Chapter 78

Luo Xi had gotten close with them, driving over every day to hang out. Sometimes she even brought her best friend, Xia Chunnong, along.

Xia Chunnong's family was in network technology. She was a hardcore shipper with a quirky sense of humor. At first, she was restrained and ladylike, but as time went on, her face would either wear a relieved maternal smile or a weird, unsettling auntie grin.

They all went to Ye Sichun's place to hang out. Ye Sichun's home was also a villa. She lived with her parents, and when they learned she was bringing friends over, the couple went out to enjoy themselves.

The Ye estate was about the same size as the Yan residence.

Yan Qingqiu and Song Qingre brought things over together. Yan Qingqiu took a moment to rest, and Song Qingre went over to help her carry things. Xia Chunnong started giggling. Feeling uncomfortable under Xia Chunnong's gaze, Yan Qingqiu sat down and quietly asked Luo Xi, "Does your best friend have some kind of face problem? Every time she smiles, it gives me the creeps."

"It's fine, I think she's great. It was weird at first, but you get used to it."

Her best friend was obsessed with shipping couples every day, which kept her energized. As her friend put it, as long as she could keep loving, she could keep shipping.

Luo Xi said, "You haven't experienced my sister's true talents yet. She even buys articles for me."

"What, articles? My butler can write those too," Yan Qingqiu said bluntly.

"But he definitely can't write the kind I read." Luo Xi smiled with squinting eyes, and it genuinely piqued Yan Qingqiu's curiosity. She perched on the armrest of the sofa and asked, "What kind?"

"The spicy kind—the ones about love so deep it goes all the way." Luo Xi saw Yan Qingqiu's eyes light up and added, "Not showing you. These are for my eyes only."

"God, you're the worst... You get me all curious and then won't explain."

"Aren't you supposed to be wild?" Luo Xi said.

"I don't read about myself. I read about you. I like seeing other people get spicy."

"..." Luo Xi stared at her, then craned her neck to look at the others. She clenched her fist, wondering: would it be illegal to beat Yan Qingqiu to death right now?

Xia Chunnong was furiously editing photos on her phone—fixing herself, fixing the people around her—then showed them to everyone one by one. "Everyone satisfied?"

Yan Qingqiu thought Xia Chunnong was a keeper. She edited every single person's photo. Xia Chunnong said, "After meeting you guys, I can't be bothered with their get-togethers anymore. Ours is way more classy. What do theirs even amount to? They'd be dying of envy."

Yan Qingqiu just smiled. She never attended any gatherings anyway.

"Oh, speaking of which, I have something to tell you all. Last time my dad mentioned that Fu Ye and that Fu Sang were having tea at a teahouse. I sent you the address. I've already booked a private room. You guys in?"

Song Qingre said, "Does your dad know someone in the airline business?"

"I do," Xia Chunnong said.

"Can we get a plane to play with? Can we charter one?"

"Charter?" Xia Chunnong blinked. "Let me ask if there's a smaller plane available. Want to all go together?"

"If you want to come, that's fine too."

"Well... my dad set me up with a blind date earlier." Xia Chunnong said. "I could borrow her plane. We could take a little flight. If she lends it, we take things further. If not, I'll just block her."

"No need for that." Song Qingre smiled. "I can pay. Just a casual flight."

"It's fine, let me ask. If she won't lend her plane to me and my friends, then that woman—tsk, tsk." Xia Chunnong shook her head, and Luo Xi shook hers too. Seeing them both shaking their heads, Yan Qingqiu quickly joined in. And once she shook hers, Su Xingjie naturally followed suit.

This made Ye Sichun nervous as she poured tea. She walked over with the teapot, stepping up beside Song Qingre and asking in confusion, "Why do they keep shaking their heads at me?"

Song Qingre lowered her voice. "Luo Xi said you're lacking in that department."

Ye Sichun frowned, set the tea down on the coffee table, and looked at Luo Xi. "You really think that?"

Luo Xi didn't actually think so—she could afford a plane herself. But everyone was shaking their heads, and betraying her sister at this moment wouldn't sit right. She held up one finger. "A tiny bit. Just a tiny bit."

Ye Sichun bit her lip. "Fine. I got it."

Yan Qingqiu hadn't heard what they were saying. She just saw Song Qingre sitting on the sofa, lips pressed together in a smile, mischief sparkling in her eyes as she struggled to hold back laughter and bowed her head to keep giggling.

Like the moon blinking, and the people on earth falling in love.

Yan Qingqiu found Song Qingre incredibly alluring. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest. She loved how mischievous she was.

"Pour me some tea." Song Qingre said.

"Get it yourself." Ye Sichun treated her like no guest at all.

Song Qingre got her own tea and took a sip. The tea was good—fresh leaves. Ye Sichun had spared no expense.

Ye Sichun looked back at Luo Xi. "I'll have a good chat with you tonight."

Luo Xi nodded. "Sure, sounds good."

"Cough, cough." Song Qingre choked on the hot tea. She grabbed a tissue and covered her mouth, struggling to suppress her laughter. Yan Qingqiu took the chance to slide over while grabbing tea, asking, "What did you just say?"

Song Qingre beckoned her closer. Yan Qingqiu leaned down, and Song Qingre whispered what had happened, adding with a smile, "Don't go telling people."

Yan Qingqiu bit her lip. "Can I tell Xing Xing?"

Song Qingre nodded.

Yan Qingqiu scurried over to whisper in Su Xingjie's ear. Su Xingjie pressed her thin lips together firmly, and the two of them looked at the others, grinning.

Xia Chunnong was dying to know. "What is it?"

Luo Xi, knowing exactly what was up, said, "What else could it be? They're saying Ye Sichun can't afford a plane." She lowered her voice. "I don't think I care whether I have a plane or not."

Ye Sichun had a white Pomeranian, beautifully groomed, wearing a little red coat with a "fortune" character on it. As Luo Xi talked, the Pom circled around her feet.

Luo Xi tilted her head and told the dog, "Go tell your owner: I don't mind."

The Pom stared at her with wide eyes, then looked over at Song Qingre, as if it understood.

Ye Sichun sipped her tea and said, "Then should I say, thank you for not minding?"

Luo Xi was stumped. "Then... you're welcome."

Ye Sichun nodded, rendered speechless by the absurdity. As she was about to speak, the household helper came to announce that dinner was ready.

They sat down to eat, and every time they glanced across the table, they couldn't help but nearly burst out laughing.

They barely managed to hold it in.

After the meal, they got ready to head out.

Xia Chunnong had already booked the teahouse, so it would be a waste not to go. Might as well take a spin over.

"Don't worry, the place is run by my brother-in-law," Xia Chunnong said. "I know it like the back of my hand."

She led the way, the others following in their cars, until they reached a nice teahouse by a river. Nearby was a snow-dusted broken bridge and small boats moored by the shore.

It was too cold on the lake right now—if the weather were clear, they could go out on the water for tea and a round of mahjong. Quite the cozy picture.

The teapot simmered over the fireplace inside, and the room was toasty warm. A large bamboo couch nearby was draped in a soft blanket.

Luo Xi had brought the dog along. Yan Qingqiu played with it a bit.

Song Qingre stood by the window, looking out. "That's a restaurant across the way?"

Luo Xi handed the dog to Yan Qingqiu and walked over. "It's a private members-only restaurant. The food there... hmm..."

Xia Chunnong picked up, "First time there, it feels super fancy, but it's not the kind of place you frequent. Looks high-end, good for photos, but you have to book six months in advance. I can get in through a friend—I have a card. Want to try it tonight?"

"No need," Song Qingre said.

"Hold on, sis, use this." Luo Xi dug into her pocket and pulled out a black case. From it, she took out a small monocular telescope and handed it to Song Qingre.

Song Qingre took it. "You're well prepared."

"You know how to use it? If it's blurry, I'll switch the lens for you."

"Why do you carry this thing around anyway?" Yan Qingqiu asked, puzzled, as she stroked the little dog's head. The dog let out a soft yip from her lap.

Luo Xi hummed. "None of your business."

Song Qingre had Luo Xi show her how to use it. Luo Xi twisted the focus wheel, and soon the view across the way was crystal clear.

"Think the people over there will make it work?" Xia Chunnong asked.

Song Qingre was still looking, saying little. Luo Xi said, "My dad says now it's only families with disfavored daughters, or ones about to go bankrupt, who try to marry their daughters off."

There had been a lot of talk in their circle lately—that Yan Fu's wife had originally given birth to twins, but one had been lost. Now that one had been found, and for some reason, he was back to negotiating marriage ties with the Fu family.

Luo Xi had noticed Yan Qingqiu moving next door recently, along with Su Xingjie. Luo Xi had a pretty good idea what was going on.

Yan Qingqiu had probably been kicked out. The woman outside was the real daughter, and she was the fake one. Maybe they'd been swapped at birth—the twin story was just a cover.

Yan Qingqiu was still playing with the little Pomeranian. She wasn't a warm person, and kids and animals generally didn't gravitate toward her. She patted the dog's head and flashed a grin at Luo Xi.

Luo Xi thought: Yan Qingqiu had it rough. Twenty years as the young miss, then kicked out of the house. She was clearly heartbroken, yet she kept forcing a smile.

Those two over there were no good!

"We'll find out soon," Luo Xi said. "I'll pay off one of the waiters to eavesdrop while he takes water in."

Only a villainous supporting character would come up with a scheme like that.

It wasn't like they were discussing state secrets anyway, so eavesdropping was fine. Yan Qingqiu said, "Too bad we didn't bring a voice recorder."

"Who carries a voice recorder around? That'd be way weirder."

Yan Qingqiu said, "You carry a telescope everywhere, and that's pretty weird already."

"I—"

Forget it, not going to argue. Yan Qingqiu must be hurting inside.

Luo Xi sat back down in a chair nearby and tossed some tea leaves into the fire. Her seat was by the window, so she held up her phone to film the lake. She called out to Xia Chunnong, "Don't post on your Moments until later—who knows if there's a blabbermouth in our circle who'll forward the photo to Fu Sang. Then she'd know we're right across from them."

"Yeah, good point." Xia Chunnong agreed it was wise. "Anyway, I can't figure out what's wrong with this Fu Sang. She still wants to marry Fu Ye."

"Probably not marry—probably just get engaged. I heard she owes the Fu family money. If she marries into the Fu family, maybe she won't have to pay it back. For her, that's a win."

"Still, I don't get it. Selling herself over money? What's the point? Yan Qingqiu even managed to offend Fu Ye before. What a moron. She knows it's fire, and she still jumps in."

As they talked, it suddenly hit them.

Was this Fu Sang planning to replace Yan Qingqiu—marry under her identity and live under her name? Then what would Yan Qingqiu be afterward—a person without an ID? In modern society, not having an ID was terrifying. From then on, her history would be blank. Her whole life would be blank.

That woman was too vicious. No wonder she was willing to marry Fu Ye.

After that, they didn't argue with Yan Qingqiu or fight with her over anything. They even let her have the first cup of tea, which made Yan Qingqiu feel a bit awkward.

They pushed the cup back and forth, as if offering her the throne.

Luo Xi actually did bribe a waiter.

A female server sneaked over to report what was happening. The two blind-date prospects showed no signs of romance—both sets of parents did all the talking while the two of them just kept objecting.

"The woman said that if the two of them get engaged, the man can't fool around outside. That outstanding money had to go into a contract, and no matter what happened, they couldn't reclaim it. The man barely said a word—he just kept staring at her. His gaze was full of suspicion, though I couldn't tell exactly what he was suspicious of."

Fu Ye's suspicion made sense. Not long ago, the two were working together. Now, within a single month, they were getting engaged, and Fu Sang had become a Miss of the Yan family—and apparently, the one he'd once been in love with was Fu Sang all along.

Following that chain of logic, his barely recovered health was nearly ruined again. His brain's CPU was about to smoke.

"Oh right, the man also laid out a condition. He said someone named Yan Qingqiu was banned from setting foot in the house again, and the woman he married had to use that name, or else they'd take legal action to reclaim the money. I didn't catch the part about this Yan Qingqiu—couldn't make heads or tails of it."

The two sides were trading terms. It looked like the parents were negotiating, but really it was those two scheming together, trying to pull something off.

Luo Xi felt uneasy listening to this. Best not to let Yan Qingqiu hear any more. It would cut too deep.

She transferred the money and sent the server away.

Yan Qingqiu continued petting the dog, offering no opinion.

Xia Chunnong was equally furious. "How about we just get someone to beat up that trash couple? Otherwise, I won't feel satisfied. And we should ostracize them. Trash-talk them all over the circle."

"Beat them up, for sure. What's the point of isolating them? They'd probably enjoy it—they want their own little world." Luo Xi genuinely couldn't figure out how she'd ever been into Fu Ye.

She'd been so obsessed. Looking back, it made no sense. To like someone, you had to see their shining qualities—but she couldn't see a single one. Unbelievable. Today she'd seen his true face, and now she was completely awake.

Luo Xi often felt her head wasn't screwed on straight. Fu Ye would say a couple of words, and she'd get confused and soften up. She couldn't understand why she kept flip-flopping like that.

A while back, Fu Ye was discharged from the hospital. The Fu family called her over for a meal, saying Fu Ye was pitiful. She'd softened and wanted to go see him—luckily, she'd spent the night staring at a photo of Ye Sichun, and the next morning she slept in and didn't get up. Otherwise, something might have actually happened.

"Looks like I'll have to use my trump card." Luo Xi took a sip of tea, speaking with total seriousness.

Ye Sichun didn't get it. "What are you going to do?"

"Secret. For me, and for my friend."

Everyone: "?"

Yan Qingqiu: Didn't know a side character could be this chuunibyou.

Well, chuunibyou it is. She looked pretty fired up about it.

They had dinner there that night, and the people across the way hadn't left either. Yan Qingqiu wasn't completely unaffected. She'd thought about calling her dad.

Emotions slowly welled up. She sat by the window, arms resting on the railing, chin propped in her palm. Her gaze drifted between the frozen lake and the ice-bound little boats.

It was so cold outside. Better to stay warm indoors.

Down below, a few kids had torn open a pack of instant noodles and were crouched by a small pond, feeding the koi.

Yan Qingqiu turned to ask if they wanted to buy snacks.

"I'll go down with you," Su Xingjie said.

Downstairs, Yan Qingqiu bought instant noodles and a few bottles of lactic acid drink. She was still a little conflicted and asked, "We already have tea upstairs. Is it weird to buy drinks too?"

Su Xingjie asked directly, "Are you feeling upset?"

"Huh? At first, a little. But I thought it through, so it's fine. I saw those kids crumbling instant noodles, and I got a craving." Yan Qingqiu smiled. Her emotions were sensitive, but she could talk herself out of it. With so many friends around, there was no reason to wallow.

The two of them ran into the Fu family on the way up. The Fu family spotted them and quickly went upstairs.

Song Qingre had stopped using the telescope and returned it to Luo Xi. The people across the way had opened their windows; this side only cracked theirs a sliver for air.

Neither side planned to shout insults out the window.

Xia Chunnong cleared her throat. "First time doing a group trash-talk session. I'm a little nervous. I've got to max out my combat power and really carry as main DPS."

Luo Xi said with confidence, "Don't worry, I can handle it solo."

Xia Chunnong grabbed her hand, earnest and caring. "Sis, I know exactly what you're made of. You can show off in front of Ye Sichun, but in front of me, you can be soft. I've got your back."

Yan Qingqiu clicked her tongue. Touching, truly touching sisterhood.

She had zero faith in Luo Xi. If Luo Xi was going to insult anyone, it'd be Fu Sang. As for that bastard Fu Ye, she probably couldn't bring herself to say a word against him.

Luo Xi snorted. She knew they all looked down on her. She grabbed her phone on the couch and furiously tapped away.

·

Eight in the evening, they filed out.

The other party was just leaving too. What a coincidence—they bumped right into each other.

Yan Qingqiu bent down to get in the car. She had no intention of speaking to them, keeping her head low as she prepared to climb in. Then, from a distance, she saw someone rush over and fling something right in Fu Ye's face.

She froze, staring at the person outside. The thrower came fast and left faster—appearing out of nowhere, vanishing into thin air, a legend in both coming and going.

Yan Qingqiu's hand gripped the car door. She'd assumed it was Song Qingre's doing, but Song Qingre looked just as curious. She sat with her head down, peering through the windshield, clearly unaware of what had ambushed Fu Ye.

Fu Ye stood by the roadside as a few bodyguards wiped his face. But as they wiped, something felt off. It smelled terrible.

One bodyguard sniffed, doubled over, and retched. "This smell's wrong, boss. Something's off—stop wiping."

"What?" After Fu Ye's gland removal, his sense of smell was compromised. He had no idea what it was. He sniffed too.

"It's... it's... dog shit."

Fu Ye reacted slowly. He bent over, back to the light, and started vomiting into the dark winter night. He couldn't even see what was on his face. He tossed the tissue away and demanded a fresh one from the people beside him.

Yan Qingqiu still hadn't gotten into the car. Even from where she stood, the stench was overwhelming. She felt like gagging herself. But something about this felt wrong—and the phrase "dog shit" sounded inexplicably familiar.

Song Qingre stopped looking at Fu Ye. She turned, arm resting on the seat back, and said, "Didn't you tell Luo Xi earlier that if you could never get over Fu Ye, you'd throw dog shit in his face to see if she could still love him after?"

"..."

I was just saying that. She actually took it seriously, and really did it. Luo Xi was way too hardcore.

Thinking back to the person who'd just thrown the dog shit—remarkable. They flung it, shook their hand off, and ran. You'd think they'd thrown a brick.

"Get in, get in. Hurry up," Song Qingre said.

Yan Qingqiu glanced back. Fu Ye's face was smeared with dark gunk. She'd only dared guess it was mud before. Luo Xi, you absolute savage.

She got in quickly. She had a feeling she'd be taking the fall for Luo Xi on this one. Fu Ye would definitely think she was behind it.

And indeed, Fu Ye did think so. As her car pulled forward a bit, he covered his face with one hand and stormed toward them, shouting, "Yan Qingqiu! You just wait! I will not let this go!"

Yan Qingqiu held back her laugh, though she also felt wronged. She rolled down the window and yelled back, "Wrong, wrong! You've got it wrong! That wasn't me! I'm not that low!"

One of Fu Ye's bodyguards chimed in too. "It really might not be her, boss. That person ran up and threw it—she stared for a long time. If she'd known it was dog shit, she would've gotten in the car right away. Why would she keep watching? But that Miss Luo's car did speed off pretty fast."

"It can't be Xiaoxi." The more Fu Ye couldn't smell it, the more disgusted he felt. He tore off his coat. "No one says a word about this. No one."

Fu Sang came over, having no idea what had happened.

Fu Ye said, "Aren't you going to come hold my arm?"

Back in the car, Yan Qingqiu clutched her phone and furiously @-mentioned Luo Xi in the group chat. Luo Xi hadn't come out to claim credit.

Ye Sichun had said it wasn't a good thing, so she shouldn't brag about it.

The whole thing happened so fast. Ye Sichun had been talking to Luo Xi when she noticed Luo Xi glancing around. The moment the thing got thrown, Ye Sichun gasped and stared.

Luo Xi shoved her into the car. Ye Sichun still didn't know what had happened and followed along, watching. But she noticed something off about Luo Xi and asked. Luo Xi stammered out that she'd hired someone to throw dog shit.

Ye Sichun thought about it for a long time. One second before stepping on the gas, she said something that shocked Luo Xi.

"Compared to you, I really am lacking." She was completely convinced. "Let's skip talking about me tonight. Let's talk about you."

Yan Qingqiu kept messaging the group. The rest of them caught on and, without missing a beat, sent a "beast" emoji in unison.

A few minutes later—who knew if Luo Xi sent it herself or Ye Sichun made her—Luo Xi followed up with a "beast" of her own.

So she praised herself.

That night, they drove fast and got home quickly, with Su Xingjie's car close behind.

Yan Qingqiu had been staring at her phone the whole time, finding it hilarious. Su Xingjie came over, and Yan Qingqiu showed her the screen. "It's trending! Holy shit! Hahahaha! It says, 'I thought corporate warfare was all schemes and backstabbing. Now it's: see your rival at a restaurant entrance, run up and fling dog shit at him.' I'm dying, hahahaha!"

Yan Qingqiu laughed until she hiccuped. Su Xingjie couldn't hold it in either and laughed along.

Song Qingre typed in the door code, chuckling herself. She led them inside. Su Xingjie coughed to suppress her laughter and said, "Luo Xi's brain might not spin the fastest, but I've got to say—she's got a little something."

That evening, Yan Qingqiu kept scrolling through videos, watching a burly figure sprint out of the crowd and slap a pile of dog shit onto Fu Ye's face. She laughed herself giddy in bed.

Song Qingre listened to her laughter, rolled over, and pulled the blanket over her head. Yan Qingqiu giggled underneath it. Finally, Song Qingre slapped her on the ass. "Alright, that's enough. Calm down."

Only then did Yan Qingqiu behave. She wiggled her hips, feeling a sting on her butt. Song Qingre told her to sleep early, in a commanding tone.

The person under the blanket obeyed—she fell asleep the instant she was told to. Her fingers poked out from under the covers, pushing her phone aside. Song Qingre had a reason for making her sleep early. There was something important to do tomorrow.

Yan Qingqiu pressed against her hand and asked, "Why is your hand so hot?"

"It's nothing. Just the early signs of heat." Song Qingre said.

Yan Qingqiu immediately shut up, lying perfectly still. No gland removal this time, but there was so much foreplay ahead. She was scared she'd get done in on the bed.

The temperature hadn't gone up overnight, but the next day it was supposed to warm up.

Indeed, the next day was 0°C.

In the morning, Song Qingre packed for Yan Qingqiu. They were supposed to be going on a trip, so the two of them didn't bring many clothes. When they left, Su Xingjie came along too.

Su Xingjie walked behind her, also empty-handed.

Song Qingre turned to look at her. "Aren't you two afraid I'll sell you off?"

Su Xingjie said, "Qiu Bao's here, so you wouldn't. As long as it's fun, anywhere's fine."

Yan Qingqiu pressed her lips together. She had no idea where they were going, either.

She just wanted to follow Song Qingre. Even if it meant wandering the world.

Song Qingre drove them out early—Ye Sichun and the others hadn't arrived yet. Song Qingre called, and Ye Sichun told them to go ahead and have fun without her; she'd come over in the afternoon. If she couldn't make it, Luo Xi probably couldn't either. Who knew how their "chat" had gone last night.

Yan Qingqiu said, "It's fine if they don't come. I've laughed enough anyway."

She puffed out her cheeks.

Su Xingjie wanted to laugh too. She pressed her lips tight and bit down.

They went to the lounge to wait. They really had arrived early, sitting in the VIP reception room.

Song Qingre raised her wrist to check her watch.

"Are you afraid of heights?"

"No."

"Then why is your heart racing?" Yan Qingqiu sipped her hot cocoa.

Song Qingre's heart rate was elevated. She tapped the screen and said, "Just thinking about how I'm about to put in the final piece, and no one's figured out what I'm doing yet. It's a little thrilling."

Su Xingjie looked at her too. She couldn't figure out what Song Qingre was up to.

Yan Qingqiu thought she'd solved it. "You're not going to fly a fighter jet, are you? Go terrorize the Fu family?"

Song Qingre said seriously, "Your imagination is impressive."

Just then, Xia Chunnong's blind date showed up. She was a tall woman who immediately recognized them. She wore a captain's uniform, tall and tightly fitted, an elegant beauty.

Yan Qingqiu's eyes went wide. Even Su Xingjie complimented her. "Xia Chunnong's blind dates are top-tier."

The woman glanced toward them, probably looking for Xia Chunnong. Not finding her, she turned back and said, "I hear from Chun Chun that you want to charter a plane—right?"

"We just need to borrow the airspace. I'll fly it myself," Song Qingre said.

"Why don't you just file a flight plan?"

Song Qingre said, "I just don't like being watched. Filing a flight request would expose my whereabouts. I've got everything else sorted. All I need is the corridor."

She stood and went over to talk with this "captain." The two of them walked deeper inside, keeping the conversation out of earshot.

Yan Qingqiu kept watching, her mind racing with guesses about what they were discussing.

Su Xingjie said, "What she does is always intense."

Yan Qingqiu said, "Are we going to circle the Fu estate four times and finish with a backflip?"

"That... if that were the case, she probably wouldn't take us. That stunt's too dangerous."

"Fair point." Yan Qingqiu turned back. She was so curious.

As she said that, a new message popped up in the group. Xia Chunnong asked: 【How is she? Is she a catfish?】

Yan Qingqiu: 【You've never seen her in person?】

Su Xingjie: 【Are you two online dating? She was just looking for you.】

Xia Chunnong: 【Ugh, just an online fling. She kept saying she speaks eighteen languages, is a female captain, owns an airline, never been in love, and wants a pure romance. That sounded way too good to be true—no way a woman that perfect is single. Probably a scammer.】

Su Xingjie: 【For real. She specially wore her captain's uniform today, and even by my standards, she's gorgeous. Wait, you're unreliable. What if she's a scammer and we came all the way for nothing?】

Xia Chunnong: 【Who's scared? Worst case, I'll pay to charter the plane myself. It's just a couple of laps—I've got that kind of money to throw around. Did you guys get a photo of her? I'm coming right now to get ready. I'll be sneaky. Wait for me there. Let me see the photo first.】

Yan Qingqiu: 【What did you tell her you do?】

Xia Chunnong took a few minutes to reply: 【I... I said my name is Xia Chunhua, from a village. My parents are forcing me to marry Da Niu from the next village, so I came to the city to work... I even said I can't speak Mandarin properly. She seemed to believe it. She's only seen photos, never heard my voice.】

Yan Qingqiu: 【...】

Su Xingjie: 【No wonder you and Luo Xi are friends.】

Before Su Xingjie could finish sending her next message, Song Qingre came back. Yan Qingqiu bit her lip, holding back a laugh. "Little Flower says she'll be here soon."

The "female captain" didn't find anything odd. She nodded. "You all go ahead and fly. I'll wait for her here."

Yan Qingqiu followed Song Qingre out, typing away on her phone. Su Xingjie craned her neck to look and saw her typing: 【Damn. We're exposed. Pretty lady's furious. What a shame. If you two got together, I'd be shipping the hell out of you guys. Such a waste.】

Xia Chunnong: 【Don't joke. Is she really that pretty?】

Yan Qingqiu sent the captain's photo—stunning even without makeup.

A white uniform, gold epaulettes, captain's hat, sharp beautiful eyes beneath the black brim.

Her long legs were wrapped in the uniform, barely a crease anywhere.

Yan Qingqiu's photography skills were average, no beauty filter, and the raw photo was still gorgeous.

Xia Chunnong: 【...I'm shamelessly tempted.】

Yan Qingqiu: 【No worries. Even if you're from a village, your village can still afford a plane! My suggestion: wear a big red peony-patterned coat, blue rain boots, a red headscarf, and carry a ten-thousand-yuan woven bag stuffed with radishes and cabbage. When you walk in, tell her, 'Our village found a gold mine, GDP's rising, everyone's living the good life.' Don't worry about being tacky—your looks carry it. I'm sure she'll think you're innocent. Just do it. I guarantee the pretty lady will be yours.】

A long pause. Then, hesitantly: 【Really? You guys aren't messing with me?】

Su Xingjie also replied: 【It'll definitely work.】

After sending that, Yan Qingqiu was dying to see it live, eager for Xia Chunnong's "Xia Chunhua" transformation.

Song Qingre caught her look and said, "If you come with me, I'll give you another gift. One that'll keep you happy even longer."

Yan Qingqiu looked back regretfully. Song Qingre said, "Don't worry about it. I'll call Ye Sichun and have her film it on her phone."

Yan Qingqiu bit her lip, bouncing with excitement. She said to Su Xingjie, "Remember when we were kids—middle school? I took you on a plane ride for your birthday. We had cake and tried the new milk tea, but the flight was delayed and we nearly got caught by my dad and Little Re. Do you remember?"

"Yeah." Su Xingjie nodded.

That was their secret.

The plane's interior was luxurious and spacious, beyond anything they'd seen. They couldn't name the model, but it was comfortable, decorated with artworks—like a mobile room.

"Turn off your phones. The flight might be long, so just use the cameras to play around." Song Qingre said.

"Okay." Yan Qingqiu powered down her phone and put on noise-canceling headphones.

As the plane took off, she looked out the window, watching them slowly climb through the clouds.

Su Xingjie fiddled with the camera by her side, shooting out the window. Then she asked for paper and pen and slowly started sketching. Once the plane leveled out, Yan Qingqiu connected to the in-flight Wi-Fi to watch a movie and turned on the seat's massage function.

Pure luxury.

This trip was one she was genuinely looking forward to.

After two and a half hours of movies, Yan Qingqiu leaned sideways, gazing at the scenery outside. She still didn't know where they were headed.

As the flight dragged on, she started feeling tired and finally asked.

Su Xingjie hadn't finished her drawing and had a weak sense of time. "Uh, where are we flying to? Feels like we've left the country."

"Yeah. Don't worry, all the paperwork's done. You've both got your visas."

"..."

The other two were completely dumbfounded. Yan Qingqiu widened her eyes. "We're going abroad?"

Song Qingre said, "Didn't you two always want to visit West Roland Island? We'll fly straight there."

Yan Qingqiu and Su Xingjie had talked about it for ages—they wanted to travel abroad every day. Back then, they'd said her dad would fund it. But then everything changed and she moved out, and the trip fell by the wayside.

She laughed. "God, you should've told me earlier!"

Song Qingre stayed quiet, playing a game on the little screen.

Yan Qingqiu muttered, "I need to post this on Moments."

Song Qingre smiled and turned to look at Su Xingjie in the back. "What about you? If you want to go back, I'll turn around and take you."

Su Xingjie said it was fine, smiling softly. She'd always wanted to travel, just could never commit—always thinking about her work, keeping herself boxed in.

Now that she knew where they were going, Yan Qingqiu got even more excited, peeking outside constantly. The flight felt too long; she couldn't wait.

They were flying to the most fantastical place in this world—summer on one side, winter on the other, with no clear transition. You could experience two seasons in one spot, with stunning scenery and endless food.

Finally, they landed and went through the formalities.

A private car was waiting outside. Song Qingre had arranged everything.

Beyond the airport, thick snow covered the ground, and a massive ski resort sat nearby.

"A gift for you."

Song Qingre took out her phone, answered the call, and slowly backed away, step after step, retreating to the very edge of sight.

Yan Qingqiu stared at her phone curiously without seeing what was on it. "What gift?"

"Do I get it after we exit the airport?"

Song Qingre kept backing away until she was out of sight.

If Su Xingjie hadn't been beside her buying a little doll, Yan Qingqiu might have thought she was being abandoned here. Assuming Song Qingre was going to buy something, she stuffed her hands in her pockets and waited quietly.

Until, in her head, a ding sounded. The System came online.

Yan Qingqiu shoved her phone into her pants pocket.

The System spoke urgently: 【Congratulations, Host! You've reached 100% task completion. We will soon release the first stage's reward to you, and also open the second stage. Please watch for delivery. We'll send the gift to the location you specify...】

Mid-sentence, the System's energy faded. It fell silent.

When it spoke again, its voice almost rattled her eardrums. 【Yan Qingqiu! Where are you?! Why can't I find your location?】

Yan Qingqiu said, puzzled, "I don't know. Song Qingre brought me here."

The System: 【Don't talk out loud. Are you still in the country? If you're not, how are you supposed to do the tasks?! Get back here! Right now! Immediately!】

Yan Qingqiu said "Oh." She still preferred speaking out loud; communicating telepathically just didn't sit right.

She reached into her pockets—they were empty. "She took my passport and everything. I came on a private jet, and I don't think she even gave me my visa." She looked around. Not a trace of Song Qingre.

【Can't you check where I am? I'm scared too. Did she find out who I am and dump me in this godforsaken place to fend for myself?】

Yan Qingqiu turned on her acting. "Shit, where's my phone? I don't have any money either."

She lowered her head and looked around. No Song Qingre. The cold wind whipped her hair against her cheeks. She fumbled with gloved hands at her face, cheeks turning red.

"Song Qingre!" Yan Qingqiu called out, but no answer came.

She trudged forward, the heavy snow reaching her calves.

【System, quick, check where I am. And where's the embassy.】

The System was silent for a long time, then asked: 【Then who's the one restarting the wedding with Fu Ye?】

Yan Qingqiu said: 【What restarting the wedding?】

The System didn't explain.

When it spoke again, its voice was as cold and lifeless as the snow swirling in the air.

The System: 【Too late.】

Yan Qingqiu exhaled a breath, tugging at her empty pockets. "I don't have any money either. Is she going to kill me?"

The System replied coldly, devoid of emotion: 【Host, you've now reached the game's boundary, the very edge. You have two days to return.】

Yan Qingqiu: 【I don't have my visa or anything. I need money just to get to the embassy! How can I make it in two days?!】

The System said coldly: 【If you don't return and can't complete my tasks, I will revoke your heroine status. From that point, you are no longer the heroine and will no longer enjoy any heroine privileges. I will find a new host more capable of completing the tasks.】

【You currently cannot complete tasks, causing the plot to stall. Another host clearly has a better chance of finishing them. I hope you'll take the initiative to fight for the position.】

【Otherwise, I will consider you to have voluntarily abandoned your tasks, and you will very likely lose the right to stay bound to me.】

Yan Qingqiu frowned and asked aloud, "Really? You're not lying to me?"

She pressed a hand over her racing heart. Unbinding?!

What great news!

No, no, can't show it. Got to look anguished.

Yan Qingqiu feigned panic. "Please, please tell me it's not real. Don't lie to me. I don't want to die. I'll listen to you from now on! Just let me go home?"

Song Qingre wasn't far away.

She could hear every word Yan Qingqiu said through the phone.

It was real.

Her heart began to thump out of rhythm, pounding fast, accelerating.

Song Qingre's gift was escaping the System for good.

Step one: make the System judge that 9125 was a better fit for the heroine role, more capable of completing tasks.

That way... all those bizarre tasks would go to 9125.

Step two: make the System leave her brain and bind itself to 9125.

Step three... end everything.

The System spoke in Yan Qingqiu's mind.

【Yes. Not a single lie.】