Chapter 20: Becoming the Ex’s Sister-in-law (Part 1)

The blazing sun was high in the sky, and the scorching wind lifted the girl’s soft, graceful long hair.

While riding a bicycle, Yu Liuxue cursed out loud, “System, you beep—beep—beep—, haven’t I treated you well before? We have no grudge against each other, yet you have me delivering! Takeout! In a big city!”

Despite what she said, Yu Liuxue swiftly delivered the takeout to the designated location. Her sweat-drenched, fair face showed a professional smile, earning a five-star review. Then, she rushed into a convenience store downstairs, bought a bottle of iced water, and drank half of it in one go.

After calming down a bit, the system whispered, “Host, I am about to transmit the mission details of this world to you.”

Yu Liuxue, still angry, retorted, “I’m not listening, I’m not listening, I’m not listening!”

But she had no choice; following a sharp pain in her head, her already pale face became even paler. The system coaxed, “Host, you’ll like this mission.”

She sat in the convenience store, narrowing her beautiful eyes, “Little Tongtong, you’d better not lie to me.”

The mission commissioned by the female supporting character in this world is to cu*kold her ex-girlfriend Bai Shuang.

Yu Liuxue let out a playful hum, finding it somewhat interesting.

The female supporting character, named Ke Bailing, was a college student from a humble background. Her parents died when she was young, and she grew up in an orphanage. After leaving the orphanage, she traveled to a city halfway across the globe from her hometown for further studies. Ke Bailing, with her honest and kind personality and sweet appearance yet possessing a good figure, enchanted anyone who saw her.

When she smiled, her crescent-shaped eyes were pure and alluring, making any man who saw her smile weak in the knees.

Undoubtedly, someone like Ke Bailing, pure and positive, loving life, was pursued by many—those with power, looks, or status all fell for her charms. However, Ke Bailing had no desire for a romantic relationship initially until she met Bai Shuang, the famous rich second generation in her school.

Ke Bailing didn’t like Bai Shuang’s money; she simply liked Bai Shuang, enjoyed the little candies Bai Shuang gave her every day, and loved how Bai Shuang would wait for her at her part-time job, tirelessly ordering drinks. She cherished the undemanding life Bai Shuang shared with her, doing the things she loved.

Even though there were rumors at school that Ke Bailing was only with Bai Shuang for money due to vanity, she didn’t care.

Ke Bailing dated Bai Shuang from sophomore year in college for ten years until she turned thirty, becoming a senior manager at a company. With her career, income, and even settled down heart stable, she decided to propose to Bai Shuang.

She borrowed a car from her wealthy friend Ruan Ni, who was brought up in a wealthy family and was often seen sharing high society gossip with Ke Bailing, drawing them closer. After borrowing the car, Ke Bailing filled the trunk with red roses and purchased Bai Shuang’s favorite ring. She drove to Bai Shuang’s company, hiding the ring behind her back, smiling eagerly, planning to surprise Bai Shuang.

As she stood among the onlookers on the street, Ke Bailing’s heart raced with nervous anticipation.

She felt a hint of shyness and sweetness.

That morning, she had prepared her room with incense, decorating it in pink softness, even readying sexy lingerie, planning to finally give her first time to Bai Shuang.

When they graduated from college, many classmates broke up, and those who didn’t eventually parted ways due to long-distance, infidelity, jealousy, or suspicion, leading to unpleasant separations. However, Ke Bailing and Bai Shuang held on for a full decade.

Ke Bailing hoped Bai Shuang remembered today was their tenth anniversary.

The tenth anniversary was perfect for a proposal.

A few minutes later, Bai Shuang walked out from the revolving doors of the company, catching Ke Bailing’s bright gaze, but her disbelieving eyes fell on the woman beside Bai Shuang—the woman holding Bai Shuang’s arm—her best friend, Ruan Ni, who had generously lent her the car today and wished her a successful proposal with a smile.

Ke Bailing was struck silent, unable to utter a sound, her gaze following Ruan Ni’s hand to the ring on her finger—the exact match to the one she had bought.

A shocking thought crossed her mind.

Ruan Ni soon noticed the dazed Ke Bailing, covered her mouth, and laughed softly, softly saying to Bai Shuang, “Shuangshuang, Bailing is here; let’s go say hello.”

Before everyone, Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni displayed an intimate gesture, intertwining their fingers like long-time lovers, entirely accustomed to the action.

Ke Bailing stared blankly, her mind a chaos, taking a few unconscious steps forward, “Bai Shuang, are you off work…”

In recent years, Bai Shuang had grown distant from Ke Bailing, almost becoming strangers in the past two years. Whenever Ke Bailing inquired about her mood, Bai Shuang would remain silent, pursing her lips. Bai Shuang’s unwillingness to open up led Ke Bailing to focus on her work, eventually forgetting.

She needed to earn money to buy a house and car, so she could live with Bai Shuang after marriage in happiness.

Ke Bailing turned her gaze to Ruan Ni, “Ni Ni, you and Bai Shuang…”

Bai Shuang impatiently interrupted her, “Ke Bailing, the person I’ve always liked is Ni Ni. I chased you because I lost a bet; I’ve never really liked you. Now that you know, let’s break up.”

During the bet, Ruan Ni was also present. At that time, Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni were ambiguously involved. After losing the bet, someone suggested Bai Shuang pursue the hardest-to-get girl at the school. Bai Shuang agreed after brief consideration, intrigued by Ke Bailing’s reputed challenge.

Ruan Ni, unwilling and fearful of losing Bai Shuang, deliberately befriended Ke Bailing, becoming her friend and confidante, all while keeping an eye on Bai Shuang’s and Ke Bailing’s interactions. Ruan Ni skillfully manipulated both ends, subtly downplaying Bai Shuang’s charm as an ordinary middle-class family member to Ke Bailing, while hinting to Bai Shuang that Ke Bailing was a naïve bumpkin, deserving only of her looks.

Over time, Bai Shuang lost interest in Ke Bailing, but Ke Bailing remained in love with Bai Shuang. On Ke Bailing and Bai Shuang’s first anniversary, Ruan Ni and Bai Shuang engaged in a drunken rendezvous, beginning a secret relationship that spanned nine full years.

The taste of forbidden love brought them dual joy, leaving only Ke Bailing oblivious to the truth.

Ruan Ni giggled softly, “Sorry, Bailing. Even though I care about your feelings, Shuangshuang has already proposed to me, and we are planning our wedding. We’ll definitely send you an invitation once the date is set. Bailing, we are friends; you wouldn’t miss our wedding, would you?”

Friends? Ke Bailing clenched the ring box behind her back until it was deformed.

Her expression almost twisted, yet inexplicably, she calmed down, remembering specific times when Bai Shuang began withdrawing from her. Ke Bailing smiled sweetly, her bright eyes slightly carrying a touch of allure and determination.

“Ruan Ni, Bai Shuang, I just want to ask one thing: did you confirm your relationship in our junior year?”

Bai Shuang looked impatient, while Ruan Ni hesitated and answered, “Bailing…”

“Answer me!” Ke Bailing practically shouted, drawing the attention of bystanders who whispered among themselves about the three.

Tears welled in Ruan Ni’s eyes, “Bailing, don’t blame Bai Shuang; it’s all my fault. I didn’t want to hurt you, so I couldn’t let Shuangshuang tell you the truth. Bailing, if you must hate, hate me. No matter how much you hit or scold me, I won’t fight back…”

“Ah—”

Yu Liuxue shuddered watching, thinking of Ke Bailing as ruthless, dragging Ruan Ni by her carefully maintained long hair right into the traffic teeming with vehicles, “Of course, I hate you; I wish you both were dead!”

“You slutty white lotus, you tea-spilling b*tch who steals your best friend’s girlfriend out of spite; why aren’t you hit by a car?!”

Bai Shuang yanked Ke Bailing away, protectively putting Ruan Ni behind her, face dark, “Ke Bailing, what the hell are you doing?!”

“What am I doing? I’ve gone insane to buy a ring for a proposal on our tenth anniversary, and you’ve gone mad making me find out you’ve c*ckolded me for nine years—with the person I thought was my best friend.

“You both have kept me in the dark, making me play the fool; have you no conscience?!”

The farce ended with Ke Bailing’s heartbreak; she flung her ring away and stomped the roses in front of Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni into mulch, then gave the janitor a hundred bucks to clean the mess before leaving the scene with pompous dignity.

Crossing the street, she finally caved, collapsing in a corner in tears.

Yu Liuxue wiped her tears, “So tragic, so gut-wrenching.”

“Supporting characters have to fend for themselves; they can’t always come looking for me! I can help one, but not all of them! Life is about seizing opportunities and steering clear of scumbags.”

System: “Host, you can do it.”

Yu Liuxue slowly raised a question mark, are you serious?

Ke Bailing’s task was both simple and complex. C*ckolding Bai Shuang could not be easier; she could randomly kiss someone on the street right now, but that wouldn’t help the supporting character and might increase her resentment.

To satisfy the client, one had to have an affair with someone closely related to Bai Shuang—someone Bai Shuang couldn’t yell or get angry with but would have to politely greet.

Bai Shuang’s mother? No, no, that would be out of bounds.

“Does Bai Shuang have a beautiful sister or cousin or something?” Yu Liuxue asked.

The system replied, “Bai Shuang has a half-sister, with a different father, named Shi Can, but Shi Can’s health is not good. She has weekly hospital treatments. Also, Host, I must remind you, you’d better prepare yourself mentally.”

Yu Liuxue propped her chin up, “Go on.”

“Shi Can is wheelchair-bound due to mobility impairment.”

“That’s no big deal, as long as it’s not paralysis.” After a full half a minute, Yu Liuxue realized, “Shi Can… her fingers can still move, right?”

System: “It should be… should be possible, I guess?”

What kind of response is this to my question?

“Ding-dong—You have a new DD Takeout order!”

“You loathsome woman, this isn’t over with the takeout deliveries!”

Frightened, the system quickly activated the do-not-disturb mode, thinking if it heard nothing, nothing existed.

Yu Liuxue reviewed the plot summary several more times; Ruan Ni had her ways, dominating Bai Shuang with sexual prowess. She filled Bai Shuang’s mind with herself and lustful junk, even squandering fortunes to please Ruan Ni, much to the neglect of her official girlfriend, who was struggling with a takeout delivery job.

Yu Liuxue scoffed at Ruan Ni’s tactics, questioning her on how daring her performances were compared to hers.

Afraid to flaunt before the master.

The address for this order was far; Yu Liuxue pedaled until she felt windblown and exhausted. After knocking on the door, a young woman with exceptionally white, translucent skin answered. She was gentle and cultured, with serene visage and a demeanor like flowing wind, her dark hair cascading with delicate curls, her pupils dark and bright, reminiscent of a painting’s beauty.

Yu Liuxue was so spellbound by her appearance that she blurted, “I really want to spoil this lovely dear.”

“Hello, here’s your takeout.”

Shi Can received it with a faint smile, noticing Yu Liuxue’s flushed cheeks from the sun, perspiration glistening, she instinctively raised her hand to gently wipe the sweat off Yu Liuxue’s nose with a handkerchief, its fragrance enticing Yu Liuxue to take a deep breath, immediately followed by a blackout, collapsing in Shi Can’s arms.

Shi Can was puzzled, “…? Is this an extortion attempt?”

Yu Liuxue, shocked, exclaimed, “…!” More poisoning?

With Yu Liuxue leaning on her, Shi Can had no choice but to bend down, rest the takeout on the side, and carry Yu Liuxue to the backyard, resting her on the daybed. Color drained from Yu Liuxue’s face, cold sweat pouring like rain, soaking her fine hair. Shi Can fetched a medicine box from another room, administering a small bottle of fluid to Yu Liuxue.

After setting the medicine box aside, Shi Can covered Yu Liuxue with a light blanket, carefully tucking in the sides. Her very fair fingers delicately lifted Yu Liuxue’s damp hair, gently dabbing away the sweat before leaving.

The backyard was adorned with green bamboo, and the summer breeze carried a scent of bamboo leaves.

After half an hour, having drunk the medicine, Yu Liuxue awoke. She first scanned her surroundings carefully and suddenly pondered: She wasn’t delivering takeouts, was she back in ancient times?

No, wait—

It wasn’t ancient times; it was just that the surroundings were overly traditional and elegant.

Yu Liuxue cried out, calling to the system, “My dear, I won’t be sold into some shady place for bigwigs’ entertainment, will I?”

Though she sounded fierce, her tone lacked any real fear.

A calm voice interrupted her thoughts, “You’re awake?”

Yu Liuxue turned and found Shi Can holding a cup of hot water, walking towards her, “You fainted from heatstroke just now; I gave you some medicine, drink some hot water.”

Yu Liuxue was indeed thirsty. After delivering takeout for so long, without hesitation, she downed the water in one gulp, belching in front of Shi Can.

Then, another burp followed.

These relentless burps turned Yu Liuxue’s face crimson, her fair, lovely face reddening like a boiled shrimp. Shi Can stifled a smile, asking softly, “It’s so hot, are you working part-time?”

“Yes, I’ve been orphaned since young, fending for myself. I finally got a rich second-generation girlfriend who’s so stingy, and now she hooked up with my best friend, hiding it for years. If I don’t work part-time, who will support me?”

Shi Can’s smile slightly faltered, “You just woke up, rest a bit before leaving.”

Yu Liuxue dismounted from the daybed, “No need, I have to get back to school for classes in the afternoon.”

After parting with the rare sickly beauty, Yu Liuxue pedaled her bicycle, decisively quitting that job. Suddenly unemployed, Yu Liuxue began eyeing high-paying side gigs—posing as a Taobao model*? No way, mostly scams. Typist? A chain trap that swallows money and never returns.

After browsing, Yu Liuxue finally found a part-time job with sky-high hourly rates and sounded easy.

Party Companion*.

“Hello, I’m here to apply for the companion job.”

Jiang Xu looked up, his eyes registering a touch of surprise. He had his assistant pour Yu Liuxue a cup of tea, saying slowly, “You’ve read the detailed requirements in the ad?”

“I’ve read them.” Yu Liuxue scrutinized every word painstakingly, and just as Jiang Xu was about to discuss the pay with her, she interrupted, “Will this job bring trouble? Like some childhood sweetheart pulling my hair, calling me shameless for seducing her crush or something.”

Jiang Xu: “…” Little girl, have you been reading too many melodramatic novels?

“No.”

“You promise? If anything unexpected happens, I’m going to need double pay.” Yu Liuxue doubted, leaving Jiang Xu helpless, yet due to time constraints and her meeting the standards, she was the only suitable person so far.

“Alright, I’ll pay you half upfront, a thousand per hour, from seven to eleven, four hours in total, here’s two thousand in advance.” Jiang Xu fetched a stack of cash from the drawer, Yu Liuxue’s eyes lit up, “I’ve never seen so much money!”

Jiang Xu: “…?” He felt he might have made a wrong decision.

After settling things, Jiang Xu reported back over the phone, “Miss Shi, the arrangement is complete.”

“I can do without a companion.”

“Miss Shi, tonight is special.”

A distant voice sighed softly over the phone, “Alright then.”

Yu Liuxue was scheduled to work that night; Jiang Xu asked her to come by at five to get her dressed and go the venue. Yu Liuxue agreed. She spent half the day attending school and didn’t see Bai Shuang or Ruan Ni. The system informed her, “Tonight Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni will also attend that party.”

Yu Liuxue meticulously manicured her nails, “Perfect, I was wondering how to find them.”

At this time, Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni hadn’t been intimate yet, but it would soon happen, tonight.

At five, Yu Liuxue hailed a cab to the interview site; when she emerged from the taxi, Jiang Xu instinctively noted, women indeed become spendthrifts at the sight of money.

“Follow me.” Jiang Xu fear she’d mess up and nagged, until Yu Liuxue interrupted him, annoyed, “Who’s companion will I be?”

Jiang Xu, keeping a secret, claimed, “You’ll know in time.”

Yu Liuxue pouted, Jiang Xu prepared a dress for her, red as fire, exuberant and vivid. Her skin, white and smooth, flawless like jade, paired with a tall, slender figure. The flattering cut, neither too much nor too little, flaunted elegance. Her waist was slim, legs long, with well-proportioned lines. The pairing was just right, highlighting the overall refinement.

Jiang Xu rubbed his eyes, quietly mumbling: This Ke Bailing claimed poor, dealing with hardships and unheard sum of so much money. Yet, in this dress, she resembled a pampered, noble, aristocratic young lady.

In front of the mirror, Yu Liuxue checked her appearance on all sides, diligently judging her enticing angles rather than the lovely dress itself, uniquely seeking how beguiling she appeared, contrasting Bai Shuang’s sister approaching with likes of either delicate white lotus or sly green tea-type.

Jiang Xu drove her personally to the villa where the event was held. Yu Liuxue blinked her big eyes, raising her skirts as she alighted, “So beautiful!”

Jiang Xu’s eye twitched, “Wait for me inside; I need to meet someone.”

“Remember, speak cautiously, don’t make a scene at the sight of lavish or precious things like a country bumpkin.” Jiang Xu truly feared her; lovely but inexperienced.

Yu Liuxue pursed her lips, “Got it.”

With a flourish, she lifted the fiery-red skirt, revealing a dainty white ankle, delicately ensconced in a fine heel, elegantly ascending the stairs. Her back curiously jagged with graceful movement emitted an alluring innocence.

Jiang Xu slightly fazed—truly stunning.

Yet, slowly shook his head dejectedly.

Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni sipped wine on the veranda; when Ruan Ni’s eye caught something, a blurry vision stretching below prompted curiosity. Bai Shuang lazily drooped her eyes, “What’s got you curious?”

“Nothing.” Ruan Ni smiled faintly, as though catching a flash of Ke Bailing. No way; Ke Bailing was too broke for such high-end gatherings. Content with this reasoning, Ruan Ni nestled in Bai Shuang’s arms, “Shuangshuang, should we tell Bailing about us?”

Bai Shuang answered without hesitation, “Unnecessary.”

Ruan Ni chuckled silently, “Are you going to keep her in the dark forever?”

Bai Shuang said no more; Ruan Ni gave up, not wanting to push her too far.

Yu Liuxue knew Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni canoodled on the veranda, but with limited time, shirked the nuisance duo. She circled the villa, saying, “Has Shi Can arrived?”

System replied, “Shi Can’s detained elsewhere, arriving later.”

Okay then.

Yu Liuxue declined yet another gentleman’s drink invitation, perched on a high stool planning tonight’s strategy. Just as her seat tilted, two women eyeing her for minutes with arrogance approached, “Ke Bailing?”

Yu Liuxue turned, immediately earning their confirmation, prompting the left woman to ridicule, “You belong at this party? Whose coattails are you riding—a new sugar daddy? How old? Any wrinkles?”

“Ke Bailing, what about Bai Shuang? Isn’t she always with you? Why are you here alone?”

Yu Liuxue teased a half-smile, “If you’re so eager to see her, I’ll lead you to her.”

“No tricks!”

With a leisurely rise, releasing her grasp on the skirt, that vibrant red unfurled magnificently upon the earth, assuming a demanding air, Yu Liuxue commanded, “Follow me.”

Ruan Ni, snuggled up to Bai Shuang, was mid-chat when an impulse arose, enticing her warmly press upward upon Bai Shuang, initiating a kiss. At Yu Liuxue’s vantage point, a glimpse of sealed lips unfolded before her eyes. Following Yu Liuxue, the two women froze at the sight, faces blanched, “Ruan Ni?! What are you doing?!”

Ruan Ni immediately sobered, widening her eyes to see Ke Bailing calmly standing nearby, a fleeting mischief. Rather than shame, Ruan Ni felt an urge of rightful possession flaunting her grip on Bai Shuang before Ke Bailing.

“Bailing, it’s not like that. Let me explain…” Ruan Ni, panicking, rushed to Ke Bailing in a suggestion of explanation without any actual content. Yu Liuxue waited for her approach, then unceremoniously slapped Ruan Ni. Bai Shuang’s face darkened, took brisk steps toward Ruan Ni, “Ke Bailing, what do you think you’re doing?”

Yu Liuxue, incredulous, blinked, what am I doing? Naturally catching a cheater, dealing with the mistress.

Bai Shuang firmly safeguarded Ruan Ni, standing tall, giving no room for Yu Liuxue’s performance, who let crocodile tears fall, fleeing with despair.

Ruan Ni behind Bai Shuang discreetly smirked, donning a façade of worry and guilt once Bai Shuang faced her, ’Shuangshuang, I’ll catch up with Bailing and explain.

“It’s because of me, I couldn’t help wanting to kiss you just now. Bailing caught us because of that, and she’s so heartbroken. I’m worried she’ll act rashly…”

Bai Shuang grew increasingly impatient, finally severed Ruan Ni’s speech. “She’s none of your business, I’ll arrange a time to break up with her.”

Ruan Ni breathed relief; she’d finally completely claim Bai Shuang.

Yu Liuxue reached the first-floor courtyard, Shi Can hadn’t arrived. Bored, she propped her cheeks in daze until shadow cast above her head. Feigning a sad demeanor upon noting Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni’s presence, “Bai Shuang, why treat me this way…”

“Ke Bailing, let’s break up.”

Yu Liuxue’s eyes gently tightened, “Bai Shuang, where did I go wrong? Did I upset you?”

“Ke Bailing, I never liked you. Chasing you was just a lost bet.” Bai Shuang’s cruelty didn’t stop there. “I despise your obsession with money and your pathetic awe over everything like some clueless country bumpkin…”

“Bai Shuang, that’s enough.” Jiang Xu smoothly wheeled Shi Can over. Though he had just arrived, he had clearly overheard Bai Shuang’s disgraceful remarks. Shi Can frowned in disappointment. “Didn’t I teach you better?”

Bai Shuang respected her frail elder sister, while Ruan Ni feared Shi Can. Despite her illness, Shi Can’s underlying fierceness dominated the household. Their mother had warned them—securing Shi Can’s approval meant a far smoother life if one were to marry into the Bai family.

Ruan Ni, even more intimidated than Bai Shuang, hesitated. “Sister Can…”

Shi Can regarded her calmly. Under that gaze, Ruan Ni quickly corrected herself. “Miss Shi…”

Only then did Jiang Xu’s expression shift, realizing the precarious entanglement between Bai Shuang’s ex-girlfriend and her future sister-in-law—set against Bai Shuang’s blatant disgrace.

Shi Can’s calm gaze rested on Bai Shuang. “Aren’t you going to call me?”

Bai Shuang reluctantly forced out, “Sister.”

Yu Liuxue watched in confusion, her eyes lingering on Shi Can in the wheelchair. Wasn’t this the delicate beauty she had encountered while delivering takeout? Her gaze drifted to Shi Can’s legs, recalling the agility she had witnessed earlier. In an instant, it clicked—this frailty was an act. She was only pretending to be weak!

Yu Liuxue curled her lips subtly, intriguing!

The atmosphere thickened, Jiang Xu sweated, “Miss Bai, Miss Ruan, this is tonight’s companion, Miss Shi.”

Bai Shuang studied Yu Liuxue, while Ruan Ni’s nails dug into her palms. Shi Can’s companion? It was bad enough that Yu Liuxue was entangled with Bai Shuang—now she was encroaching on Bai Shuang’s elder as well? Shameless.

Ruan Ni let out a soft chuckle. “Oh dear, Shuangshuang brought Bailing to meet Miss Shi.”

Bai Shuang lowered her gaze. “I didn’t.”

Jiang Xu sensed trouble brewing. If Bai Shuang had never introduced Ke Bailing to Shi Can, then how had the two crossed paths? His wariness deepened—Shi Can’s plan was far too critical to risk unraveling now.

Yu Liuxue whispered softly, “Earlier today, while delivering takeout—I met Miss Shi briefly.”

Shi Can nodded, addressing Bai Shuang, “She fainted from heatstroke in my arms this afternoon.”

Ruan Ni was stunned—fainting straight into Shi Can’s arms?! It is Deliberate.

Bai Shuang remained silent. Shi Can, unwilling to stage a family spectacle before an audience or entertain Ruan Ni’s schemes, simply said, “You may leave.”

“Miss Shi?”

Shi Can directed her attention, “You’ve got what you want, enough.”

Ruan Ni’s smile froze, Bai Shuang glimpsed at Yu Liuxue before leading Ruan Ni away. Ruan Ni paused, troubled, “Shuangshuang, I sense something unusual between Bailing and your sister…”

Yu Liuxue dabbed away nonexistent tears, “Apologies for embarrassing you.”

Jiang Xu found an excuse to head elsewhere, Shi Can relaxed on the wheelchair, “Your girlfriend is Bai Shuang?”

Yu Liuxue shook her head with a sigh. “We have nothing to do with each other anymore. She broke up with me for my best friend, Ruan Ni. Bai Shuang is now just an ex.”

“Miss Shi, you’re so kind—how do you have a sister like her?”

Shi Can sidestepped, “Just follow my lead tonight.”

“I’ll double your pay.”

Yu Liuxue, briefly gleeful, inquired, “System, you think Shi Can’s taken a liking to me?”

System: “Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

But that didn’t hinder Yu Liuxue’s wild imagination, grinning amiably, a subtle light glistening in her eyes. Shi Can slightly raised her lips, “Let’s start from today.”

Shi Can then said, “Tonight’s overtime—stay at my place.”

Yu Liuxue: “…!” This… this isn’t moving too fast, is it?

Sensing her hesitation, Shi Can added, “With me, Bai Shuang wouldn’t dare touch you.” Nor would Ruan Ni.

Yu Liuxue found the situation absurd. Shi Can had not only allowed her sister’s ex into her workplace but was now inviting her to stay over? What kind of chaos would this stir in the Bai household? How would Bai Shuang see her sister now? And the others—surely there would be whispers of her scheming for Bai Shuang’s power or wealth, of her chasing Shi Can after Bai Shuang.

Headache.

Yet highly thrilling, she liked it.

Shi Can’s goal today was to expand her network. With Bai Shuang’s immaturity leaving company matters in her hands, Shi Can often relied on agents due to her frailty. Her rare public appearance today drew eager greetings—yet all eyes were inevitably drawn to Yu Liuxue, her striking red attire stealing the spotlight.

Shi Can’s lips curved into a faint half-smile. “This is my assistant, Ke Bailing.”

Among the crowd, a woman took a sip of wine, raising her brows as she appraised Yu Liuxue with interest. “Stunning.”

“What, interested in her?” a friend teased. “Careful—she’s that sly fox Shi Can’s subordinate. A romantic pursuit might just backfire on you.”

“I know what I’m doing.”

As she left, Shi Can discreetly observed her retreating figure, her expression remaining unreadable.

Yu Liuxue smiled so much her face ached. After the gathering, Jiang Xu conveniently appeared, stepping in to wheel Shi Can. But when he realized Ke Bailing was going home with Shi Can, he was once again caught off guard.

He studied Yu Liuxue intently, “You’re quite adept, impressively cunning.”

Yu Liuxue courteously, “Many thanks for the compliment.”

Jiang Xu: “…?” Who praised you? Have Some self-awareness, please?

Upon reaching, Ying Liuxue and Jiang Xu interrupted Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni entangled fiercely on the couch, white and pure flesh strikingly interwoven, unnerving Yu Liuxue’s face to a red hue.

Silently slipping behind Shi Can, Yu Liuxue shielded her ears and muttered, “Too indecent.”

Jiang Xu chuckled innocently. “What, never kissed Bai Shuang when you were together?”

Yu Liuxue bristled. “Never. She begrudged spending more than fifty cents on lollipops and three dollars on milk for me—I’d kiss a pig before her.”

Bai Shuang: …Somehow felt a little offended.

“Ah—”

Ruan Ni shrieked, finally noticing the unexpected guests. She hastily covered her chest and scrambled up from Bai Shuang, who remained sprawled lazily on the sofa. Bai Shuang wiped her lips leisurely and drawled, “Sis, you’re back… Ke Bailing?”

Yu Liuxue stiffened. “I’m now Miss Shi’s assistant.”

Disheveled and flustered, Ruan Ni looked unimpressive, while Shi Can’s expression visibly darkened. “Jiang Xu, send Miss Ruan home.”

She then turned to Bai Shuang. “Follow me.”

With everyone gone, Yu Liuxue was left standing alone, scratching her brow. Now what? She kicked off her heels, ready to sit—then glanced at the sullied sofa and thought better of it. Instead, she wandered off to fetch some water, carefully strolling through the house for a quiet tour.

Compared to the classical elegance of Shi Can’s daytime enclave, this residence was lavish yet understated. Everything—down to the very drinking cup—exuded wealth.

Once the study door was latched, Shi Can’s simmering dissatisfaction erupted into sharp reprimand. “Bai Shuang, I was already reluctant to approve your relationship with Ke Bailing. Yet at your earnest insistence—professing your feelings for her and pleading for my consent—I relented. Now, you’ve abandoned her for Ruan Ni. Give me a proper explanation.”

Bai Shuang remained unfazed. “I simply lost interest. My focus shifted elsewhere.”

“That’s no excuse.”

Unexpectedly, Bai Shuang let out a chuckle. “Sister, if you pity her so much, why not protect her yourself?”

Shi Can’s gaze turned icy. “Out.”

Bai Shuang laughed, swinging open the door—only to reveal Yu Liuxue standing there, eyes brimming with tears.

“Bai Shuang…”

Unmoved, Bai Shuang roughly shoved past her, striding away without a hint of remorse, disappearing swiftly from the Bai estate.

Shi Can shut her eyes, while Yu Liuxue wiped away her tears, sniffled, and softly whispered, “Miss Shi, you don’t have to stand against Bai Shuang for my sake.”

“Affection isn’t something that can be forced. I’ve long accepted that.”

Shi Can’s eyes opened. “Lock the door.”

Yu Liuxue hesitated, but after a moment, she complied. “Miss Shi?”

“Come here.”

Slowly, Yu Liuxue stepped forward.

Shi Can rose from the wheelchair, and before Yu Liuxue could react, she was suddenly pressed against the desk.

A question mark slowly formed in Yu Liuxue’s mind.

Shi Can trapped Yu Liuxue’s head with one hand and grasped her chin with the other—then, without warning, kissed her.

Yu Liuxue’s fingers clutched at her dress as she stammered a question to the system. “W-what’s happening? Why is my ex’s sister locking me in a study and kissing me out of nowhere?”

“Wasn’t I supposed to seduce her, make her fall for me, and put a green hat on Bai Shuang? How did it turn into her taking advantage of me to put a green hat on Bai Shuang?”

“Did we switch roles?!”

Yu Liuxue blinked rapidly, feeling like things had taken an unexpectedly thrilling turn!

—

— White Lotus (白莲花, báilíanhuā) – This term describes someone who appears pure, innocent, and kind on the surface but is actually manipulative and two-faced. It originally came from literature, where white lotus flowers symbolize purity, but online, it is used sarcastically. A 白莲花 often plays the victim and pretends to be harmless while secretly scheming against others.

— Tea Bitch (茶艺婊, cháyì biǎo) – This is a more recent term that evolved from “Green Tea Bitch” (绿茶婊, lǜchá biǎo). It refers to someone skilled in “tea arts” (茶艺), but in a metaphorical sense—meaning they are good at pretending to be delicate, understanding, and innocent while subtly seducing men or creating drama. Unlike a White Lotus, who mainly acts innocent, a Tea Bitch often plays mind games in relationships and is flirtatious in a way that makes them seem “different from other girls.”

—A Taobao model (淘宝模特) is a model who poses for product photos on Taobao, China’s largest e-commerce platform. They can be professional models, part-time amateurs, or “ghost models” (faces cropped out). Taobao models help sellers showcase products affordably and efficiently, and some even gain influencer status.

—A Party Companion is someone hired to socialize and entertain guests at events, clubs, or KTVs. Their role includes chatting, drinking, and creating a lively atmosphere. The term can range from professional hosts to informal social companions.

—In Chinese slang, “wearing a green hat” (戴绿帽子, dài lǜ màozi) means being cheated on by a romantic partner, especially in a humiliating way. The phrase originates from historical contexts where men whose wives were unfaithful were metaphorically “given a green hat.” Today, it’s widely used to refer to infidelity, often in a mocking or teasing tone.