Villainess_In_Melodramatic_Novel C23

Chapter 23: Became the Ex’s Sister-in-Law (Part 4)

When Yu Liuxue saw reinforcements arriving, she immediately abandoned Bai Shuang and ran to hide behind Shi Can. She lifted her chin, her fair complexion glowing, looking utterly pleased with herself. Bai Shuang felt a pang of sourness in her heart, but after calming her emotions, she said flatly, “I just wanted to talk to her.”

“I have nothing to talk to you about,” Yu Liuxue crossed her arms. “Didn’t we already say everything that needed to be said?”

Shi Can said, “She’s coming back with me to work.”

Bai Shuang respected Shi Can and normally wouldn’t go against her, but at this moment, her rebellious streak flared up. In the end, reason won over emotion. Without even sparing Yu Liuxue a glance, Bai Shuang lifted her foot and walked straight out of the Bai family estate, destination unknown.

Yu Liuxue peered from behind Shi Can. “She’s not coming back, right?”

Shi Can slowly pushed her wheelchair upstairs. Yu Liuxue watched for a while before blurting out, “Miss Shi, there’s no one else at home now.”

“Aren’t you someone?”

Yu Liuxue: “…?” I feel like you’re indirectly insulting me.

“Are you afraid of her?” Shi Can chuckled softly, her back to Yu Liuxue. It was rare to see her enjoying a show like this. Yu Liuxue pouted, feeling wronged.

“Of course not.”

“It’s just that Bai Shuang is a bit… unhinged now. I’m afraid she might do something crazy to me, her sister-in-law.” Yu Liuxue didn’t dare underestimate any character in this melodramatic mess. Shi Can had already stolen the male lead’s script—who knew what this werewolf’s little sister might do to her supposed sister-in-law?

At the end of the day, the one suffering losses would always be her.

Shi Can’s lips curled slightly. “She won’t.”

“You’re that sure?” Yu Liuxue couldn’t help but press on. “And what if she really does something to me?”

Shi Can glanced back at her, a faint smile on her lips. “If you’re that afraid, you can start living at the company with me from tomorrow.”

“Okay!” Yu Liuxue agreed immediately, overjoyed. With so many eyes at the company, Shi Can surely wouldn’t dare act out every night, right?

—

After leaving home, Bai Shuang went to her usual bar, where Ruan Ni and her circle of girlfriends happened to be. He Lu was the first to spot Bai Shuang and excitedly nudged Ruan Ni. “Ni Ni, Bai Shuang is here.”

“Bai Shuang has already broken up with Ke Bailing. Tell me, have you taken your chance and confessed to her yet? If you confess, you two can finally be together openly.”

Ruan Ni lifted her eyes slightly, her gaze somewhat vacant.

Another friend scooted closer with concern. “Ni Ni, what’s going on with you lately? Did you and Bai Shuang have a fight? You’ve been so out of it every day…”

Bai Shuang turned her head and spotted Ruan Ni in the middle of the group. With her long legs, she strode over in just a few steps.

Ruan Ni stared up at her blankly, her snow-white face dazed. “Bai Shuang.”

He Lu and the others instinctively got up and left, making space for the two of them. Bai Shuang sat down beside Ruan Ni. “I heard from Bailing that you were in danger a few days ago.”

Ruan Ni’s cheeks flushed with warmth. She bit her lip and explained softly, “Bai Shuang, they didn’t get a chance to touch me. Ke Bailing… she arrived just in time and saved me.”

“No need to explain. I know exactly what kind of person Bailing is.”

Ruan Ni bit down harder, nearly breaking her delicate lips. She stared at the drink in her hand. “So you came just to tell me this?”

Bai Shuang avoided answering, and the atmosphere fell into silence.

Ruan Ni set down her glass. “I have something to do. I’ll be going now. Take your time drinking.”

Her friends saw her come out so soon and quickly surrounded her. “How did it go, Ni Ni? Did you two make up?”

Ruan Ni gave a bitter smile and shook her head, looking lost.

He Lu fumed, “No? What tricks did Ke Bailing use this time to make Bai Shuang ignore you for so long? I never thought she was pure, and even now that they’ve broken up, she still won’t let you two be…”

A wave of exhaustion rose in Ruan Ni’s heart. She declined their invitations and went home alone.

These past days, her heart had been in turmoil. And the source of that turmoil was Ke Bailing.

—

That night was Yu Liuxue’s last staying at the Bai house. She was especially happy, humming a tune in her pajamas while packing her things by the bed. Seeing this, Shi Can silently approached her from behind. A hand extended beside her, and Yu Liuxue instinctively tilted her head to look up at Shi Can. “What’s this?”

“Your room at the company.”

Yu Liuxue took the phone. The layout of the company’s room was almost identical to her current one. She couldn’t help but point to a black shadow between the two rooms and ask, “What’s this?”

“A wardrobe,” Shi Can replied.

“Then why isn’t it against the wall? And why does it open on both sides?”

Shi Can chuckled. “What do you think?”

Yu Liuxue: “…” You’re so damn sly.

Then what’s the difference between living at the company and living here?

Yu Liuxue’s complicated expression clearly amused Shi Can. She sat down on the bed, hands resting on the edge, leaning in slightly. Her voice dropped low. “Having second thoughts?”

“How could I?” Yu Liuxue let out a dry laugh. Internally, she wanted to refuse, but on the surface, she had to act like she loved the idea. “I just—”

“I absolutely love this design!”

Tears welled up—deep regret filled her heart.

Things had been going fine, yet somehow, Yu Liuxue had unwittingly pleased Shi Can. The next thing she knew, Shi Can had picked her up, thrown her onto the bed, and ruthlessly tormented her.

Afterward, Yu Liuxue was so exhausted she was half-asleep when she heard a soft voice by her ear.

“Will you still dare tangle with my sister in the future?”

Yu Liuxue jolted awake in an instant.

I’m innocent, heroine! I swear!

It wasn’t me! I have nothing to do with this! It’s your damn sister who’s still hung up on me, getting drunk and pulling stunts every other day!

Shi Can kissed her forehead. “Now that you’ve heard me, just sleep.”

Yu Liuxue clung to her waist coquettishly and nuzzled against the side of her neck. “Miss Shi, I’ve never really understood—why do you like me?”

Shi Can never answered, even as Yu Liuxue drifted off to sleep.

—

Father Bai was deeply disappointed in Bai Shuang’s recent behavior. The corporation he had originally intended to leave to his youngest daughter was now fully handed over to Shi Can. Although Shi Can wasn’t his biological daughter, she was intelligent, ruthless, and had a sharp business sense. Even though her health was fragile, finding the best doctors in the world to treat her meant that recovery wasn’t impossible.

Rather than letting Bai Shuang destroy the Bai family’s century-old foundation, it was better to entrust it to Shi Can, who could carry on their ancestors’ legacy.

When Father Bai finally made up his mind, he summoned Shi Can to his office. With a solemn tone, he said, “Xiao Can, over the years, everyone has seen your abilities. We’ve always believed you’re the most suitable person to take over the company after me.”

Shi Can remained calm. “Shuangshuang is just young and reckless right now. She may be a little willful, but she’s no less capable than I am. If Father gives her a little more time, she’ll focus and start working from the ground up…”

Father Bai shook his head in disappointment. “We can’t wait. Time won’t wait. The corporate world is fiercely competitive—how many more five or seven years do I have to wait for her to come to her senses and grow up?”

“Xiao Can, I’ve already decided to hand the company over to you. The announcement will be made in a few days. As for your health, I’ll find the best doctors in the world to treat you, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

Shi Can lowered her gaze, a faint smile on her lips. In a soft voice, she said, “Thank you, Father. I won’t disappoint your expectations.”

—

Father Bai soon made the announcement, and the succession ceremony was scheduled. On that day, the media filled the venue, their flashing cameras making the figure in the wheelchair shine like a deity.

Yu Liuxue stood quietly in the shadows, tilting her head with a smile that turned her eyes into crescent moons. She was gazing only at the person in the wheelchair.

“I really think I like Shi Can,” Yu Liuxue suddenly sighed.

The system responded: 【Host, you like every pretty and skilled woman you meet.】

Yu Liuxue: “…” Why are you exposing me like this? Am I really that shallow in your eyes?

She tried to defend herself. “I mean, there’s something special about Shi Can’s aura that draws me in.”

【That would be her dominant CEO energy, paired with her exceptional skills.】

What’s wrong with you?! Shut up!

—

In just half a month, Shi Can transitioned from an unofficial powerholder to the rightful head of the Bai Corporation. Yu Liuxue followed behind her as they walked through the company, and the employees respectfully bowed and greeted them.

“Good day, President Shi.”

But the moment the two of them left, the employees immediately huddled together to gossip about Shi Can’s love life.

Inside the elevator, Yu Liuxue couldn’t help but ask, “President Shi, does my presence negatively impact your reputation?”

Shi Can was, after all, the head of the Bai Corporation. If her personal life kept making headlines, Yu Liuxue felt a little guilty.

Without even looking up, Shi Can replied, “You’ve already affected my reputation.”

Huh?

“Don’t you know? Everyone assumes I stole my sister’s girlfriend.”

Yu Liuxue corrected her, “Ex-girlfriend.”

“Then ex-girlfriend it is.”

Yu Liuxue: “…” That was too nonchalant!

—

Bai Shuang spent her days in a drunken daze, indulging in a life of debauchery. One day, while drinking alone, she overheard a conversation at the next table about the company.

“President Shi really is ruthless. The old President Bai mentored her for so many years, and now that she’s in charge, she’s already crushed the companies that once tried to suppress the Bai family. Now, all the people who have grudges against them are scared out of their minds.”

“But I heard that the old President Bai originally planned to give the company to Bai Shuang. Why did he suddenly change his mind and hand it over to Shi Can?”

“That’s obvious. If my two daughters were like that—one diligently managing the company while the other was out partying, drowning in heartbreak over a woman—I’d pick the former as my successor, too.”

Bai Shuang froze. The company? The company was given to her sister?

She immediately stormed over to the next table and asked hoarsely, “Were you just saying that Bai Corporation has changed hands?”

One of them recognized her. “Bai Shuang?”

“Answer me!”

“That happened half a month ago—it was even in the newspapers. You didn’t know?”

After Bai Shuang left, the people at the table whispered among themselves. “Her own family didn’t even tell her about such a huge event. What must have happened…”

—

Back at the Bai estate, Father Bai was tending to his flowers when Bai Shuang rushed in.

“Dad, what’s going on?”

Father Bai didn’t stop watering his plants. He gazed lovingly at the purple iris in the pot and said, “Do you know what the most resilient flower in nature is?”

“It’s your sister.”

He put down the watering can and clasped his hands behind his back. He didn’t mind giving his youngest daughter one last push.

“I understand the pain of losing a loved one,” he said. “But I have no respect for someone who lets romance consume them, throwing everything else away.”

“If you’re unhappy with my decision, then take back what’s yours from your sister.”

Bai Shuang stood there in shock. Take back her woman? Take back the company?

Ever since she was a child, she had admired her frail yet formidable half-sister.

Father Bai smiled faintly. “Shuangshuang, you carry the Bai name.”

Bai Shuang suddenly lifted her head, her eyes burning with an intense light. She heard her own heartbeat pounding in her ears, accompanied by an overwhelming voice deep within her.

After a long while, Bai Shuang finally made up her mind. “What should I do?”

—

Yu Liuxue sat in her small office, appearing calm and composed with her eyes lowered, but in reality, her ears were perked up like a rabbit’s, straining to hear the conversation between the two sisters in the next office. She looked as if she wished she could send her ears over to Shi Can, which confused the system greatly.

【Host, if you want to know what they’re saying, you can just ask me.】

“It’s no fun if I hear it all from you,” Yu Liuxue remained motionless. “Eavesdropping is what makes it exciting.”

Before long, Shi Can and Bai Shuang finished talking. As she was about to leave, Bai Shuang casually glanced at Yu Liuxue, who was sitting upright with perfect posture.

She was dressed in formal attire—a crisp white blouse, a fitted black skirt, sheer black stockings, and high heels. Every detail was alluring.

Her makeup was light, and her lipstick was barely visible, yet there was a soft pink sheen to her lips.

After Bai Shuang left, Yu Liuxue eagerly ran over to Shi Can. Shi Can calmly capped her pen and said, “Starting today, Shuangshuang is officially joining the company as a manager.”

Yu Liuxue asked instinctively, “Wasn’t she always unwilling to join the company?”

Shi Can looked up. “Then who do you think she’s doing this for?”

“…” It couldn’t be for me, right? That would be way too melodramatic. Just ridiculously dramatic.

Feigning fear, Yu Liuxue sat on Shi Can’s lap. “President Shi, do you think she’ll mess with me? I belong to you now.”

“I’m so scared.”

There wasn’t the slightest trace of fear on her face.

Shi Can opened her laptop and sent an email. “There’s a particularly difficult project coming up. What do you think about assigning it to her?”

“Whatever you decide, President Shi.”

And so, on the very day Bai Shuang decided to reclaim both her woman and her company, she was exiled to a godforsaken place abroad.

“Manager Bai, what’s our next step?” her assistant hurried over to ask.

Bai Shuang snapped out of her thoughts. “Let’s discuss it in a meeting.”

Shi Can had just taken over the company, and although her position was secure, she still had to personally attend countless business banquets and networking events. As her assistant, Yu Liuxue was dragged along to all of them.

One day, Shi Can suddenly frowned. “Is this your first time working?”

Yu Liuxue blinked. “Nope. I even used to deliver food on a bicycle.”

Shi Can knew that much. But Yu Liuxue’s proficiency in handling various tasks far exceeded her expectations—it was almost unnaturally smooth.

Yu Liuxue, unaware of Shi Can’s suspicions, happily opened a cake prepared by the event organizers. She kicked off her high heels, tossed them aside, and started eating in small bites with a spoon. “President Shi, want a bite?”

“No need.” Shi Can had no interest in sweets. Instead, she tossed a document to Yu Liuxue. “Prepare well. Ruan Ni will be attending tonight.”

Ruan Ni?

Yu Liuxue froze. She hadn’t seen Ruan Ni in a long time. Ever since Bai Shuang was exiled by Shi Can, that black-hearted wolf, Ruan Ni had seemingly disappeared as well.

Yu Liuxue had heard that Ruan Ni had been asking around about her lately, which made her perk up. Was the classic dog-blood drama finally unfolding?

After all this time, Ruan Ni seemed like a completely different person.

Gone was her haughty presence; she now carried a restrained and quiet air. If one didn’t look closely, they might not even notice that this was the same woman who had once dealt a fatal blow to the client.

Ruan Ni had noticed Yu Liuxue long ago, but, surprisingly, she only cast a brief, indifferent glance at her before walking away arm-in-arm with He Lu.

Yu Liuxue, who had been fully prepared for a showdown, stood there dumbfounded. If the enemy refused to make a move, all she could do was wait and see.

That night, many influential figures gathered around Shi Can. Though Yu Liuxue was Shi Can’s assistant, she was gradually pushed to the sidelines.

On the terrace, Ruan Ni and He Lu leaned over the railing, watching Yu Liuxue’s slightly lonely figure under the dazzling lights.

Softly, Ruan Ni asked, “Lulu, what do you think of Ke Bailing?”

He Lu didn’t even hesitate. “What else could she be? Just another fake innocent white lotus. Not only did she steal your Bai Shuang, but after breaking up, she badmouthed you in front of Bai Shuang, which led to you two…”

“I don’t think so.” Ruan Ni gently shook her head. She stared at Yu Liuxue, who had found a quiet corner to sit in, and for some reason, she felt the need to defend her love rival.

“Ke Bailing came from a poor family. She barely had time to make ends meet, let alone get involved in our social circles. It makes sense that she didn’t know Bai Shuang and I used to be in love.”

He Lu found it baffling. “Ni Ni, what’s wrong with you lately? Did something happen? Why are you suddenly speaking up for Ke Bailing?”

Ruan Ni snapped out of it. “I was just saying.”

“If that’s how you see it, then Bai Shuang is the real problem here. She obviously had feelings for you but still chased after Ke Bailing for the sake of a bet and her own pride, making a huge spectacle of it in school. If anyone’s to blame, it’s her.”

He Lu grabbed Ruan Ni’s hand and asked, “Ni Ni, has Bai Shuang reached out to you lately?”

Ruan Ni shook her head.

“Honestly, I’ve been wondering… Why did she suddenly become so cold toward me? Back when she was with Ke Bailing, she wasn’t particularly good to her. But now that they’ve broken up, she can’t seem to let her go. She even ignored all the rumors and joined their company.”

“I don’t know if she truly likes Ke Bailing, or if she just refuses to accept defeat.”

He Lu frowned. “Ni Ni, do you still have feelings for Bai Shuang?”

Ruan Ni blinked blankly. Do I still like her?

Out of nowhere, Yu Liuxue’s clear, beautiful face popped into her mind. Ruan Ni was startled and immediately shook her head. “No.”

No way.

Panic-stricken, she hurried away, and He Lu, panting, chased after her. After making several turns, He Lu lost sight of her.

Frustrated, He Lu stomped her foot. “Ke Bailing, you troublemaker! I’ll make you pay!”

Meanwhile, after shaking off her friend, Ruan Ni wandered around the courtyard aimlessly. Eventually, her legs carried her to Yu Liuxue before she even realized it.

By the time she came to her senses, it was too late to leave.

Yu Liuxue raised an eyebrow at her. “Drink?”

Ruan Ni hesitated for a moment. Seeing that Yu Liuxue had already poured her a small cup, she nodded and deliberately avoided sitting next to Yu Liuxue, choosing a seat diagonally across from her instead.

Her mind was in a bit of a mess.

She was also a little nervous, feeling at a loss for what to do.

Yu Liuxue had been waiting for Ruan Ni to put on a dramatic performance, but unexpectedly, Ruan Ni just kept drinking, one sip after another, without saying a word. Once she finished her drink, she refilled her own cup and continued drinking in silence.

Yu Liuxue was puzzled. She probed, “The project on Baishuang’s side is almost done.”

“I heard from Miss Shi that she completed it very well, so she might return home earlier than expected.”

Ruan Ni put down her cup, her face expressionless. “Are you showing off to me?”

Yu Liuxue: “…?” What did I say wrong?

“You also know that ever since Bai shuang broke up with you, she hasn’t been able to let go of you. Don’t you think she worked so hard to complete this project and is rushing back home for a reason?”

Realizing that her tone was off, Ruan Ni tried to make herself sound calmer, but instead, her words carried even more fire. “I tried to persuade her many times in the past to return and take over the company, but she never listened to me.”

“But now that Miss Shi has become the one in charge of the company and you have become the CEO’s assistant, she’s willing to start from a lowly manager position just to get close to you. Hearing this, don’t you feel a sense of pride?”

Yu Liuxue really wanted to cry out, “I’m innocent!”

But when she opened her mouth, what came out was, “Now that you mention it, that does make some sense.”

Realizing that Ruan Ni wasn’t actually trying to pick a fight, Yu Liuxue calmly explained, “But you also know, Bai shuang broke up with me because of you. Now, I’m her ex, Miss Shi’s woman, and technically speaking, also her sister-in-law.”

“Miss Shi is much more outstanding than her. If it were you, would you choose Miss Shi or Baishuang?”

Ruan Ni shot back sarcastically, “I used to be betrothed to Miss Shi from childhood, but I chose Baishuang instead.”

Yu Liuxue: “…?” What kind of plot twists does this world have? This is too wild!

The younger sister stole the elder sister’s little fiancée, and then the elder sister stole the younger sister’s ex-girlfriend? The sheer amount of drama could flood the entire Atlantic Ocean!

Yu Liuxue couldn’t help but ask Ruan Ni in a hushed voice, “Tell me, do you think Bai shuang actually likes Shi Can?”

“Even though they’re biological sisters, at some point, Bai shuang realized her mind was completely occupied by her older sister. But due to their blood relationship, she never dared to express this forbidden love and could only bury it deep in her heart. When she found out her sister had a fiancée, she went to great lengths to steal her away—so that her sister would belong to her alone.”

“She stole one fiancée, but later, her sister found a new woman. So, abandoning all interest in her career, she marched into the company, determined to snatch her sister back once again. That’s why, even when her sister sent her thousands of miles away, she had no complaints. She worked hard to complete the project, and she did it exceptionally well—all so she could return as soon as possible and be with her sister every day.”

The more Yu Liuxue spoke, the more excited she became.

Ruan Ni, on the other hand, was completely stunned. Her worldview took a massive hit, leaving her dumbfounded, eyes vacant.

Yu Liuxue eagerly rubbed her hands together. “Otherwise, why do you think she keeps obsessing over Miss Shi’s woman?”

Ruan Ni frowned. “You used to be too busy working part-time. When did you have time to read all these ridiculous, melodramatic novels?”

Even though she instinctively wanted to reject this absurd storyline, the sheer dog-blooded drama had already started seeping into her mind, making her thoughts run wild.

Finally, she closed her eyes. When she reopened them, her gaze was clear. “You’re full of nonsense.”

Suddenly, her expression shifted slightly. She grabbed her bag and quietly left.

Shi Can had been standing behind Yu Liuxue for quite some time. Once everyone else had left, she finally spoke in an unhurried tone, “Finished talking?”

Yu Liuxue was startled and quickly turned around. “Miss Shi, when did you get here?”

Shi Can didn’t answer. Instead, she smiled and asked, “Forbidden love, secretly pining, a mind full of nothing but me.”

“Is that right?”

The drawn-out words sent chills down Yu Liuxue’s spine. She immediately threw herself into Shi Can’s arms, wailing, “Miss Shi, don’t listen to my nonsense! I made it all up to fool Ruan Ni!”

Not far away, Ruan Ni had heard Yu Liuxue’s words loud and clear. She snorted coldly, grabbed her bag, and left without looking back.

Shi Can lifted Yu Liuxue’s chin. “You’re not tired enough at night, huh?”

“You still have the energy to secretly read novels behind my back.”

“Are they good?”

Yu Liuxue shook her head pitifully, on the verge of tears. “Not good at all, not even a little bit.”

Shi Can pursed her lips and chuckled. “I think they sound quite interesting.”

“Tonight, you’re going to tell me that whole story again, from beginning to end. If you don’t finish—” Shi Can narrowed her eyes, “I won’t stop.”

“No amount of begging will help.”

Yu Liuxue had never found a night so unbearably long. She exhausted every excuse she could think of to plead with Shi Can, but Shi Can ignored her entirely and even intensified her torment.

The next day, Yu Liuxue tearfully requested sick leave from Shi Can.

Shi Can, ever so generous, granted it.

Yu Liuxue regretted everything.

Meanwhile, Ruan Ni, who had listened to her long-winded conspiracy theory, was completely convinced. Her entire worldview was now teetering on the edge of collapse.

If Bai shuang could steal Shi Can’s fiancée—me—then why couldn’t Shi Can steal Bai shuang’s girlfriend—Ke Bailing?

Ke Bailing stole my girlfriend, so why shouldn’t I just steal Ke Bailing?

Why couldn’t Bai shuang actually be in love with Shi Can?

In short, Ruan Ni’s brain was in utter chaos, and she couldn’t figure things out for a long time.

At that moment, Bai shuang’s project had been successfully completed. She had already booked a flight home overnight. Knowing that Yu Liuxue had been staying with Shi Can at the company recently, she told the driver as soon as she landed, “Take me to the company.”

The entire company was working overtime on a major project, and the building was brightly lit. Baishuang hurried into the elevator, pressed the floor button, and when the doors opened, she strode directly toward Shi Can’s office.

But as she approached, she deliberately slowed down—just so she could take a few extra glances at Yu Liuxue.

It had been a long time since they last saw each other, yet even her weary appearance from working overtime made one’s heart ache with affection.

Her frail shoulders could be encircled with just one hand, and her slightly furrowed brows tugged at one’s heartstrings, making one wish to personally solve her problems and smooth out the creases on her forehead.

Bai Shuang thought that by avoiding Yu Liuxue for a while, the inexplicable feelings she had for her would fade with time. But she had miscalculated—her feelings for her ex-girlfriend had not diminished with distance. Instead, like fine wine, they grew stronger and richer over time.

Shi Can’s cool and clear voice echoed in the office. “Manager Bai.”

Bai Shuang snapped back to reality, reluctantly pulling her gaze away from the person who hadn’t even looked up, then calmly stepped into the office. “President Shi.”

Yu Liuxue was too busy to care about Bai Shuang’s twisted thoughts. She clicked along in high heels, running back and forth, while Bai Shuang’s attention unconsciously followed her, her gaze repeatedly drifting toward the busy figure outside the glass door.

Shi Can pressed her lips together. “Bailing’s abilities are higher than I expected, so in a while, I plan to let her go.”

Bai Shuang instinctively withdrew her gaze and looked at Shi Can, a glimmer flashing in her dark eyes.

“I intend to let her handle a project independently. If she completes it to my satisfaction, I’ll promote her and give her a raise, letting her start as a manager like you.”

“What do you think?”

Bai Shuang couldn’t hide her disappointment. She had thought that when her sister said “let her go,” it meant the kind of release she had been hoping for.

She lowered her head. “President Shi, whatever you decide is fine.”

“You did well on this mission. Father was very pleased when he heard the news. He’s already prepared dinner and is waiting for you to come home. It’s getting late—you should go back.” Shi Can’s intention to dismiss her was obvious. Bai Shuang couldn’t help but glance at Yu Liuxue a few more times before reluctantly convincing herself that there would be more opportunities in the future. Only then did she leave.

After Bai Shuang left, Shi Can paused her work and narrowed her eyes, staring motionlessly at Yu Liuxue.

Yu Liuxue happened to look up and accidentally met Shi Can’s gaze. Panicked, she quickly spoke to the system: “Don’t you think Shi Can is planning to absolutely wreck me tonight?”

【I do.】

Yu Liuxue instantly teared up. “Why couldn’t you find me a normal, gentle female lead?”

Every single one of them was like a hungry wolf—practically a thug.

The system hesitated. 【When you first met Shi Can, did you think she was gentle?】

Gentle? Yes, she was gentle—like a breeze, soft enough to make one’s bones go weak. She was also cool and distant, acting as if she couldn’t be bothered with people, appearing like an icy beauty. But who could have guessed that Shi Can was just a big bad wolf in disguise?!

The system responded, 【Well, you can’t blame me for this. Shi Can even managed to fool the main system.】

Oh, well, thank you very much.

With Bai Shuang back in the picture, the plot was about to kick off again. Yu Liuxue was already trapped under Shi Can, with Ruan Ni blocking her on the left and Bai Shuang cornering her on the right—life was truly tough.

She couldn’t help but look up at the sky and sigh. “I’m too damn miserable.”

After returning to the country, Bai Shuang hadn’t contacted Ruan Ni, so Ruan Ni simply waited at the gates of the Bai family estate. Ignoring Father Bai’s surprised gaze, she grabbed Bai Shuang and pulled her away. “Bai Shuang, we need to talk.”

In a café, the two sat face-to-face. After the waiter placed their coffees on the table, they quickly left.

Neither had the mood to drink. Bai Shuang remained silent, so Ruan Ni took the initiative. “Bai Shuang, I can accept that you’re still hung up on Ke Bailing, but I can’t accept you treating me with indifference, acting lukewarm, or completely forgetting about me as if I never existed.”

“I already have someone else I like. Let’s break up.”

Bai Shuang finally reacted. She lifted her eyelids slightly and looked up. “Who?”

Ruan Ni smiled faintly and slowly spoke three words.

“I will soon return home to inherit my father’s company. Bai Shuang, from now on, we’re competitors.”

With that, she didn’t wait for Bai Shuang’s reaction and walked away decisively.

Bai Shuang stood frozen on the spot.

After Shi Can shared her thoughts with Yu Liuxue, Yu Liuxue immediately shook her head in refusal. Sitting on Shi Can’s lap, she wrapped her arms around her neck and acted coquettishly. “President Shi, are you already tired of me?”

That couldn’t happen—if Shi Can got bored of her, then her mission would be a total failure.

Yu Liuxue put all her effort into pleasing Shi Can. Only after Shi Can had enjoyed herself did she finally speak meaningfully: “You’re quite capable. If you establish your authority in the company, not only will Bai Shuang be unable to do anything to you, but even the employees won’t dare gossip about you anymore.”

It made sense. Yu Liuxue hesitated. “So, President Shi, you’re not tired of me?”

Shi Can gazed at her conflicted little face, her red lips curling up. “If you don’t believe me, I’ll take my time proving it to you tonight.”

That’s fine—but totally unnecessary.

A couple of days later, Yu Liuxue received news that Ruan Ni had gone home to inherit her family’s company. She was utterly confused. “What exactly happened to Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni? They used to be so carefree, and now they’re suddenly scrambling to turn over a new leaf and become model corporate citizens?”

At this rate, wouldn’t they end up tearing each other apart without her even lifting a finger?

Was this… a free win?

“System, why are you suddenly being so kind to me? I don’t even know how to react.”

【…?】What the hell are you even talking about?

Shi Can was swift and decisive in her actions. When Yu Liuxue’s title changed from “President’s Assistant” to “Manager,” everyone inside and outside the company started gossiping, saying that Shi Can had fallen too fast for a woman.

Although elevating one’s lover in defiance of social norms sounded romantic, most people doubted Shi Can’s decision.

Shi Can, however, paid them no mind.

Yu Liuxue had gone from Assistant Ke to Manager Ke. As a new leader, she wasted no time making her presence known. After issuing a few orders, some of the company’s old-timers realized—this woman wasn’t just a pretty face. Perhaps there were things Shi Can couldn’t openly handle herself, so she deliberately pushed her lover forward to serve as her blade, striking wherever she pointed.

Yu Liuxue didn’t care about what others thought of her because today, she was attending a dinner party with key figures closely tied to her project.

After carefully dressing up, she set off.

As soon as she arrived at the hotel, she unexpectedly ran into Bai Shuang.

The moment Bai Shuang saw her, she immediately walked over. Just as Yu Liuxue was wondering how to deal with this, a calm voice came from behind her—

“Manager Ke.”

Yu Liuxue turned around in surprise. “Ruan Ni?”

With Bai Shuang in front and Ruan Ni behind, the two of them had her completely surrounded. Yu Liuxue blinked, feeling a surge of excitement—so the long-awaited plot development had finally arrived.

Ruan Ni gave her a radiant smile, but when she turned to Bai Shuang, the smile instantly disappeared.

She asked, “Bai Shuang, didn’t we agree on fair competition?”

Competition?

Yu Liuxue curiously leaned in and asked, “What competition?”

Ruan Ni smiled faintly. “Ke Bailing, ever since you enlightened me that night, I’ve had a sudden epiphany. Even though you’re my ex’s ex, I don’t mind in the slightest. You saved me, and now you’re in my heart. So from this moment on, I will officially pursue you.”

An old man on the subway, staring at his phone—

“…???”

“…!!!”

Woman, what kind of reckless and outrageous thoughts are you spouting?

Yu Liuxue’s mind flashed through the faces of the three main characters in this drama, and she couldn’t help but ask the system, “So now, exactly who have I cheated on? And who has cheated on me?”

Author’s Note:

Bai Shuang: I cheated on myself.