actions driven by logic and strategy, Ying Xi was a woman driven by emotion, her love for Li Xu now turned to hate.

She grabbed the microphone, her voice echoing through the silent ballroom.

She bowed politely to the stunned guests, then smiled, her voice bright and cheerful.

“Hello everyone, I’m Li Xu’s girlfriend.”

“Oh, and the lady sitting over there is also Li Xu’s girlfriend.”

She turned to Mo Yuwei, who stood there, her body trembling, her face pale, her forehead beaded with sweat.

“And Mo Yuwei, what a coincidence! You’re also Li Xu’s girlfriend!”

“Wow, three girlfriends at his engagement party! Which one are you planning to marry, Li Xu?”

“Oh, he already dumped Xin Yao and me after finding a richer girlfriend. Never mind, then.”

Li Xu, still reeling from Mo Yuwei’s slap, stood there, frozen, the whispers and stares of the guests like daggers piercing his skin, transporting him back to his childhood.

The mockery, the taunts, the accusations, the constant reminder of his poverty, his shame.

Trash. Trash. Trash.

I’m not trash! You’re the trash!

He trembled, his body covered in a cold sweat.

He should be stopping this, apologizing to Mo Yuwei, appeasing her father, explaining everything.

But he couldn’t move, paralyzed by their gazes.

And the video, edited by Xin Yao and Nuan Nuan for maximum impact, its short duration belying the sheer volume of evidence, had already moved on to the most damning accusation: attempted murder.

As the evidence of his crime flashed across the screen, Li Xu’s carefully constructed facade crumbled, his face contorted in a mask of rage and fear, his body trembling.

It was impossible!

How could they know?!

It had to be Xin Yao and Ying Xi! They were trying to ruin him! Where were they?! Those bitches!

He scanned the crowd, his eyes darting from face to face, but there were too many people. He couldn’t find them.

He couldn’t take it anymore. He reached for a chair, wanting to smash the screen, to silence the accusations.

But the gazes of Mo’s parents, and Mo Yuwei’s heartbroken stare, held him captive, his body frozen.

And just as he hesitated, the video ended.

As Ying Xi walked onto the stage, Li Xu, his face contorted in a mask of rage, knew he had to stop her.

“Get that crazy woman off the stage!” he yelled.

Mo’s father, while wanting to see the full extent of Li Xu’s crimes, didn’t want to prolong the humiliation, his family’s reputation already tarnished. He spoke quietly to a nearby staff member.

“Escort her off the stage.”

As the staff member approached Ying Xi, she yelled, her voice shrill and piercing, “Don’t touch me!”

“I’m pregnant! With Li Xu’s child!”

The ballroom, already in chaos, erupted again, the guests gasping and whispering.

“Holy shit.”

“How many women has this guy screwed over?”

“How did the Mo family manage to find such a prize?”

And the netizens watching the live stream were even more shocked.

[What kind of crazy rich people drama is this?!]

[Holy shit, Li Xu is a scumbag!]

[So, he knew she was pregnant with his child, and he still tried to kill her?!]

[That’s beyond evil.]

[Who’s evil? You’re the evil ones, making these accusations! Do you really think he would kill them? Ridiculous!]

[Open your eyes! The evidence is overwhelming!]

[Look at your precious idol! He’s pale and trembling! He’s clearly guilty!]

[He’s going to jail!]

Chapter 55 p1

As the year drew to a close, January 1st, New Year’s Day arrived.

On this day, Li Xu and the wealthy heiress, Mo Yuwei, were to be engaged.

It had to be admitted, the scumbag had some skills.

He came from a humble background, so Mo Yuwei’s parents strongly disapproved of their relationship, especially after the recent scandal with Xin Yao.

Yet, despite their objections, he had somehow managed to convince Mo Yuwei to go ahead with the engagement.

The engagement ceremony was held at a luxurious hotel in City A.

The venue was lavishly decorated, white roses and flowing drapes creating an elegant backdrop, crystal chandeliers illuminating the rows of seats, the atmosphere grand and opulent.

After all, the Mo family was prominent in City A, and while her parents disapproved, it was their only daughter’s engagement, a significant event they couldn’t entirely ignore.

So, they had invited everyone they could, from family and friends to influential figures in business and society.

Mo Yuwei and her parents stood at the entrance, greeting their guests, Li Xu by her side, his back slightly bent, a constant smile plastered on his face, the picture of a subservient fiancé.

It was the bride’s family hosting the event, their relatives and friends filling the room, the engagement party funded entirely by them.

The groom, however, stood there alone, no family, no friends, no parents.

He had told the Mo family that he had a strained relationship with his parents, claiming they had abused him as a child, and that he had cut ties with them after becoming independent.

His story had earned him Mo Yuwei’s sympathy, and she had showered him with gifts, wanting to heal his childhood wounds.

His claims of a difficult relationship with his parents, and their estrangement, were true.

But it wasn’t the whole story.

Xin Yao, having inherited the original owner’s memories, knew the truth about Li Xu’s family.

His family had been poor, desperately poor.

They had collected and sold scrap metal, their small, dilapidated courtyard filled with piles of junk, leaving barely any space to walk.

As the piles grew higher, their home had become a dark, cluttered space, the air thick with the smell of rust and decay, especially during the summer months.

As a child, Li Xu had helped his parents with their work, dutifully sorting through the scrap metal, his small hands diligently separating the valuable pieces from the worthless debris.

Until one day, a classmate had seen him rummaging through a trash can.

The classmate, from a wealthy family, his clothes bright and new, his backpack the latest model, had looked like a shining beacon of light against the backdrop of the grimy, cluttered courtyard.

And Li Xu, his own clothes patched and worn, had felt a pang of shame for the first time.

The next day, the news had spread through the school: Li Xu’s family were garbage collectors.

They had mocked him, calling him “Trash Xu,” throwing empty water bottles at him, asking if he wanted them.

Then, they had started to avoid him, claiming he smelled bad, their exaggerated reactions a constant reminder of his lower social status.

The daily taunts and ostracism had become unbearable, Li Xu often getting into fights with his classmates, refusing to explain his anger.

He had become a problem child, his behavior a source of annoyance for his teachers and neighbors.

Sometimes, his teachers, exasperated by his constant fighting, had called his parents to the school.

He had hated those moments.

Because his mother would arrive on her three-wheeled cart, piled high with scrap metal, her appearance a stark reminder of his poverty, his shame.

He had felt so humiliated.

And he had raged inwardly: Why am I so poor? Why can’t I have a better life? Why do I have to endure their scorn?

He had wanted to appear respectable, even if it was just a facade.

He had started demanding new clothes, new shoes, the latest phone, expensive pens, his requests growing more extravagant with each passing day.

His parents, wanting to ease his pain, to protect him from the world’s cruelty, had worked harder, sacrificing their own needs to fulfill his every whim.

But it had never been enough.

No matter how much he demanded, he could never match the effortless wealth and privilege of his classmates.

He had watched them, his envy and resentment growing with each passing day.

He had hated his cluttered home, the smell of garbage, the constant reminder of his poverty.

Why had he been born into such a family? Why did he have to live like this?

He had even hated his parents.

If they couldn’t give him a better life, why had they even brought him into this world?

Making him live like this, wasn’t that a form of abuse?

He couldn’t stay here. He had to escape, to climb to the top, and never look back.

So, after starting university, he had cut ties with his parents, who couldn’t even afford his tuition, never returning to their home, never contacting them again.

He had ignored their calls, their messages, eventually blocking them completely.

Even now, he still believed that his childhood had been a form of abuse.

He had completely forgotten that the new phone he had demanded in high school, the phone he had begged and pleaded for, had been bought with his parents’ blood money.

Today, at his engagement party, he hadn’t even considered inviting his parents. He hadn’t thought about them in years.

Xin Yao, sitting in a quiet corner of the lavishly decorated ballroom, dressed in black, her face hidden behind sunglasses, shook her head, remembering Li Xu’s past.

Then, feeling a twinge of boredom, she offered a candy to the woman sitting beside her, also dressed in black, her hair slightly shorter.

“Peach-flavored. Want one?”

The woman, her brow furrowed, her expression a mix of anxiety and excitement, shook her head.

“No, thanks. Don’t you think it’s disgusting? How can you even eat that?”

It was Xin Yao and Ying Xi, of course.

Xin Yao, the one with longer hair, shrugged, unwrapping the candy and popping it into her mouth.

“Candy is innocent. Besides, it’s a joyous occasion! We should be celebrating! Enjoying the sweetness!”

Xin Yao and Ying Xi, of course, hadn’t been invited to Li Xu’s engagement party, but with Liu Nuan Nuan’s help, sneaking in had been easy.

As they chatted, the guests arrived, and the ceremony began.

The moment Xin Yao had been waiting for since the beginning of her mission had finally arrived.

The lights dimmed, the crystal chandeliers sparkling brightly, and the emcee walked onto the stage, his voice smooth and practiced.

After a brief introduction and a welcome message, it was time for the parents of the bride and groom to give their speeches.

But Mo Yuwei’s father disliked Li Xu, and Li Xu’s parents weren’t present, so that part of the ceremony was skipped.

Then, it was the couple’s turn to speak, to exchange vows.

Li Xu, dressed in a suit, looking respectable and polished, stood on stage, the spotlight illuminating his face, his gaze fixed on Mo Yuwei, who stood opposite him in an elegant white dress.

He spoke into the microphone, his voice filled with emotion.

“Yuwei, I love you.”

“You always ask me if I love you, and I always tell you that I do. But today, on this special occasion, I want to express my love for you once again…”

Being a scumbag, Li Xu was a skilled orator, his words carefully crafted, his delivery flawless.

He spoke of their love, his voice trembling with emotion, bringing tears to Mo Yuwei’s eyes, even softening the expressions of her disapproving parents.

Only Xin Yao and Ying Xi, sitting in a quiet corner, remained unimpressed.

Xin Yao, her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow, while Ying Xi looked like she was about to be sick.

But then their expressions changed, Ying Xi sitting up straight, her eyes shining with excitement, even Xin Yao leaning forward slightly.

After the couple’s exchange of vows, a video montage, showcasing their love story, began playing on the large screen behind them.

Li Xu and Mo Yuwei, holding hands, looked up at the screen, their faces filled with love and happiness.

Xin Yao and Ying Xi, sitting below, also looked up expectantly.

Soft music filled the air as the video began, a series of photos and short clips depicting their relationship.

The video started from Li Xu’s perspective, describing how he had been captivated by Mo Yuwei’s bright and cheerful personality, his heart fluttering with each encounter.

He spoke of his initial hesitation, his fear of not being good enough for her, his self-doubt battling with his undeniable attraction.

Mo Yuwei, her hand tightening around Li Xu’s, her eyes filled with tears, murmured, “I didn’t know you felt that way.”

Li Xu squeezed her hand, his voice filled with love.

“I can never be too careful when it comes to you.”

As his words faded, the music swelled, its tempo increasing, signaling the moment of his confession.

Li Xu, holding a bouquet of flowers, knelt before Mo Yuwei, surrounded by heart-shaped candles.

Mo Yuwei gasped, her hand covering her mouth, her eyes wide with surprise and delight.

Li Xu looked at her, his expression a mix of nervousness and sincerity.

“Yuwei, I love you. Will you be with me? I’ll love you forever!”

But just as he uttered those words, the video glitched, the scene shifting abruptly.

The brightly lit outdoor setting, the romantic candlelight, was replaced by a dimly lit interior, a single lamp illuminating the room.

Li Xu, still kneeling, holding a bouquet of flowers, his pose identical to the previous scene, was now facing a different woman, her reaction mirroring Mo Yuwei’s, her hand covering her mouth, her eyes filled with tears.

The music stopped, the room falling silent.

While the two scenes featured different women, the similarities – Li Xu kneeling, holding flowers – made the guests assume it was a technical glitch.

Then, Li Xu’s voice, filled with emotion, echoed through the silent ballroom.

“Baby, I love you. I’ll love you forever.”

Silence.

One second.

Two seconds.

Then, the room erupted in a cacophony of gasps and whispers, the guests finally realizing that the woman in the second scene wasn’t Mo Yuwei.

Baby?

Who was this “baby”?

Wasn’t this Mo Yuwei and Li Xu’s engagement party? Who was he confessing his love to?

Confused murmurs filled the room.

Then, they recognized the woman in the video. It was Xin Yao, the actress!

Li Xu had claimed that Xin Yao had been stalking him, trying to sabotage his relationship, and yet, here he was, confessing his love for her, down on one knee!

Those who had followed the scandal from the beginning were instantly alert, their phones recording the scene.

And the date in the corner of the screen, deliberately enlarged, clearly showed that the confession had taken place six years ago!

Six years ago, Li Xu had been with another woman! And judging by their reactions, neither woman had been aware of the other’s existence.

He had been two-timing them!

Someone was already on the phone. “Breaking news! Chaos at Mo Yuwei’s engagement party! Major drama! Get here now!”

Excited whispers filled the room.

It was the video Xin Yao had recovered shortly after arriving in this world.

She hadn’t released it immediately, choosing to wait for the perfect moment, for maximum impact.

And now, the room was in chaos.

Ying Xi, sitting beside Xin Yao, was struggling to contain her laughter, tears streaming down her face.

Li Xu, however, his face pale and his body trembling, was in shock.

He had destroyed that camera! How could this video even exist?!

And why now? Who was behind this?

He tried to maintain his composure, reassuring Mo Yuwei.

“Yuwei, it’s just a misunderstanding. I’ll take care of it. I’ll explain everything later.”

He walked towards the back of the room, his brow furrowed, his voice sharp.

“What are you doing?!”

He tried to unplug the projector, but the plug seemed to be stuck, refusing to budge.

On the screen, the video continued playing, Li Xu’s heartfelt confession echoing through the room.

The words were almost identical to the ones he had just spoken to Mo Yuwei, just a different name, the same script.

It was absurd.

Li Xu’s carefully crafted image, his perfect facade, finally cracked, his hand slamming against the wall, the loud bang startling the nearby staff.

The usually gentle and charming actor was terrifying.

Or perhaps, this was his true nature?

Ignoring the stares, he tried to turn off the projector, but the switch wouldn’t budge.

Liu Nuan Nuan, the tech-savvy system, watching from the sidelines, smirked, her mission accomplished.

The video finally ended.

The guests, their initial shock giving way to a morbid curiosity, were buzzing with excitement.

Li Xu, relieved, was about to return to the stage when the screen flickered, the scene shifting.

The dimly lit room where he had confessed his love for Xin Yao was replaced by a bright, modern hotel room.

A young woman in a sexy nightgown set down a camera, adjusting its angle, then ran towards the bed.

She waited, and the door opened.

Another young woman, dressed in pajamas, her face lit up with a smile, rushed towards the newcomer, jumping into their arms.

Their figures disappeared from view for a moment, then reappeared by the bed.

The man, holding the woman in his arms, his hand resting on her thigh, his head lowered, his face clearly visible, while the woman’s face was hidden, was Li Xu.

But the woman in his arms wasn’t Xin Yao, or Mo Yuwei.

Who was she?

So, he wasn’t two-timing them. He was three-timing them! Was he planning to start a harem?

The woman, of course, was Ying Xi.

In the video, Ying Xi, clinging to Li Xu, kissed him passionately, then, cupping his face in her hands, asked, her voice filled with insecurity, “Do you love me?”

And Li Xu, his voice echoing through the silent ballroom, his gaze filled with a feigned sincerity, replied, “Of course I love you. I’ll love you forever.”

This video also had a timestamp: three years ago, after Xin Yao, but before Mo Yuwei.

The appearance of another victim only intensified the drama.

Even the wealthy and influential guests, their usual composure shattered by this unexpected scandal, couldn’t help but gossip.

A young man, his legs crossed, muttered, “Damn, this guy has enough love to go around.”

Someone else scoffed. “He’s like an octopus, a centipede! Shameless!”

Mo Yuwei’s father, unable to contain himself any longer, stood up, his face ashen.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Mo Yuwei, who had felt like she was falling into an icy abyss the moment she saw the first video, now stood there, her mind blank, her body swaying slightly.

Li Xu, rushing back from the projection room, seeing the second video playing on the screen, his face paled, his heart sinking.

He couldn’t even think of a plausible excuse.

Compared to their shock and disbelief, Ying Xi was delighted.

She was smarter and bolder than the original Xin Yao.

She had simply wanted to record a few intimate moments with her boyfriend, a memento to cherish during their long separations.

She hadn’t expected it to become the weapon that would destroy him.

And this video was even more incriminating than Xin Yao’s, their conversation and their kisses far more explicit.

The guests, who had simply come for an engagement party, were now enjoying a front-row seat to a real-life drama, their morbid curiosity piqued.

The stares, the whispers, the judgment of their relatives, friends, and business associates, were like daggers piercing the Mo family’s hearts.

Especially Mo Yuwei and Li Xu.

They stood there, exposed and humiliated, the subjects of public ridicule, unable to defend themselves, unable to silence the whispers or shield themselves from the judging eyes.

Some people were even recording the scene.

It was a mirror image of what the original Xin Yao had endured, publicly humiliated and accused of being a homewrecker, unable to defend herself, the target of everyone’s scorn.

Mo’s father, his face ashen, glared at the gossiping guests, then turned and walked towards the projection room, his voice sharp.

“Get rid of the guests! Tell them to delete the videos! And turn off that damn projector!”

The staff rushed to comply, but it was no use.

Mo’s father, his anger growing, yelled, “Then cut the wires!”

They scrambled to find some scissors.

Chapter 54 p2

Xu Jingyu lifted Xin Yao into her arms, carrying her towards the bed.

As she moved, Xin Yao’s shoe slipped off, the white embroidered slipper falling to the floor, a small, insignificant detail in the grand scheme of things.

Neither of them noticed, or cared.

Seeing Xin Yao’s gaze linger on the fallen shoe, Xu Jingyu, as she carried her, bent her head and kissed her, reclaiming her attention.

She carried Xin Yao to the bed, their lips still locked, then gently placed her down, their kiss deepening.

Xin Yao, her back against the soft pillows, her arms wrapping around Xu Jingyu’s neck, responded to the kiss with equal fervor, her body yielding to Xu Jingyu’s touch.

The small attic room grew warmer, their breaths mingling in the heated air.

As the atmosphere grew more charged, Xu Jingyu’s kisses trailed downwards, from Xin Yao’s lips to her chin, her tongue tracing a path down her neck, her touch like a brand.

Xin Yao’s head tilted back, her chest rising and falling with each breath, her body trembling slightly.

Lost in the moment, her movements slightly clumsy, she almost fell backwards.

Xu Jingyu caught her, pulling her closer, their bodies pressed together.

Xin Yao moaned softly, surrendering to Xu Jingyu’s embrace, her own body pressing against hers.

Xu Jingyu’s lips continued their exploration, her touch lingering on Xin Yao’s neck, then pausing at the high collar of her cheongsam, the white silk a stark contrast to her flushed skin, both beautiful and alluring.

Xu Jingyu hesitated for a moment, then, unable to resist, she kissed the soft skin beneath the collar, her tongue flicking out to gently tug at the small, delicate buttons, her teeth nibbling at the fabric as she undid them, one by one.

Her warm breath against Xin Yao’s skin, the occasional graze of her teeth against her delicate flesh, made Xin Yao shiver, her body trembling with a mix of desire and apprehension, wanting to pull away, yet also craving more.

The collar loosened, the fabric falling away like moonlight, revealing Xin Yao’s long, slender neck, her shoulders gleaming in the soft light.

Her collarbone, her chest, flushed with a delicate pink, like peach blossoms scattered on snow, were marked by the faintest traces of Xu Jingyu’s teeth.

Xin Yao, her skin exposed, her body trembling slightly, instinctively reached out and clung to Xu Jingyu.

Xu Jingyu’s arms wrapped around her, her embrace gentle and reassuring, her lips finding Xin Yao’s in a soft, comforting kiss.

When Xin Yao had calmed down, Xu Jingyu continued, the buttons of her cheongsam undone, the beautiful silk falling away, revealing her body.

Xu Jingyu knelt before her, her intentions clear.

Xin Yao, sitting on the bed, her hand bracing against the mattress, looked at Xu Jingyu, then down at her own bare foot, her shoe and sock having come off during their embrace.

A sudden impulse made her toes curl, then, in a bold and playful gesture, she placed her foot on Xu Jingyu’s shoulder.

Xu Jingyu, glancing at her slender ankle, her eyelashes fluttering in the sunlight, bent her head and kissed it, her lips warm and soft against Xin Yao’s skin, like a butterfly’s fleeting touch.

Xin Yao gasped, instinctively trying to pull her foot away, but Xu Jingyu captured her ankle, pulling her leg closer.

Xin Yao’s hand gripped the bedsheets, her head tilted back, her eyes half-closed, her lips slightly swollen and smudged, her appearance a mix of vulnerability and sensuality in the warm afternoon light.

The camera was focused on Xin Yao, her reactions the center of the scene.

Xu Jingyu, whether out of kindness or simply a desire to tease her further, her fingers tracing Xin Yao’s ankle, kissed it again, her tongue flicking out to taste her skin.

Xin Yao, startled and aroused by the unexpected touch, let out a soft moan, her voice a husky whisper, her body trembling.

Like a butterfly caught in a spider’s web, she was trapped, her beauty a feast for the predator’s eyes.

Feng Lu, the assistant director, watched from the corner of her eye, her own breath catching in her throat.

The cinematographer, having finished her shot, silently handed her a tissue.

Feng Lu turned to look at her.

The cinematographer closed her eyes, as if unable to bear the sight. “Wipe your chin. You’re drooling.”

Feng Lu took the tissue, tore it in half, and handed half back to the cinematographer.

“You too. You’re not much better.”

The cinematographer wiped her mouth, then, after a moment of silence, asked, “Do you think I could take Ms. Xu in a fight?”

Feng Lu scoffed, nodding.

“Yes, you could. You could be instantly killed by Ms. Xu.”

“But if you like Xin Yao, why would you fight Xu Jingyu?” Director Gao, sitting nearby, her gaze fixed on the monitor, interjected.

The assistant director and the cinematographer exchanged glances, then turned to look at the director, their expressions a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Feng Lu waved her hand dismissively.

“It’s none of your business, Director. Run along now.”

Director Gao, having been dismissed, turned back to the monitor, muttering, “So mysterious.”

Then, her eyes lit up as she watched the scene unfold.

“But their chemistry is amazing!”

On the screen, in the warm, intimate light, Xin Yao’s body relaxed, as if melting into the bed.

Xu Jingyu, her gaze soft and loving, held her close, their hands intertwined.

“I love you,” she whispered.

And Xin Yao, her eyes shining with a soft light, replied, “I love you too.”

Then, their bodies merged, their embrace a silent expression of their love.

“Okay! Cut!” Director Gao’s voice echoed through the room.

“Wow! That was amazing! How do you guys always nail the intimate scenes on the first take? Are you geniuses?”

She continued praising their performance, then, noticing that they were still lying on the bed, Xu Jingyu’s head buried in Xin Yao’s neck, a bead of sweat trickling down her forehead, her expression a mix of passion and restraint, as if she was struggling to control herself, she paused.

It looked like she was about to pounce on Xin Yao and devour her whole.

The assistant director and the cinematographer, watching from behind the camera, their throats tightening, their hearts racing, exchanged glances.

It’s real! This is real!

Ms. Xu is totally in love!

Director Gao, sensing the unspoken tension, discreetly retreated.

“We’ll leave you two alone for a bit. Take your time.”

“But!” she added, her voice firm, “don’t see each other after this, at least not tonight.”

It was for their own good, she thought, afraid they would be too immersed in their roles to separate themselves from their characters.

As the three of them left the room, closing the door behind them, the room fell silent.

Xin Yao, seeing Xu Jingyu’s intense gaze, thought she might kiss her again.

But she didn’t.

As a bead of sweat trickled down her forehead, she simply nuzzled her face deeper into Xin Yao’s neck, her voice a husky whisper.

“Yaoyao, hold me.”

Xin Yao wrapped her arms around her, holding her close in the warm sunlight.

After they had calmed down and emerged from the room, Director Gao, true to her word, kept them separated for the rest of the evening.

She watched them like a hawk, preventing any interaction between them.

Whenever Xu Jingyu’s gaze lingered on Xin Yao, Director Gao would intercept it, her arms spread wide, like a protective mother hen.

“No looking!”

Xu Jingyu was exasperated.

She hadn’t even been able to speak to Xin Yao, not even a single word, until the end of the day, when filming wrapped at 11 pm.

Director Gao had even insisted they leave separately, Xu Jingyu waiting until Xin Yao had left before returning to her own room.

As Xin Yao sat on her bed, recalling the director’s ridiculous behavior and Xu Jingyu’s increasingly sullen expression, she couldn’t help but laugh.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Xin Yao’s eyes lit up as she went to open the door.

As expected, it was Xu Jingyu, who had apparently come straight to Xin Yao’s room after filming, not even bothering to go to her own.

Xin Yao leaned against the doorframe, looking at her, a playful smile on her face.

“What brings you here so late, Ms. Xu?”

Xu Jingyu nodded, her expression calm.

“I have something to discuss with you.”

They exchanged a few pleasantries, then Xin Yao opened the door, letting her in.

Click.

The door closed behind them, the lock clicking shut.

Xin Yao turned to look at Xu Jingyu.

Xu Jingyu also looked at her, their gazes meeting, neither of them speaking.

Then, they embraced, their lips meeting in a fierce, hungry kiss.

Xu Jingyu’s kiss was even more demanding than usual, her arms tightening around Xin Yao’s waist, as if wanting to meld their bodies together.

And Xin Yao’s response was equally passionate, her arms wrapping around Xu Jingyu’s neck, her body pressing against hers.

The air in the room, already warm from the heating, grew hotter, their breaths mingling.

As they kissed, Xin Yao’s fingers fumbled with the buttons of Xu Jingyu’s shirt, then, impatient, she simply tore them open, revealing her collarbone and the smooth skin beneath.

Xu Jingyu chuckled, lifting Xin Yao into her arms and pressing her against the door.

Xin Yao’s head tilted back, her body trembling slightly as she wrapped her legs around Xu Jingyu’s waist.

Then, her lips found Xu Jingyu’s, her forehead resting against hers, her kiss soft and tender, almost a caress.

“A Yu, I missed you so much,” she murmured.

Xu Jingyu, lost in her embrace, kissed her back.

“I missed you too.”

And then, their passion unleashed, they made love, their bodies intertwined until the early hours of the morning.

The next morning, just before dawn…

Xin Yao, still asleep, was startled awake by a loud explosion, the sound echoing through the room, making the objects on the table rattle.

She sat up abruptly, her eyes still closed, her mind still foggy with sleep.

“Holy shit, did the world just explode?”

It was the film crew next door, filming another explosion scene. They had recently moved to a location near the hotel, their early morning pyrotechnics a constant source of annoyance.

Another explosion echoed through the air.

Xu Jingyu, also awakened by the noise, sat up and gently pulled Xin Yao back down, her arms wrapping around her protectively.

“No, go back to sleep.”

Xin Yao, soothed by her embrace, drifted back to sleep, murmuring, “The world didn’t explode?”

Xu Jingyu smiled, kissing her forehead softly.

“No.”

The world is fine. The sun is shining. And we’re okay. More than okay.

Chapter 54 p1

“Unseen Spring,” Scene 315, Take 1, Action!

The late afternoon sun filtered through the frosted glass, casting a warm, soft glow across the room, like the juice of a peeled orange, spilling onto the floor.

Xin Yao stood at the entrance of a traditional attic, dressed in an elegant, early Republican-era dress, her hair neatly pinned up with a jade hairpin.

Her eyes, lowered, her long eyelashes casting shadows on her cheeks, gave her a demure, gentle appearance.

As the clapperboard snapped, she lifted her head, transforming into Lu Duanjing.

Since that day…

Since their hands had met in the alley outside the orphanage, neither Lu Duanjing nor Wen Sigu had mentioned it, neither had explicitly acknowledged the shift in their relationship.

But their feelings, unspoken yet undeniable, had bound them together.

And in the days that followed, their love had grown stronger, their every moment together a precious treasure.

They would steal moments of intimacy, their hands brushing against each other, their gazes lingering, until one day, Wen Sigu, finding her courage, had asked for a kiss.

And that kiss had sealed their fate, a silent promise of forever.

Lost in the sweetness of their newfound love, Lu Duanjing hadn’t forgotten her responsibilities. She continued her lessons with Wen Sigu, then taught her mother, her cousin, and the servants who were eager to learn.

The orphanage was also thriving, the two women caring for the children with a gentle devotion, her cousin teaching them how to read and write.

Speaking of her cousin…

Just as Lu Duanjing had predicted, her cousin, a woman whose life had been defined by duty and obedience, had been terrified by Lu Duanjing’s request to teach at the orphanage.

She had waved her hands frantically, her voice filled with protest.

“Me? I can’t do that! I’m a woman! How can I be a teacher?!”

Lu Duanjing, however, had disagreed. “Cousin, that’s not right. Everyone is equal. Why can’t women be teachers?”

She had pretended to leave, turning towards the door.

“If you’re not interested, I’ll find someone else. And it’s a paid position!”

She had taken only a few steps when her cousin’s voice, filled with a sudden urgency, stopped her.

“Wait!”

Lu Duanjing, a small smile playing on her lips, turned around.

Her cousin’s face was a mixture of anxiety and determination. After a long moment of hesitation, she had finally nodded, her voice firm. “I’ll do it!”

Lu Duanjing’s smile widened. “Then I’ll leave it to you, Teacher Zheng Qiu Yan.”

Teacher Zheng Qiu Yan.

The words had echoed in her cousin’s mind, a sudden, unexpected shift in her identity, her usual self-doubt replaced by a flicker of hope.

“Teacher Zheng Qiu Yan… Teacher Zheng Qiu Yan…” she had murmured, the words a mantra, a promise of a different future.

That night, sitting on her bed, her mind still reeling from the unexpected opportunity, she had looked at her small desk in the corner of the room.

The worn-out brush, the old newspapers covered in her practice strokes, the textbook Lu Duanjing had lent her, its pages carefully preserved, a testament to her newfound passion for learning.

A tear had rolled down her cheek, followed by a torrent of tears, her sobs echoing through the small, dimly lit room.

Then, wiping her eyes, she had walked over to her desk and, by the flickering candlelight, had resumed her practice, her hand moving slowly, deliberately, across the page.

So, even someone like her could learn.

Even someone like her could become a teacher.

Even someone like her wasn’t just someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s mother.

She could be more.

Even her husband didn’t know as many characters as she did now.

And soon, she would be earning her own money, her knowledge a source of income, her independence a newfound freedom.

She was no longer just a nameless, faceless wife, her life defined by her duties to her family.

In that ordinary night, at her small desk, Zheng Qiu Yan had begun to live for herself.

And so, she had become a dedicated teacher, her days spent at the orphanage, her passion for learning inspiring the children.

Lu’s mother, hearing about her cousin’s transformation, had been envious. Her cousin was always busy now, rarely visiting her.

Seeing her mother’s wistful expression, Lu Duanjing had suggested, “Mother, you could also teach others. Like the women in our courtyard who are learning from me.”

Her mother, like her cousin, had initially resisted, her self-doubt overwhelming.

“Me? I can’t do that! I’m not even good at it myself! How can I teach others?”

Lu Duanjing had taken her mother’s hand, her gaze earnest.

“Why not? If Cousin can do it, so can you. It’s just the first step that’s difficult. You have to believe in yourself.”

Her words had resonated with her mother, who, after a moment’s hesitation, had said, “Maybe… I’ll try.”

Lu Duanjing had smiled. “Yes! Let’s try!”

And just like her cousin, her mother’s initial hesitation had quickly turned into a passion for learning.

Now, her favorite time of day was the evening, just before bedtime, when the women in the courtyard would gather in her room, their faces illuminated by the soft candlelight, their voices a quiet murmur as they practiced their writing.

During the day, she would think about what to teach them, practicing her own writing, her days no longer filled with idle boredom, her gaze no longer fixed on the falling rain or the empty courtyard, waiting for a husband who never came.

The once-withering woman had come alive, her spirit renewed, her health even improving.

She was happy.

Truly happy.

Of course, their little gatherings had to be kept secret from Lu’s father.

He would be furious, burning their books, believing they were rebelling against him.

But their lives were improving, slowly but surely.

And then winter arrived.

Wen Sigu’s birthday was in early winter.

The Wen family, while not as wealthy as the Lu family, was still well-off, and they doted on their youngest daughter.

So, a birthday party was planned, a grand celebration with family and friends.

The Lu family would be attending, of course, but during such a large gathering, Lu Duanjing and Wen Sigu wouldn’t have much time alone.

They were deeply in love, and it was Wen Sigu’s birthday. They couldn’t bear the thought of being separated.

So, that afternoon, Wen Sigu had invited Lu Duanjing to her rented apartment, for a private celebration.

That was the scene Xin Yao was filming now, standing at the entrance of the attic.

When Lu Duanjing entered the room, Wen Sigu had been waiting for her.

Wen Sigu had moved out of her family home long ago, claiming it was more convenient for her work, but her true motive had been to be closer to Lu Duanjing.

And surprisingly, her apartment wasn’t large, its layout simple and compact.

The dining area and the bedroom were separated by a simple partition, not even a door, and the bathroom and kitchen were also small, their glass doors almost invisible.

After all, Wen Sigu had donated most of her money to her school, paying her teachers’ salaries and supporting her students.

She lived frugally, her own needs secondary to her passion for education.

But in anticipation of Lu Duanjing’s arrival, she had lit a fire in the fireplace, the warmth chasing away the winter chill, making the room almost too warm.

Seeing Lu Duanjing’s gaze scanning the apartment, Wen Sigu felt a twinge of embarrassment.

“It’s a bit small, I hope you don’t mind.”

Lu Duanjing looked around the small but cozy apartment, its every corner filled with Wen Sigu’s belongings: her clothes hanging on a rack, the neatly made bed, the medical textbooks on the table, each object a testament to her life, her presence.

Lu Duanjing, who had spent her entire life in the sprawling Lu residence, its endless corridors and vast rooms sometimes overwhelming, found comfort in the small, intimate space, her eyes softening.

“Not at all. I like it here.”

“That’s good,” Wen Sigu, relieved, took Lu Duanjing’s hand. “Come.”

She led Lu Duanjing to the dining table, where a small, beautifully wrapped gift box lay waiting.

It was wrapped in a plain white paper, tied with a white ribbon, its simplicity elegant.

“It’s a new design,” Wen Sigu said, handing her the box. “Would you like to try it on?”

“But it’s your birthday,” Lu Duanjing said, surprised. “Why are you giving me a gift?”

Wen Sigu smiled gently. “I saw it and thought it would be perfect for you. I couldn’t resist. It’s not exactly season-appropriate, but you can wear it next year, in spring…”

“I’ll try it on now,” Lu Duanjing interrupted her, taking the box, unable to refuse such a thoughtful gift.

But after changing, she hesitated, lingering in the bathroom for a long time before finally emerging.

Wen Sigu, hearing the door open, turned around, her eyes widening in surprise.

Lu Duanjing, bathed in the soft afternoon light, walked towards her.

She was wearing a long, white cheongsam, its silk fabric shimmering as she moved, like moonlight on water.

The delicate embroidery of white flowers and birds added a touch of elegance, the dress perfectly complementing her gentle demeanor.

But unlike her usual loose, flowing garments, this dress was surprisingly form-fitting.

Its high collar, asymmetrical closure, and cinched waist accentuated her slender figure, the fabric clinging to her body, revealing her curves, her long, slender neck, her delicate arms, her narrow waist, the high slits at the sides revealing glimpses of her smooth, white legs.

It was a breathtakingly beautiful, yet also daringly revealing, sight.

Lu Duanjing, slightly flustered by the dress’s unexpected sensuality, clutched the fabric at her chest, her gaze lowered, her cheeks burning despite the cool winter air.

Xu Jingyu, also seeing Xin Yao in a cheongsam for the first time, her eyes widening in surprise, her gaze lingering on her delicate figure, her shy demeanor only adding to her allure.

Remembering that they were filming, she quickly composed herself, getting into character.

Wen Sigu walked towards Lu Duanjing, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

“Duanjing, you look beautiful.”

Her words reassured Lu Duanjing slightly, but she was still nervous.

“Really? Isn’t it a bit too… revealing? How can I wear this outside?”

“Why not?” Wen Sigu chuckled. “It’s called a cheongsam. It’s become quite popular recently. Many women are wearing them.”

“I don’t think it’s revealing. It’s just… a different kind of beauty. A celebration of the female form. And there’s nothing wrong with being bold.”

“Freedom?” Lu Duanjing, her initial nervousness replaced by curiosity, repeated the word.

How could a dress be associated with freedom?

“Recently,” Wen Sigu shook her head, “my father told me that the government is considering a new law, forbidding women from showing any skin in public. Even bare arms would be considered indecent.”

“What?!” Lu Duanjing was incredulous. “That’s absurd!”

Wen Sigu sighed. “It is. It’s as if we’re moving backwards, back into cages. We should have the right to choose what we wear, how we express ourselves. We shouldn’t be constrained by such ridiculous rules.”

“So,” she looked at Lu Duanjing, her gaze soft, “don’t be ashamed of your beauty. Wear it for me again, next spring, when the weather is warmer. Okay?”

Lu Duanjing looked at her, her heart filled with gratitude. She always learned so much from Wen Sigu.

Instead of answering, she stood on tiptoe and kissed Wen Sigu softly on the lips.

The unexpected touch, soft and warm, made Wen Sigu pause, her eyes flickering with surprise as she looked at Lu Duanjing.

Her voice, slightly strained, was a polite inquiry.

“Duanjing, may I kiss you?”

Lu Duanjing, her arms wrapping around Wen Sigu’s neck, her gaze soft and inviting, replied, “You don’t have to ask.”

Wen Sigu’s lips found hers.

Initially, her kiss was gentle and restrained, almost polite, as if respecting Lu Duanjing’s shyness.

But as the kiss deepened, her passion ignited, her touch becoming more demanding, more possessive.

And today, she had lost control.

Xin Yao, dressed in the elegant white cheongsam, her hair neatly styled, was pressed against the wall, Xu Jingyu’s body a warm, heavy weight against hers, her lips claiming Xin Yao’s in a fierce, hungry kiss, her hand gripping Xin Yao’s waist, her touch like a brand.

The kiss deepened, their tongues tangling, stealing Xin Yao’s breath away.

Xin Yao, her head tilted back against the wall, her eyes shimmering with tears, couldn’t push Xu Jingyu away, reminding herself that they were filming.

Was this how the gentle and reserved Wen Sigu would kiss someone?

Fortunately, the director also thought it was too much.

“Cut!”

Xin Yao breathed a sigh of relief.

But Xu Jingyu, despite having clearly heard the director’s call, refused to let go, stealing another kiss, her tongue tracing Xin Yao’s lips, a teasing caress that sent shivers down her spine.

Xin Yao, unable to help herself, let out a soft moan, her fingers clutching Xu Jingyu’s shirt.

Then, they finally parted, their breaths mingling.

Xin Yao, her eyes shimmering with tears, her lipstick smudged, her appearance slightly disheveled, looked at Xu Jingyu, her voice a husky whisper.

“Are you crazy? Why so rough?”

Xu Jingyu, her chest still heaving, her gaze intense, leaned closer, her forehead almost touching Xin Yao’s.

“You look beautiful in that dress,” she murmured, her voice slightly hoarse.

That’s why she had lost control, just from looking at her.

She reached out, her thumb gently wiping away the smudged lipstick from Xin Yao’s lips.

Feng Lu, the assistant director, watching from the corner of her eye, almost fainted from the sheer romantic overload.

It was like watching a couple in love, their tenderness a silent language.

They weren’t just colleagues. No mere coworker would wipe away another’s lipstick after a kissing scene.

It was too intimate! They were practically screaming their love from the rooftops!

And Ms. Xu was definitely the dominant one, her gaze possessive, her touch demanding.

Could Ms. Xin even handle her?

The assistant director’s face flushed.

This was getting interesting.

Meanwhile, Xu Jingyu’s passionate kiss had necessitated a touch-up for Xin Yao’s makeup, giving them both a chance to calm down before filming resumed.

This time, Xu Jingyu restrained herself, her initial kiss gentle and tender, as the director had instructed.

But as the scene progressed, her passion reignited, her kiss deepening, her embrace tightening, pushing Xin Yao against the wall.

Xin Yao’s head tilted back, her eyes fluttering closed, her fingers unconsciously wrinkling Xu Jingyu’s shirt.

Xu Jingyu captured her hand, her fingers intertwining with Xin Yao’s, her touch both possessive and comforting.

After a long while, the kiss ended.

Xin Yao, breathless, her back against the wall, looked up at Xu Jingyu, her voice slightly husky.

“Ms. Xu, wasn’t that a bit too much? Would Wen Sigu really kiss someone like that?”

But since the director hadn’t objected, it must have been fine.

Xu Jingyu’s eyes, still dark with desire, softened as she looked at Xin Yao, her voice a soft murmur.

“Yes, she would. Love is both restraint and possession.”

Because love was both restraint and possession.

So, in that moment, their passion ignited by the kiss, Wen Sigu and Lu Duanjing had both wanted more, their desire for each other a powerful, undeniable force.

In their time, their love was forbidden, a secret they had to keep hidden. They both knew the risks.

So, before their hands had met, they had already fallen deeply in love, their hearts a silent battlefield, their minds wrestling with their forbidden desires.

Do I love her? Can I love her? Do I have the courage to love her?

And only after finding their answers, after acknowledging their love and accepting the risks, had they taken that first step.

Their hand-holding had been more than just a physical connection. It had been a declaration of their love, their courage, their defiance.

And now, in this kiss, their emotions, long suppressed, finally erupted.

Chapter 53 p2

After Xu Jingyu left, she had spat out the cockroach, her body trembling with disgust and fear, and had run to her parents, crying.

Her parents, hearing about Xu Jingyu’s actions, had been furious, even her useless brother joining in their outrage.

They had surrounded Xu Jingyu, their voices filled with accusations.

Xu Jingyu, sitting on the sofa, rubbing her temples, had found their noise annoying.

She had lost all patience with this family.

Fine.

Then no one would be happy.

She had gone to her room, retrieved a stack of photos, and tossed them onto the coffee table, right in front of her mother, who had been defending her adopted daughter.

The living room had fallen silent.

As her mother looked at the photos, her face paling, her body swaying slightly, she had forgotten all about Xu Jingyu, turning to slap her husband across the face.

From that day on, their family had never been the same.

And Xu Jingyu, a detached observer, had watched their world crumble.

She had been only fifteen years old, her coldness already unsettling.

Three years later, it had only gotten worse.

She had taken control of the company, seizing her family’s assets, her grip on their lives absolute.

She had replaced her father, sending her enemies to faraway lands, firing those she disliked.

She had frozen her mother’s credit cards, ending her extravagant spending habits, and had sent her useless brother abroad.

And then, with a touch of malicious amusement, she would occasionally return home, spending a few days with her terrified mother and sister.

Even now, her sister couldn’t speak in her presence, her fear crippling her.

She had destroyed their family, turning them into puppets, their lives at her mercy.

But she had found peace, and that was enough.

From then on, everyone knew Xu Jingyu was ruthless, a force to be reckoned with, a monster who wouldn’t hesitate to destroy even her own family. They treated her with a cautious respect, their fear palpable.

Xu Jingyu, the cold, aloof, and utterly ruthless woman, was known as one of the two “madwomen” of their social circle, the other being Dan Yan.

Dan Yan, however, was the opposite of Xu Jingyu, a fiery, impulsive creature of chaos, always on the verge of explosion.

Xu Jingyu had heard the rumors, but she didn’t comment.

She considered herself perfectly sane, her emotions under control, unlike Dan Yan, who was a true sadist.

The churning waves calmed, their foamy edges receding as they lapped gently against the shore.

And Xu Jingyu’s memories, like faded photographs, sank into the depths of her mind.

She stood there, the cool water washing over her legs, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

Just then, as she stood there, lost in thought, someone grabbed her wrist.

She turned instinctively, and as she saw the person beside her, her memories, her anxieties, the vastness of the ocean, it all faded away, a soft smile playing on her lips.

It was Xin Yao.

Xin Yao knew how to swim, but it was her first time swimming in the ocean.

Despite the lifeguards and the lifeboat nearby, she hadn’t dared to venture too far from the shore.

She had been splashing around near the water’s edge, holding onto a pink inflatable float, her legs kicking, her arms flailing, like a little corgi paddling in the water.

She had floated over to Xu Jingyu and grabbed her wrist.

“Why are you just standing there? Are you still sulking about your rejected proposal?”

Just then, a wave crashed against the shore.

Xin Yao’s face paled, her arms and legs flailing wildly as she tried to paddle away.

“Help! Xu Jingyu, run! The wave… glub, glub, glub… I’m drowning! Glub, glub, glub… I’m going to drown!”

Xu Jingyu, unable to contain her laughter, walked over and scooped Xin Yao up into her arms.

Then, cupping her face in her hands, she kissed her, a long, deep kiss.

She held Xin Yao close, her head buried in her neck, her laughter muffled by Xin Yao’s hair.

“I think I’m starting to like the ocean.”

Xin Yao, having swallowed a mouthful of seawater, pouted, her face still slightly pale. “Really? That’s sudden. You looked like you wanted to die just a moment ago.”

“Mm-hmm,” Xu Jingyu, amused by her description, held her even tighter. “Because I like you. I like you very much.”

Seeing you is like seeing the sun.

You have no idea how much I like you.

They spent the afternoon playing in the water, their laughter echoing through the air.

It wasn’t until they returned to the villa that evening that Xin Yao, while Xu Jingyu wasn’t looking, retrieved her phone and saw the missed calls.

Over a dozen missed calls, all from Ying Xi.

Her eyes flickering with concern, she called back.

The person on the other end seemed to have been waiting for her call, answering immediately.

But she didn’t speak.

Xin Yao also remained silent, waiting.

After a long moment, Ying Xi finally spoke, her voice hoarse, as if she had been crying.

“I called you many times.”

“I didn’t have my phone with me this afternoon,” Xin Yao explained. “I just saw the missed calls.”

Ying Xi was silent for a moment, then continued, her voice even softer now. “I saw the news.”

“And?”

“He’s targeting you, isn’t he?”

“Obviously.”

Another long silence followed.

Then, Ying Xi laughed, a strange, hollow sound, her voice a mix of resignation and despair.

“The streetlights and security cameras in the alley near my home are broken.”

It had happened just two days ago, both on the same day.

Ying Xi, remembering Xin Yao’s warning, had been paying attention to such details. Standing at the entrance of the alley, bathed in sunlight, she had felt a chill run down her spine.

And then she had seen the news about Xin Yao.

It couldn’t be a coincidence.

She had to believe Xin Yao now. Li Xu was targeting them, and he wouldn’t hesitate to kill them.

Sometimes, love turned to hate very easily.

And Ying Xi, tormented by Li Xu’s betrayal, his affair, his abandonment, and now his threat to her life and the life of her unborn child, was filled with a burning rage.

She wiped away her tears, her voice hard. “You were right. Why should we die, while he gets to live?”

Xin Yao’s eyes flickered as she looked out the window at the moonlit sky.

“Then I look forward to working with you, to making him pay.”

She hung up the phone and turned around, then paused, seeing Xu Jingyu standing in the doorway, her expression unreadable.

Seeing her like this, Xin Yao knew she was worried, that she wanted to protect Xin Yao, to take revenge on her behalf.

Xin Yao walked over and took her hand.

“I know you’re worried about me, but I’m really fine. And I want to handle this myself, okay?”

Xu Jingyu, her lips pressed together, looked at Xin Yao for a long moment, then finally nodded.

“This is the last time. If they hurt you again, I won’t hold back.”

Xin Yao smiled, gently squeezing her hand.

“Okay.”

The next day, after lunch, Xin Yao prepared to leave.

Xu Jingyu had wanted her to stay longer, to relax and enjoy the beach, but Xin Yao, feeling better and not wanting to delay the filming any further, decided to return to the set.

As she arrived that afternoon, the crew, seeing her, fell silent.

Xin Yao, however, her usual cheerful demeanor unchanged, greeted them with a smile, making their hearts ache even more.

She blinked, her voice light and teasing. “What’s with the long faces?”

Director Gao, seeing her, rushed over. “Yao, are you okay? Why didn’t you rest for a few more days?”

“I’m fine, really,” Xin Yao said, smiling wryly, then, seeing their concerned expressions, she added, “How about I treat everyone to milk tea? Don’t worry about me.”

Li Ying, the makeup artist, couldn’t help herself.

“I’ll treat you!” she exclaimed.

Her words seemed to break the tension, and other voices echoed her offer.

“I’ll pay!”

“Me too!”

“Let the director pay!”

Xin Yao, surprised by their generosity, looked at their concerned faces, then chuckled.

“I’d be drinking milk tea for the rest of the year!”

She turned to Li Ying, her smile warm and sincere.

“Thank you.”

Her gaze, so earnest and heartfelt, made Li Ying’s heart flutter.

“You’re so sweet! I love you, Yaoyao Laoshi!” [Teacher/Ms. Xin]

Xin Yao winked at her. “I love you too.”

Li Ying, smitten, was about to say something when the assistant director grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

“Are you crazy?! Ms. Xu is staring daggers at you! You’d be toast if looks could kill!”

Li Ying, following her gaze, saw Xu Jingyu standing among the crowd, her eyes dark and intense, sending a chill down Li Ying’s spine.

She gulped. “How long has she been staring at me?”

The assistant director scoffed. “Since you confessed your love for Xin Yao.”

A beat of silence.

Then, they both whispered in unison, “Wow, she’s jealous!”

Ms. Xu, you’re so in love!

After that incident, Xin Yao officially returned to work.

She filmed her scenes, monitored the online discussions, and continued gathering evidence with Ying Xi.

Once they were ready, they would choose the perfect moment to strike, to bring Li Xu down.

Meanwhile, the filming of “Unseen Spring” progressed, reaching the middle of the story.

Today, Xin Yao was filming a pivotal scene, the first intimate scene between the two female leads after they got together: a love scene.

She and Xu Jingyu would be sharing a bed again.

Sitting in her chair on set, Xin Yao felt a flicker of nervousness. She hadn’t expected to film another intimate scene so soon.

But she was an experienced actress now, having gained even more experience with her girlfriend, so…

No, she was still nervous!

It was a love scene, after all. No matter how many times she did it, or who she did it with, she couldn’t help but feel a little shy and awkward.

Just then, Director Gao, her script clutched in her hand, walked towards her, her eyes lighting up as she saw Xin Yao.

“Yo, Yao, been waiting long?”

“Have you read the script? Are you ready? It’s a tough scene, but don’t worry, we’ll take our time. No pressure.”

As she spoke, Xu Jingyu, also in costume, approached them.

She was wearing a simple white shirt, black pants, and black boots, her demeanor cool and aloof, her presence intimidating.

And this was the person Xin Yao would be sharing a bed with.

Director Gao, leading Xu Jingyu towards Xin Yao, continued, “It’s a tough scene for both of you. I can see you’ve become closer, but sometimes, the more comfortable you are with someone, the more awkward these scenes can be.”

“So, how about, like last time, you two chat for a bit before we start filming, to build some chemistry?”

Always impatient, she didn’t wait for their reply, simply saying, “Alright, then. You two get to know each other. I’ll go check on the cameras.”

With that, she hurried away, leaving a slightly nervous Xin Yao and a seemingly indifferent Xu Jingyu standing there.

Xu Jingyu, taller than Xin Yao, her dark eyes cool and intense, her gaze slightly intimidating, said, “Then I look forward to working with you, Ms. Xin.”

But this seemingly aloof and composed woman had been kicked out of bed by Xin Yao that morning, still smarting from their passionate encounter the previous night.

On set, they maintained a professional distance, their interactions polite and formal.

No one knew the hidden depths of their intimacy, the passion that burned between them in the darkness of their shared nights.

Chapter 53 p1

Xu Jingyu hated the sea.

Not a fear, not the indifference she felt towards most things, but a distinct, visceral dislike. Instinctively, she felt she should like the sea, but her body, her very being, rejected it.

So, she never went to the beach.

Despite owning numerous beachfront properties, they were just assets, managed by others, rarely visited by her.

But if Xin Yao wanted to go, then her own preferences were irrelevant.

Xu Jingyu was a cold, aloof person, her presence intimidating, her gaze chilling.

She didn’t care what others thought of her, her indifference a shield against the world.

But Xin Yao was different.

All her tenderness, all her affection, all her passion, were reserved for Xin Yao.

Although, at this moment, Xin Yao wasn’t feeling particularly cherished.

She lay on the bed, Xu Jingyu’s weight pinning her down, her head tilted back, her slender neck exposed, a vision of vulnerable beauty.

Her eyes, gazing at the sunlight streaming through the window, were unfocused, her lips slightly parted, a thin sheen of sweat on her collarbone.

Below that, she couldn’t see.

Her white swimsuit, its ties undone, lay discarded somewhere.

A head of dark hair was buried between her legs, its owner occasionally lifting her head, her profile illuminated by the sunlight, her tongue tracing Xin Yao’s skin.

Soft moans echoed through the room.

The sounds were so intimate, so arousing, that Xin Yao bit her lip, suppressing her own moans, her cheeks burning with shame.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, her teeth leaving a faint mark on her lower lip, she pushed against Xu Jingyu’s shoulder.

“Are you a dog? Why are you biting me?”

Xu Jingyu loved her resistance, yet she wouldn’t allow it.

Whenever Xin Yao protested, Xu Jingyu would…

If Xin Yao had to describe it, she would say that Xu Jingyu became strangely aroused by her resistance, her possessiveness intensifying, her grip tightening, forcing Xin Yao to meet her gaze, refusing to let her look away.

Like now.

As Xin Yao pushed against her, Xu Jingyu lifted her head, her dark eyes intense and predatory, her hand reaching for something.

She grabbed Xin Yao’s wrists, pinning them above her head, then used the object to tie them together.

Xin Yao glanced at the makeshift restraints. It was her discarded swimsuit top. She couldn’t help but laugh, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in her voice.

“My clothes have become your weapons now?”

Xu Jingyu, having secured Xin Yao’s wrists, didn’t reply, her gaze tracing the curves of Xin Yao’s body, her fingers gently tilting her chin up as she kissed her.

The kiss was long and deep, their tongues tangling in a passionate dance.

When they finally parted, Xu Jingyu’s breath coming in short gasps, her hair falling around Xin Yao’s face, tickling her skin, she looked at Xin Yao, her eyes soft and warm, her voice a husky whisper.

“Yaoyao, let’s get married.”

Xin Yao, her mind still hazy from the kiss, her body relaxed and pliant, smiled lazily.

“You’re saying this now? In this position? Is this a proposal?”

“Yes,” Xu Jingyu’s gaze was intense, “will you marry me?”

“No,” Xin Yao’s reply was swift.

Xu Jingyu’s lips found hers again, a demanding kiss that left Xin Yao breathless, her eyes darkening as she looked at Xin Yao.

“Will you marry me?”

“No.”

Xu Jingyu leaned closer again, her lips seeking Xin Yao’s.

Xin Yao, however, bit her lip, a silent protest, her teeth leaving a faint mark on her swollen, reddened flesh.

Xu Jingyu’s fingers, cool and smooth like jade, traced Xin Yao’s lips, gently parting them, her touch a teasing caress.

Her voice, low and sensual, was a husky whisper.

“Don’t bite.”

Xin Yao’s eyes filled with tears, but she couldn’t speak, her voice trapped in her throat.

Xu Jingyu, seizing the opportunity, leaned closer, her lips brushing against Xin Yao’s ear, her voice a seductive murmur.

“Yaoyao, let’s get married.”

This marriage maniac.

It was practically blackmail.

But Xin Yao, weakened by Xu Jingyu’s touch, her body trembling with a mix of desire and frustration, could only nod, her eyes shining with a soft light.

“Really?”

Xu Jingyu’s eyes lit up, her breath catching in her throat as she withdrew her hand, her eyelashes fluttering, her excitement palpable.

She seemed momentarily flustered, her usual composure shattered.

She reached out as if to touch Xin Yao, then hesitated, pulling her hand back, her desire for a more intimate connection overwhelming her as she leaned down to kiss Xin Yao again.

Xin Yao gently pushed her away, holding up her bound wrists.

“Untie me first. I can’t talk like this. It’s uncomfortable.”

Xu Jingyu, eager to please, quickly untied her wrists.

Xin Yao sat up, rubbing her wrists, then slowly put on her swimsuit top.

She looked at Xu Jingyu, a playful smile on her face, and kissed her cheek.

Then, she got out of bed.

She glanced at the bright sunlight streaming through the window, then turned to look at Xu Jingyu, who was sitting on the bed, waiting patiently, her gaze fixed on Xin Yao’s face.

Xin Yao raised an eyebrow, her fingertip tracing Xu Jingyu’s forehead, her voice a playful tease.

“You want to marry me?”

Xu Jingyu, lovestruck, nodded.

Xin Yao’s smile widened, and she leaned closer, her lips brushing against Xu Jingyu’s ear, her voice a husky whisper.

“Let me teach you something, then. Never trust a woman in bed.”

“I was just kidding.”

Then, afraid of being caught, she quickly slipped away, waving at Xu Jingyu.

“I’m going for a swim!”

Xu Jingyu sat there, watching her go, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

Then, she shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

She had been completely seduced, completely played.

Just as Xue Ning had said, Xin Yao could sell her, and she would happily help count the money.

But even knowing this, Xu Jingyu wouldn’t have it any other way.

Xin Yao ran downstairs and onto the beach.

It felt like summer.

The ocean stretched before her, a vast expanse of blue, the two coconut trees swaying gently in the breeze, their fronds a vibrant green, the air filled with the fresh, salty scent of the sea.

The housekeeper had thoughtfully set up a beach umbrella and two lounge chairs, a small table with drinks waiting for them.

After a while, Xu Jingyu, also changed into her swimsuit, joined her.

Wanting to be more covered up, she had chosen a more modest swimsuit, its dark color a stark contrast to Xin Yao’s white bikini. The fabric, however, clung to her body, revealing her perfect figure.

As she walked towards Xin Yao, her black hair swaying in the breeze, her long legs gleaming in the sunlight, she looked like a model on a runway.

Xin Yao, having already moved on from their earlier encounter, ran towards her, a bright smile on her face, and took her hand.

“Let’s go for a walk.”

Xu Jingyu, looking at Xin Yao’s smiling face, then at the ocean, her hand tightening around Xin Yao’s, nodded.

As they walked along the water’s edge, a wave crashed against the shore, the water swirling around their ankles, then rising to their knees.

Xu Jingyu looked down at the churning water, its salty scent filling the air, her brow furrowing slightly.

She didn’t like the sea.

And in that moment, memories flooded back.

Xu Jingyu was the eldest daughter of the Xu family.

The Xu family was wealthy and influential, their business empire spanning the globe.

Such wealth and power inevitably attracted unwanted attention, especially towards their vulnerable children.

When she was ten years old, Xu Jingyu had been kidnapped.

The kidnappers had warned her family not to contact the police, threatening to kill her if they did.

The Xu family, however, known for their ruthlessness, had pretended to comply while secretly contacting the authorities.

By the time the kidnappers realized they had been betrayed, it was too late. They were surrounded.

But they were desperate and ruthless, having targeted the Xu family and successfully kidnapping Xu Jingyu, and seeing their plan foiled, they had decided to take her down with them, detonating the boat they were on.

Xu Jingyu had been thrown into the ocean.

The water, usually so gentle, now pressed against her from all sides, crushing her chest, filling her lungs, making it impossible to breathe.

She had struggled, but her movements had been futile, her body like a weight, sinking into the depths.

She had looked up at the fading light, her body slowly sinking, until she lost consciousness.

The police had searched for her, but they had only found the bodies of the kidnappers. They had declared her missing, presumed dead.

The Xu family had been saddened by the news.

Their eldest daughter, so intelligent and capable, had been the perfect heir to their empire.

But their grief hadn’t been profound. After all, they were wealthy and influential. They had other children, including a younger son.

And there were plenty of other relatives.

To ease their pain, they had adopted another child, a more obedient and compliant daughter.

And so, their perfect family had been restored.

And the child lost at sea, buried in their memories, forgotten.

But Xu Jingyu hadn’t died.

She had been incredibly lucky, rescued by a fishing family in a small, remote village.

But her luck had been short-lived. The family hadn’t saved her out of kindness.

They had seen her beauty and had decided to keep her, to make her a child bride for their simple-minded son.

The village was isolated, and while Xu Jingyu was intelligent, she had been adrift at sea for too long, her memories hazy, her sense of direction lost.

And the family, fearing she would escape, had chained her up, keeping her captive.

She was trapped in hell, with no hope of escape.

So, the ten-year-old Xu Jingyu had changed her tactics, feigning obedience to gain their trust, waiting for an opportunity to escape.

She had been treated like a slave, forced to work from dawn till dusk, beaten and locked away in a dark room for the smallest infraction.

She had spent countless nights sitting on the cold floor, her eyes open until dawn, waiting for her parents to come and rescue her.

But they never came.

So, she had saved herself.

With a patience beyond her years, she had waited for a year, then, seizing an opportunity, while the family was distracted, she had set fire to their warehouse. As they rushed to put out the fire, she had escaped, following a route she had carefully memorized, and had contacted the police.

She had returned home.

The family who had kidnapped and abused her had been arrested and punished.

But for Xu Jingyu, returning home had been like stepping from one hell into another.

After two years, she had returned to find a complete, happy family: her parents, her younger brother, and their adopted daughter, their lives intertwined, leaving no space for her.

She had fought so hard to return, only to find herself even more alone.

Two years.

A short time, yet long enough for her memories to fade, for her mother to forget her.

On the day Xu Jingyu started high school, her mother had ordered a large strawberry cake.

But Xu Jingyu didn’t like strawberries. It was her adopted sister’s favorite flavor.

They had almost forgotten her birthday, remembering only the anniversary of her supposed death.

And even more absurdly, her adopted sister had been terrified of her return.

Afraid that Xu Jingyu would reclaim her place in the family, she had tried everything to push her away, hoping that everyone would dislike Xu Jingyu and love her instead.

She had even faked an accident, falling down the stairs and accusing Xu Jingyu of pushing her.

Then, she had feigned illness, threatened suicide, resorting to every trick she could think of.

She had even put cockroaches in Xu Jingyu’s bag.

Xu Jingyu, her patience finally wearing thin, had confronted her, holding the cockroach in her gloved hand, her face impassive, her voice cold and calm.

“I don’t have a good temper. I don’t like arguing, I don’t like fighting, and I don’t like talking.”

“So, please be quiet. Don’t say a word in my presence. Ever again. Is that clear?”

“Oh, and that wasn’t a request. Understand?”

Her adopted sister had been terrified.

Chapter 52 p2

Xin Yao, unable to refuse, let herself be dragged along, her mind still reeling from Xu Jingyu’s sudden invitation.

As they reached the parking lot, they saw Xue Ning waiting by the car.

She was looking at her phone, her expression a mix of annoyance and amusement.

Seeing them approach, she put away her phone, a smile appearing on her face.

“Well, well, well, Miss Xin. No work for you today. Enjoy your little vacation.”

Their behavior, their secretive smiles, made Xin Yao suspicious. Something was going on, and it probably involved her.

“What’s happening? What are you two up to?”

Xue Ning hesitated, then blurted out, “Apparently, it’s the prime minister of Country A’s mother’s birthday today?”

What did that have to do with anything?!

Even if the prime minister’s father rose from the dead, she still had to go to work!

What a lame excuse!

But it was no use. Xu Jingyu had already pushed her into the car.

And as they drove away, Xu Jingyu and Xue Ning finally started discussing their plans.

Xu Jingyu turned to Xin Yao. “Yaoyao, is there anywhere you want to go?”

Xue Ning, who was driving, added, “It’s winter. Why don’t you two go somewhere warm?”

And as Xue Ning spoke, Xin Yao finally understood the reason for their strange behavior.

Liu Nuan Nuan, monitoring the online activity, had informed her.

The internet was exploding with hate towards Xin Yao.

Li Xu, having waited long enough, had finally made his move.

In Xin Yao’s previous life, the original owner, despite her initial attempts to move on, had been driven to suicide by Li Xu.

And the catalyst for her despair had been her family.

Li Xu had used them to strike the final, fatal blow.

But in Xin Yao’s eyes, they weren’t family.

At the age of eight, her parents had died in an accident, her once happy home shattered overnight.

Too young to be on her own, she had been sent to live with her aunt and uncle, her legal guardians.

But her aunt had resented her.

She had always believed that Xin Yao’s mother, a university graduate, had looked down on her, their relationship strained even before her death. And now, she was burdened with caring for Xin Yao, a constant reminder of her strained relationship with her sister.

Initially, she had tried to be kind, to fulfill her duty as Xin Yao’s guardian.

But caring for a child wasn’t a temporary responsibility.

It was a daily commitment, the extra chores, the extra laundry, the extra work, it had all become a burden.

And so, she had started to neglect Xin Yao, her favoritism towards her own children becoming increasingly obvious.

She had bought new clothes for everyone during the Lunar New Year, except for Xin Yao, whose clothes were old and worn.

Children grew quickly, and Xin Yao’s clothes had become too small, her shoes too tight, pinching her feet with every step.

One day, accompanying her aunt to visit relatives, a long walk that had left Xin Yao’s feet bleeding and blistered, her aunt, thinking she was being difficult, had scolded her harshly in front of everyone.

And as if to punish her further, when the relatives visited their home, her aunt had confined her to her room, giving her a small portion of food and leaving her alone.

Outside, her aunt had boasted about her new sofa, her new clothes, her voice filled with flattery towards her wealthy relatives.

And Xin Yao, alone in her room, her stomach rumbling, her feet aching in her tight shoes, hadn’t dared to leave.

She had looked out the window, tears streaming down her face.

Mom, I miss you so much.

But she no longer had a home.

Xin Yao’s childhood had been filled with such loneliness and neglect.

It had made her timid, insecure, and desperate for affection, always eager to please those who showed her even the slightest kindness.

And her sensitivity to others’ emotions made her even more vulnerable to heartbreak.

And it was this vulnerability, this lingering attachment to her aunt and uncle, that Li Xu had exploited.

After being dumped and publicly humiliated, her spirit broken, Li Xu had made his move.

Her cousin, a gambling addict, deep in debt, had started harassing her for money.

It hadn’t taken much convincing for Li Xu to manipulate him into targeting Xin Yao.

Out of a misplaced sense of familial obligation, she had given him money, again and again.

Until she had nothing left to give.

And then he had turned on her.

Following Li Xu’s instructions, her aunt and cousin had gone online, accusing her of being ungrateful and heartless, of abandoning them after they had raised her.

The online hate, already intense, intensified, the accusations adding fuel to the fire.

Everyone believed she was a terrible person.

And the original Xin Yao, unable to bear the weight of the world’s judgment, had ended her life.

Xin Yao sometimes wondered why the kindest people always seemed to suffer the most.

But now that she was here, she wouldn’t let it happen again.

She had known, since her meeting with Ying Xi, that Li Xu was targeting her.

Her cousin had started asking her for money.

Xin Yao, of course, had refused.

She hadn’t given him a single cent, ignoring his calls and messages.

Until he had been caught by his creditors and had his hand broken.

Then, they had become desperate, their actions escalating beyond Li Xu’s control.

Her cousin had broken into her apartment, stealing her money, her bankbook, and her jewelry.

He had assumed that Xin Yao, like the original owner, would be too timid and afraid to do anything.

It had happened just a few days ago.

Xin Yao and Liu Nuan Nuan, watching the live feed from the security cameras they had installed, had calmly sipped their tea as they watched him commit his crime.

Then, they had called the police.

The police had arrived quickly, catching him red-handed, and had arrested him.

Her cousin, terrified, his usual arrogance gone, had collapsed onto the floor, begging for mercy.

Then, remembering something, he had scrambled to his feet, claiming that it was his sister’s apartment, that he had simply been retrieving some of his belongings.

The police, looking at the broken lock, the ransacked apartment, had simply dragged him away.

His mother, frantic, had called Xin Yao repeatedly, but Xin Yao hadn’t answered.

Desperate to save her son, she had gone online, accusing Xin Yao of being ungrateful and heartless, hoping to shame her into dropping the charges.

The online hate, which had subsided slightly, erupted again, the netizens quick to condemn Xin Yao.

But Xin Yao had been waiting for this, waiting for them to incriminate themselves.

She had never intended to let them off the hook, but they had to commit a crime first.

Her cousin had been arrested for burglary, and her aunt had publicly slandered her. She wondered what the netizens’ reaction would be when the police report was released.

And she knew her cousin well enough to know that he would immediately implicate Li Xu, shifting the blame to protect himself.

The glamorous actor’s carefully constructed image would crumble, his secrets revealed.

The knife he had aimed at Xin Yao would now be turned against him, the mud he had slung at her now staining his own reputation.

The online hate she had endured would now be directed at him, each word a sharp, unforgiving blade.

It had all been part of Xin Yao’s plan. She hadn’t expected it to worry her friends and colleagues, however.

The crew, who believed in her, were furious on her behalf.

And the most vocal defender had been Jian Ru’yin’s father, who knew firsthand how kind and compassionate Xin Yao was, having witnessed her unwavering support for his daughter.

Xu Jingyu, seeing the news that morning, had immediately come to Xin Yao’s apartment, her first priority being Xin Yao’s well-being.

She had suppressed the trending topics, arranged for someone to deal with the situation, and then, wanting to distract Xin Yao from the online hate, had suggested a trip.

Xin Yao, looking at Xu Jingyu, her heart filled with gratitude, thought: My girlfriend is so sweet.

She remembered their life together in her previous world, a sudden inspiration striking her.

“How about the beach?”

“Huh?” Xue Ning, sitting in the front seat, was surprised. “The beach? But it’s…”

Xu Jingyu interrupted her. “Then we’ll go to the beach. My private beach.”

“Tsk,” Xue Ning, glancing at Xu Jingyu through the rearview mirror, shook her head. “Love truly makes people crazy.”

Xin Yao, noticing their exchange, frowned slightly, sensing something was amiss.

“Or maybe we should go somewhere else? The beach is a bit far. I don’t mind where we go, really.”

Xu Jingyu took her hand, her eyes softening.

“It’s fine. If you want to go to the beach, then we’ll go to the beach.”

Three hours later, Xin Yao, sitting on Xu Jingyu’s private jet, arrived at Xu Jingyu’s private beach.

And as they entered Xu Jingyu’s beachfront villa, Xin Yao realized, with a touch of amusement, that she had once again found herself a wealthy benefactress.

She stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the ocean, the sunlight sparkling on the water, a beautiful, mesmerizing sight.

Xu Jingyu, watching her, her eyes soft, asked, “Do you want to go for a swim?”

“Can we?” Xin Yao turned to her, her eyes shining with excitement.

Xu Jingyu nodded. “It’s my private beach. And there are lifeguards and lifeboats. It’s perfectly safe.”

A trip to the beach wasn’t complete without a swim.

Xin Yao, eager to get into the water, ran off to change into her swimsuit.

The swimsuit, thoughtfully provided by the housekeeper, was waiting for her in the bedroom.

She emerged a few minutes later.

Her slender frame and long legs, usually hidden beneath layers of clothing, were now on full display, her appearance transformed, her usual soft, gentle demeanor replaced by a confident sensuality.

Her waist was tiny, her legs long and smooth, her breasts, straining against the fabric of the swimsuit, a subtly alluring sight.

And her face, with its naturally seductive features, was even more captivating now, her eyes sparkling with a playful light.

A single glance from her was enough to make your heart race.

Xu Jingyu, who had brought Xin Yao here to relax, to escape the stress of the city and the online hate, now found herself captivated by Xin Yao’s beauty, her own heart pounding in her chest.

Xin Yao, however, oblivious to Xu Jingyu’s reaction, was still buzzing with excitement about her upcoming swim.

She walked over to Xu Jingyu, holding a bottle of sunscreen.

“Baby, can you help me with this? I don’t want to get sunburned.”

It was a simple request.

But as Xu Jingyu started applying the sunscreen, she realized it wasn’t so simple after all.

She sat on the bed, looking at Xin Yao, her swimsuit-clad body a vision of effortless sensuality, her gaze lingering on her long legs, the curve of her hips, her slender waist, and finally, on her smooth, white back.

Her back was almost completely bare, the thin straps of her swimsuit a delicate, almost fragile, barrier, both protective and alluring.

As Xu Jingyu’s gaze lingered, Xin Yao, growing impatient, spoke up.

Xu Jingyu finally started applying the sunscreen, her hand gently tracing Xin Yao’s waist.

“Mmm,” Xin Yao murmured, a shiver running through her body as Xu Jingyu’s cool hand touched her warm skin.

The sound was like a hook, catching Xu Jingyu’s attention, her hand stilling.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice slightly husky.

Xin Yao smiled, her body rubbing against Xu Jingyu’s hand. “It’s cold.”

Xu Jingyu rubbed her hands together to warm them, then resumed applying the sunscreen, her fingers tracing Xin Yao’s waist.

Xin Yao, however, started fidgeting again, complaining that it was too hot now.

She was so difficult to please.

Finally, finding the right temperature, Xu Jingyu continued, her hand moving upwards, spreading the creamy white lotion across Xin Yao’s back, her touch like a caress, her fingers tracing the smooth curves of her body, the lotion like moonlight on snow.

She reached the thin strap of Xin Yao’s swimsuit and hesitated, unsure whether to go over it, lift it, or simply untie it.

But she didn’t have to choose.

The strap, already loose, suddenly came undone.

Xin Yao, feeling the sudden release, turned her head, a puzzled expression on her face.

“Did you…?”

Xu Jingyu, her intentions exposed, feigned innocence.

“It wasn’t me,” she said, even though she had been thinking about it.

Just then, Xin Yao’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Xu Jingyu, are you… are you having a nosebleed?”

Xu Jingyu paused, instinctively touching her nose. Her fingers came away clean.

Xin Yao burst out laughing. “I was just kidding!”

But Xu Jingyu didn’t laugh.

Xin Yao, confused, turned to look at her and saw Xu Jingyu’s gaze fixed on her bare back, her eyes dark and intense, their message clear.

Xin Yao’s laughter died in her throat, her own eyes widening in disbelief.

“You’re not seriously… aroused by applying sunscreen, are you?”

“Wait, are you actually having a nosebleed?”

Xin Yao’s swimsuit strap, having come undone, had remained untied, her earlier teasing and laughter distracting her.

As she turned, her back was exposed, her breasts rising and falling with each breath, their shape clearly visible beneath the thin fabric of her swimsuit.

Xu Jingyu’s gaze, unable to resist, had lingered.

And then she had heard Xin Yao’s words, her exclamation of surprise.

This time, it seemed, it was real.

Xu Jingyu touched her nose, her finger coming away stained with a faint trace of blood.

Then, slowly, she looked up at Xin Yao, her gaze intense.

Xin Yao, meeting her eyes, froze for a moment, then, like a startled rabbit, she turned and ran.

But Xu Jingyu was faster, her long fingers reaching out and capturing Xin Yao’s ankle, pulling her back, slowly, inexorably, like a predator reeling in its prey.