Villainess_In_Melodramatic_Novel C22

Chapter 22: Becoming My Ex’s Sister-in-Law (Part 3)

Just as their lips were about to touch, Bai Shuang suddenly snapped back to her senses. She let go of Yu Liuxue, stepped back a few paces, and sized her up as if she were meeting this woman for the first time.

A surge of unvented anger clogged Bai Shuang’s chest, but Yu Liuxue had already been touched by Shi Can. She had no interest in women who had been with others, even if that person was her ex-girlfriend. Bai Shuang yanked the door open and then slammed it shut with such force that the entire doorframe trembled.

Yu Liuxue rubbed her ears. Bai Shuang was actually quite good-looking—Shi Can had the cool and gentle sickly beauty, while Bai Shuang was the sharp and flamboyant cold beauty. Unfortunately, Yu Liuxue’s mind was now entirely focused on conquering Shi Can. Though she was a scumbag, she still adhered to Jinjiang 1v1 rules—no two-timing allowed.

Bai Shuang left. Shi Can also left. Yu Liuxue took off her dress, walked barefoot into the next room, and soon the sound of running water filled the air.

After leaving Yu Liuxue’s room, Bai Shuang didn’t go anywhere else. She walked for a while before returning to her own room, where a faint sense of regret crept into her heart.

Maybe she shouldn’t have broken up so soon. Maybe she should have given Ke Bailing her freedom a little later.

She pulled out a lighter, about to light a cigarette, when she suddenly recalled how Ke Bailing had once told her she didn’t like her smoking. The flame flickered on, then off, then on again. With a flick of her fingers, Bai Shuang tossed the cigarette into the trash.

Lying on her back with her hands behind her head, she stared at the ceiling and sneered inwardly.

So Ke Bailing was just another materialistic woman?

If that was the case, why had she never asked Bai Shuang for anything when they were together? Even the cheap little gifts Bai Shuang had given her had made her ridiculously happy.

Like she’s never seen the world before…

The thought came to an abrupt halt.

If she had never seen the world, then how could she always navigate high-end social settings with such ease and confidence?

Had she deceived her?

Had she deliberately approached her just to play with her?

Was this all part of Ke Bailing’s scheme?

But of all people to play, why choose her?

—

After her shower, Yu Liuxue went straight to bed. She was now convinced that those “overbearing CEO falls in love with me” stories were all lies.

Shi Can might not be a CEO, but the power in her hands was just about the same. Yet, she wasn’t obsessing over Yu Liuxue or coming over every day to mess with her.

Then again, it made sense. CEOs were so busy that they were probably weak in both kidney and spleen—how would they even have the energy to think about women?

Might as well just wash up and sleep.

Yu Liuxue sluggishly changed into the clothes Shi Can had sent over. Just then, the training class leader announced that there would be another training session that afternoon. Yu Liuxue bit the end of her pen and pulled out her densely written notebook.

“Back in the day, when I was a CEO…”

Forget it. The past shouldn’t be mentioned.

Shi Can was indeed busy. As soon as she finished one itinerary, another immediately followed. One second, she was talking to Yu Liuxue; the next, she received a last-minute notice to board a plane for an urgent overseas meeting.

Yu Liuxue watched her enter the airport with longing eyes, unable to help but wonder—was the reward Shi Can mentioned yesterday really just a kiss?

Right before leaving, Shi Can specifically paused to tell her, “Wait for me to come back.”

Yu Liuxue pouted gloomily. “Oh.”

—

Classes were wrapping up, and everyone was starting to send out resumes, attend interviews, and secure jobs. Before the break, the class leader organized a final gathering, hoping they would all stay in touch.

Ke Bailing rarely attended such events in the past because she had to work part-time. She simply didn’t have the time or the extra money. Many in the class came from wealthy families, and even when some offered to cover her expenses, she had never accepted.

So this time, the class leader specifically approached Yu Liuxue to discuss the situation before politely asking, “Bailing, are you free this Wednesday?”

“Yes.” Yu Liuxue smiled brightly. “Class leader, I saw the message in the group chat. I’ll be there.”

Several of their classmates were close friends with Ruan Ni, so news of Yu Liuxue’s attendance quickly reached her.

Her friends gathered around her. “Ni Ni, we’ll send you the address. You can pretend to come looking for us, dress up beautifully, and completely overshadow Ke Bailing in front of the whole class.”

Ruan Ni hesitated. “Wouldn’t that be a little… mean?”

“What’s so bad about it? I never liked her anyway. She always wore the same few outfits that cost only a few dozen yuan, never buying anything new. A broke, country bumpkin—I don’t even understand why so many people liked her.”

“Maybe men just like those weak little parasites who have no money, no power, and can only cling to them to survive. Look at how pitiful Ke Bailing looks—what man wouldn’t want to protect her?”

The women burst into laughter.

Ruan Ni feigned reluctance. “Alright then… I don’t even know how to thank you guys.”

“Ni Ni, we’re your real best friends—not some ungrateful hick like Ke Bailing.”

—

On the day of the class gathering, Yu Liuxue put on a simple yet sexy black spaghetti-strap dress—completely different from the pure and innocent image Ke Bailing used to have.

She ran her fingers through her long hair, sat in the taxi, applied a bit of red lipstick, and lightly spritzed herself with perfume before feeling satisfied.

But as soon as she got out of the car, she unexpectedly ran into someone—Bai Shuang.

Bai Shuang was leaning against her car, waiting for someone. She checked her phone and was about to get back into the vehicle when her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of a stunningly seductive face.

She turned her head almost immediately, her gaze locking onto Yu Liuxue’s long, fair legs, unable to look away.

Yu Liuxue didn’t notice her at all. She happily swung her little handbag and hurried towards the gathering venue. She had just received news—Shi Can was coming back tonight and had told her to wait at home.

Yu Liuxue was deep in thought, so when someone suddenly rushed out from the side, grabbed her, and pulled her in another direction, she instinctively cried out, “Who—?”

Oh, it was her ex-girlfriend.

Yu Liuxue struggled like a flailing chick, frowning. “Bai Shuang, what are you doing?”

Bai Shuang shoved her into the car, slammed the gas pedal, and the vehicle sped off. The doors locked automatically. After trying unsuccessfully to open them, Yu Liuxue immediately turned her head and snapped, “Bai Shuang, are you crazy? I’m supposed to be at a class reunion!”

“Dressed like that?” Bai Shuang sneered.

Yu Liuxue looked down at herself. What was wrong with the way she was dressed?

“Feudal-minded.” She tossed out the remark and leaned against the car door, refusing to speak further.

Bai Shuang had acted on impulse. She hadn’t even thought about where to take Yu Liuxue, so without realizing it, she drove back to her own residential complex. When the engine turned off, Yu Liuxue stared outside, and since Bai Shuang remained silent, she also chose not to speak.

After a long while, Bai Shuang finally broke the silence.

“When did you turn bad?”

This counts as turning bad? Yu Liuxue smirked and shot back, “The day you broke up with me.”

Bai Shuang choked on her words and fell silent again.

Realizing she’d definitely miss the reunion at this rate, Yu Liuxue had no choice but to text the class rep: “Sorry, something came up last minute. I might be a little late.”

She idly played with her phone while Bai Shuang seethed, unable to vent her frustration. Unable to hold back any longer, Bai Shuang grabbed Yu Liuxue’s wrist and yanked her closer, forcing her to face her directly. With a deep voice, she asked, “What exactly is your relationship with my sister?”

This was a question that had been weighing on her for a long time.

Yu Liuxue frowned. “The kind of relationship you’re thinking of.”

Following Yu Liuxue’s gaze, Bai Shuang looked down. She hadn’t even gripped her tightly, yet her skin was already reddened.

Still, Bai Shuang refused to let go. “When did you start having thoughts about my sister?”

“None of your business.”

After a brief standoff, Bai Shuang admitted defeat. She drove Yu Liuxue back to where she had picked her up, then floored the gas pedal, disappearing from Yu Liuxue’s sight without a trace.

Yu Liuxue was completely baffled. What was Bai Shuang’s deal? She’d dragged her off the street just to ask two questions?

As she walked, Yu Liuxue suddenly smacked her forehead. “Wait… could it be that Bai Shuang regrets breaking up with me?!”

Am I tangled in a love triangle with two sisters? How thrilling!

By the time Yu Liuxue arrived, she was half an hour late. Her classmates playfully punished her with three shots. As the rounds of drinking continued, Yu Liuxue started to feel tipsy. She remained oblivious to the many unrestrained gazes lingering on her. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes misty, like they were brimming with sake, shimmering with an intoxicating light. Her hair was slightly disheveled. Sitting alone in the shadows, propping her forehead up with one hand, her delicate profile exuded an innocent yet seductive charm. Her snow-white skin carried a youthful allure that could stir one’s emotions into a chaotic frenzy.

With her intoxication deepening, more and more hungry gazes lingered on her.

Ruan Ni and her clique had agreed beforehand to meet at the gathering at a set time. Upon arrival, Ruan Ni knocked on the door and immediately scanned the room for Yu Liuxue. Her friends surrounded her, speaking in disdainful tones.

“She can’t even handle her liquor, yet she drinks so much. Who doesn’t know what she’s after?”

“If she hooks up with someone here tonight, she probably won’t have to worry about food and shelter for the rest of her life.”

Following their gaze, Ruan Ni saw Yu Liuxue turn her head. The flush on her cheeks extended across her delicate, upturned nose. Her misty black eyes, hazy with drunkenness, locked onto Ruan Ni, and then—without warning—she broke into a radiant smile.

Ruan Ni’s heartbeat faltered.

Her friends spoke up again. “Ni Ni, weren’t you supposed to dress up tonight and outshine Ke Bailing? Why did you come so casually dressed?”

Ruan Ni withdrew her gaze. “I want everyone to see that even in simple clothes, my status is far above Ke Bailing’s.”

“You’ve got a point.”

Ruan Ni had intended to properly compete with Yu Liuxue, but her rival was already too drunk to even recognize herself. Irritated, she once again felt like she was punching a cotton pillow—utterly ineffective. The frustration was unbearable.

Yu Liuxue played up her drunken act enthusiastically. As she sat there, someone deliberately positioned themselves beside her, attempting to coax her into a hotel. However, when they saw Ruan Ni approaching, they tactfully backed off.

Ruan Ni’s tall figure cast a shadow over Yu Liuxue. Looking down at her from above, she said coldly, “Even if Bai Shuang dumped you, there’s no need to degrade yourself like this.”

Yu Liuxue blinked and stared at her intently.

Realizing how pointless it was to reason with a drunk person, Ruan Ni sat for a few minutes before making an excuse to leave with her friends.

Meanwhile, Bai Shuang had been lying on the couch for three hours. When she got up to get some water, she unexpectedly picked up her phone, intending to play a game. The moment she unlocked it, however, she saw the group chat buzzing about Ke Bailing. Without thinking, she clicked on the messages. By the time she snapped out of it, she was staring at a candid photo of Yu Liuxue, drunk, taken by someone at the party.

In the picture, Yu Liuxue’s dark hair was disheveled, her face flush with intoxication, her head tilted back just enough to reveal the pale skin of her neck, where faint blue veins were visible. Bai Shuang knew she had worn something revealing tonight, but she hadn’t expected her to dare dress so provocatively while drinking. She was utterly wasted, and one of her dress straps had slipped off her shoulder. The sight was a bold splash of temptation that crashed straight into Bai Shuang’s vision.

A surge of heat shot up to Bai Shuang’s head.

She cursed under her breath. Without even stopping to grab a jacket, she snatched her car keys off the table and rushed out toward the place she had last seen Yu Liuxue.

After demanding the party’s location from the group chat, Bai Shuang arrived in a fury and kicked open the door. The room, filled with lively laughter, fell into an eerie silence.

Her face dark with rage, Bai Shuang stepped forward and rasped, “Where’s Ke Bailing?”

A rich second-generation heir, someone on good terms with Bai Shuang, answered cautiously, “Ke Bailing already left.”

Afraid she’d misunderstand, someone quickly added, “She said something came up last minute, so she left alone.”

Bai Shuang slammed her fist against the door, then turned on her heel and stormed out. She jumped into her car and started searching the streets, scouring each one in search of Yu Liuxue.

When the system reported the news to Yu Liuxue, she was sitting by the roadside eating skewers. “Why is she chasing me? Do I have some kind of cough syrup on me?”

System: 【You’re asking me? Who am I supposed to ask?】

Yu Liuxue was drinking tonight with the intention of returning home reeking of alcohol and taking the opportunity to cook rice with Shi Can—turning her into her woman, someone she had coveted for a long time. As for Bai Shuang, that scummy ex? Yu Liuxue couldn’t care less whether she lived or died.

She swallowed a meatball in one gulp, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and asked, “Is Shi Can home?”

“Just arrived.”

Yu Liuxue immediately jumped up excitedly. “Then let’s go, time to head back.”

It was hard to hail a cab in this area, so she decided to walk a bit further. After taking a few steps, she suddenly heard cries for help. Narrowing her eyes, she walked toward a nearby alley. When she saw the person’s face clearly, she blurted out instinctively, “Ruan Ni?”

Ruan Ni’s expression turned utterly sour. She had never expected to run into thugs. These guys fought all the time and were fully grown men, while she was a pampered rich girl who used her friends as shields even in petty fights—how could she possibly take on a group of burly thugs?

When she heard approaching footsteps, she thought her rescuer, at the very least, would be an adult man.

But…

Yu Liuxue was even more delicate than she was, with her thin arms and legs that looked like they’d snap with a twist.

Ruan Ni instantly fell into despair.

The thugs, on the other hand, were overjoyed—two for the price of one?

To be honest, Ruan Ni was also one of the targets the client wanted revenge on, not to mention that she had repeatedly tried to trip up Yu Liuxue afterward. But…

Yu Liuxue let out a soft sigh. Who told her to be a righteous, kind-hearted person?

Ruan Ni barely had time to register what was happening before her vision blurred. The thugs hadn’t even reacted yet when they were already beaten black and blue by the cheat-mode Yu Liuxue, fleeing in utter disgrace.

Ruan Ni remained stunned against the wall. Yu Liuxue walked up to her, examined her briefly, and found that she hadn’t lost a single hair—seemed like she had arrived just in time.

Yu Liuxue took off her jacket and draped it over Ruan Ni. “Go home early.”

Ruan Ni reflexively asked, “This jacket…”

Yu Liuxue thought for a few seconds. “Oh, they got drunk and started tossing their jackets all over the couch. I just grabbed one on my way out. If you want to return it, ask your bestie to check with them when you get back.”

Ruan Ni: “…”

She gazed at the seemingly delicate figure under the streetlights with complicated emotions. Even though her pride refused to let her bow to a love rival, tonight, Yu Liuxue had saved her.

“Thank you,” Ruan Ni said.

Yu Liuxue grinned wickedly and cupped her hands under her chest. “No need to thank me. I just wanted you to know—I’m bigger than you.”

Get lost!

As Yu Liuxue walked away, she felt like the red scarf on her chest was even brighter. But after just a few steps, pain shot through her wrist. Before she could react, Bai Shuang had seized her and shoved her into a car.

Yu Liuxue banged her head against the car door, seeing stars. Bai Shuang got in right after, slamming her foot on the gas. The car shot forward like an arrow.

Yu Liuxue quickly buckled her seatbelt and slipped into character, loudly questioning, “Bai Shuang, are you out of your mind?”

Bai Shuang cast a cold glance her way. Yu Liuxue pursed her lips and wisely shut up.

After speeding through several blocks, Bai Shuang finally pulled over on an empty street.

Yu Liuxue figured she had calmed down by now and kindly reminded her, “Ruan Ni ran into some thugs tonight.”

Silence.

The old man on the subway looking at his phone.jpg

Ruan Ni wasn’t your current girlfriend? Your current girlfriend was in danger, and you don’t even give a damn?

Yu Liuxue couldn’t help but glance at her. Bai Shuang’s grip on the steering wheel tightened.

“You sobered up?” Bai Shuang asked.

Sober from what? I was never drunk to begin with. Several thoughts flashed through Yu Liuxue’s mind. She slumped back, propped her elbow against the window, and deliberately said, “Miss Shi came home tonight.”

Bai Shuang remained silent, the wind ruffling her long hair. Yu Liuxue added fuel to the fire, “She told me to go back early.”

Bai Shuang finally spared her a glance, letting out a cold laugh. “Fine, I’ll take you home.”

Like hell you would. Yu Liuxue didn’t buy it one bit.

Bai Shuang also thought she was being ridiculous. Back when they were together, she couldn’t stand Ke Bailing—thought she was all talk, always dreaming about unrealistic things. Just as Ruan Ni had said, Ke Bailing was nothing but a clueless countryside girl. But now that they had broken up, Bai Shuang felt this inexplicable emptiness inside, like something was missing.

Right after the breakup, she had felt relieved, even secretly rejoicing that she was finally rid of that clingy nuisance.

But as these thoughts lingered, bitterness spread across her tongue. After the breakup, Ke Bailing had gotten together with her own sister, while Bai Shuang realized that she hadn’t truly let go.

Not only had she failed to move on, but she was sinking deeper and deeper.

Yet now, her ex-girlfriend was her sister-in-law. No matter how much gossip spread, she couldn’t possibly steal her own sister’s woman… right?

Yu Liuxue yawned, her eyes immediately turning red, watery and innocent like a newborn puppy’s.

Bai Shuang glanced over instinctively, and her psychological defenses instantly crumbled.

Even yawning was this cute.

As soon as Bai Shuang’s car stopped, Shi Can received a message. Upon learning that Yu Liuxue had been sent back by her own sister, Shi Can kept her expression neutral and said, “Push me out to take a look.”

Jiang Xu quickly responded, “Understood.”

Bai Shuang was about to get out and open the car door for Yu Liuxue, but Yu Liuxue was faster—she got out from Bai Shuang’s side.

Shi Can had just come out when she saw the woman in a delicate camisole dress bending over. The sight of her fair skin and deep neckline was enough to make one’s face flush and heart race. Her skirt was short, and any movement exposed the lace trim of her undergarments.

Shi Can’s deep gaze darkened.

Yu Liuxue straightened up, smiling sweetly. “Miss Shi!”

From Bai Shuang’s perspective at the roadside, that delicate figure fluttered like a butterfly straight into the arms of the woman in the wheelchair, half-kneeling as she embraced her intimately.

Somehow, Bai Shuang felt a distinct, vine-covered shade of green above her head.

I have a vague feeling that something green and shiny is hovering over my head.

Shi Can’s cool face carried a faint sharpness. Yu Liuxue immediately reined in her frivolity and stood properly. Shi Can caught a strong scent of alcohol on her. “How much did you drink?”

Yu Liuxue blinked. “Not much, just a few small cups.”

“Sister.” Bai Shuang’s legs moved on their own as she walked over to Yu Liuxue’s side. Seeing the closeness between them made her chest inexplicably tighten, though she still maintained her usual cold expression.

Shi Can turned to look at her younger sister. “You’re back.”

“Mm.” Bai Shuang glanced at Yu Liuxue, masking her thoughts behind a calm expression, and said, “I’m staying home tonight.”

Yu Liuxue instinctively asked, “Why?”

“What do you think?”

Yu Liuxue shut her mouth. Fine, this is your house—stay as long as you like. But… if Bai Shuang was staying home, wouldn’t that make seducing Shi Can a lot more difficult?

Yu Liuxue suddenly felt very unhappy.

Shi Can showed no reaction to the differing expressions of the two women. Jiang Xu turned her around. “Let’s talk inside.”

In the living room, Shi Can sat in a wheelchair, Yu Liuxue sat on the large sofa beside her, and Bai Shuang sat on the smaller sofa next to Yu Liuxue. Jiang Xu busied himself serving tea, afraid to make even the slightest mistake. The atmosphere between these big shots was just too delicate.

He feared that one wrong move could get him beheaded.

Yu Liuxue glanced around. She felt that if someone took a photo of this scene, it could be used as the poster for an 8 PM drama. And she—she would be the sought-after center of attention.

Being in the center was great and all, but the pressure was intense.

Bai Shuang absentmindedly accepted the tea Jiang Xu handed her, while Shi Can left her cup untouched, setting it on the coffee table. Her gaze remained indifferent as she asked Bai Shuang, “How long do you plan to stay this time?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

Shi Can nodded. “Since you’re back, you might as well take this time to learn how to manage the company with me.”

“Dad’s orders.”

A resistance welled up inside Bai Shuang. “I’m tired.”

She then got up and headed upstairs. Shi Can watched her go, her thoughts unreadable.

Yu Liuxue sipped her tea in small sips, but Shi Can caught her in the act. “Go to your room.”

Yu Liuxue made an “oh” sound and pretended to be drunk, swaying as she stood up. At Shi Can’s signal, Jiang Xu left. Once the house was empty, Shi Can suddenly pulled Yu Liuxue back and pressed her down onto the sofa.

A few strands of hair stuck to Yu Liuxue’s luscious red lips. Shi Can gently brushed them away with her fingers. “I heard you haven’t been behaving these past few days.”

Yu Liuxue wrapped her arms around Shi Can’s waist, her dark eyes blinking seductively. “Who told you that, Miss Shi?”

“They must be lying.”

Shi Can chuckled, lowering her head. After a light taste, Yu Liuxue looked even more pitifully alluring, as if she could stir up anyone’s deepest desires. It made Shi Can want to ravage her then and there.

Shi Can’s throat moved slightly as she whispered in Yu Liuxue’s ear, “Shuangshuang is upstairs too.”

Yu Liuxue was instantly thrilled—excited.

On the surface, though, she pretended to be troubled, her entire face turning red as she nervously clutched Shi Can’s clothes. “Wh-what do we do then? It wouldn’t be good if she saw us.”

Shi Can lightly bit her ear. “You don’t want her to see?”

Not really.

A low chuckle came from beside her ear. “Then I insist on letting her see.”

System: “…” That’s possible, but unnecessary.

Silently, it activated Do Not Disturb mode, suddenly recalling the fear of being forcibly shut down 24/7 in the past.

Yu Liuxue’s conflicted and nervous expression amused Shi Can. Shi Can placed her hands under Yu Liuxue’s knees and effortlessly carried her toward the bedroom. Yu Liuxue leaned against Shi Can’s shoulder, internally complaining: Some people act all weak in a wheelchair, but in reality, they could probably lift a barbell with one hand.

Still, knowing that Shi Can wasn’t as frail as rumored made Yu Liuxue very happy.

Since things were about to get serious, Shi Can directly placed Yu Liuxue on her bed and tossed two pieces of clothing onto her. “Take a shower first.”

Yu Liuxue: “…” A CEO who values cleanliness.

Reluctantly, she went to shower. Shi Can remained in the room, working. Before long, someone knocked on the door. Bai Shuang stood outside with a cup of tea. When she saw Shi Can open the door, her expression remained cold as she handed over the tea. “I heard she drank a lot today.”

Shi Can glanced down at the sobering tea forcibly placed in her hands and smiled faintly. “She’s showering. She’ll be out soon.”

“Want to come in and sit?”

Bai Shuang scoffed. “What’s there to sit for? Whether she lives or dies has nothing to do with me.”

Despite her words, she still couldn’t resist glancing inside before leaving. She happened to see Yu Liuxue’s dress and intimate clothing draped over a chair. Her face instantly turned colder.

Shi Can remained calm as she brought the tea inside, casually placing it on Yu Liuxue’s desk.

Yu Liuxue scrubbed herself clean from head to toe and lazily towel-dried her hair before shuffling out in slippers. Shi Can’s eyes remained on her laptop screen, fingers typing away. “Shuangshuang left you some sobering tea—it’s on your desk.”

Yu Liuxue paused. “Why would she give me sobering tea?”

Weird.

I suspect Bai Shuang has issues.

Shi Can, distracted, gave her a glance. “She just comes off a bit cold.”

Yu Liuxue wasn’t interested. Since Shi Can was busy, she obediently lay on the large bed. She waited and waited—waited until her hair dried, waited until she nearly fell asleep—before Shi Can finally closed her laptop.

Yu Liuxue immediately perked up, her tea-colored eyes brimming with anticipation.

After a long, lingering kiss, Shi Can took off her jacket. “If you’re tired, go to sleep early…”

“No, I’m not sleepy at all!”

Yu Liuxue felt that this woman was simply too good at teasing. Clearly, they both knew what was going on, yet she insisted on stringing her along.

Yu Liuxue was just short of dropping to her knees and begging.

Shi Can chuckled softly, tilting Yu Liuxue’s fair chin with her fingers. “You want it that badly?”

Yu Liuxue stammered, her face flushing red. Her reaction amused Shi Can, who placed a light kiss on her forehead. “Wait for me.”

Bai Shuang stood alone on the balcony, a cigarette pinched between her fingers as she let the cool wind blow over her. It was already 5 a.m., but she wasn’t the least bit sleepy.

The light in the room next door had never gone out. Occasionally, she could make out the blurred silhouettes of two bodies pressed together and hear faint, intimate sounds. She slowly closed her eyes, feeling an uncontrollable pang in her chest.

At 6 a.m., the sky lightened with the first hints of dawn. The light went out, and everything returned to silence.

But Bai Shuang still couldn’t sleep.

For the next few days, Bai Shuang stubbornly stayed at home, refusing to leave. Meanwhile, Shi Can seemed to be doing it on purpose—using the excuse of needing Yu Liuxue’s help organizing documents to keep her in the room, teasing her day and night.

Yu Liuxue lay in bed, both satisfied and exhausted, muttering to the system, “I think I’d rather go back to delivering food on my bike.”

Ruan Ni hadn’t seen Bai Shuang for days. After several unanswered calls, she had half given up.

In truth, her mind was a mess. She had always looked down on someone like Ke Bailing, a girl from a poor family. No matter how good her grades were or how pretty she looked, she could never compare to someone like herself, born into wealth and status.

But that day, when she was in danger, it was this very woman she had always looked down on who saved her.

That night, the first thing Ruan Ni did upon returning home was call Bai Shuang, only to find her phone turned off. Bai Shuang completely ignored her.

The next day, unable to help herself, Ruan Ni sent Bai Shuang countless messages on WeChat and via text, but none received a response.

Furious, she threw her phone to the floor. Bai Shuang had already broken up with Ke Bailing—was she still hung up on her? Still unable to let go?

Determined, Ruan Ni decided to invite Ke Bailing out for a meal under the pretense of thanking her and then see what opportunities arose.

Yu Liuxue agreed to the invitation without hesitation. When she reported it to Shi Can, Shi Can merely told her to be careful and come home early.

Ruan Ni had arrived at the restaurant early and was waiting when Yu Liuxue walked in. Even before she got close, Ruan Ni noticed the marks on her body.

Perhaps it was because she had matured, but today, Yu Liuxue looked so stunning that Ruan Ni couldn’t take her eyes off her. Every move she made tugged at her thoughts. After ordering the food, Ruan Ni stared into Yu Liuxue’s eyes and asked, “I heard you’ve been staying at the Bai residence?”

“Miss Shi works from home, so it’s more convenient for me to be by her side.”

Ruan Ni: “Oh.”

Yu Liuxue had been waiting for Ruan Ni to bring up Bai Shuang, but to her surprise, she never did. Finally, unable to resist, she said, “I told Bai Shuang about what happened that day.”

Ruan Ni was momentarily stunned, then let out a cold snort. “I do appreciate you saving me, but that doesn’t mean I’ll let you humiliate me.”

After paying the bill, Ruan Ni left without another word.

Yu Liuxue sat there, dumbfounded, her small head filled with big confusion. “…?”

Since she was already out, Yu Liuxue decided to go shopping. By the time she returned home after dark, she was loaded with bags—some for herself, some as gifts for Shi Can.

As soon as she stepped into the Bai residence, Bai Shuang walked up to her, looking a little tired. “Ke Bailing, we need to talk.”

Yu Liuxue frowned. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“We’ve already said everything that needed to be said.”

She turned to leave, but Bai Shuang wasn’t about to let her go. Grabbing her wrist, she tried to drag her toward her room.

Yu Liuxue immediately dropped her shopping bags and struggled. “Bai Shuang, what are you doing? Let go of me!”

“We’ve broken up—you can’t force me to do anything I don’t want to do anymore.”

Bai Shuang had been unable to sleep for days, a suffocating frustration weighing on her chest. Perhaps she had suppressed it too long, and now it was all erupting at once.

She suddenly turned around, her voice hoarse. “I really regret not forcing you back when you refused me.”

“Bai Shuang.”

Shi Can, seated in her wheelchair, had appeared silently behind Bai Shuang.

Her gaze was calm as she stated plainly, “She’s your sister-in-law now.”