After Bringing Joy to the Short-Lived Mad Young Lady - Chapter 8

“You’re an unloved child.”

What did that mean?

The question lingered in Fang Yi’s mind until she fell asleep.

Compared to the straightforward destruction penalty of side missions, this ambiguous statement was far more unsettling.

Love or no love—she couldn’t care less—but the implications of those words opened up countless possibilities.

First, if the emphasis was on “unloved,” it might mean her personal abilities or character would face major issues.

Second, if the focus was on “child,” she might revert to a younger age.

…

Listening to Fang Yi analyze the possibilities, the system froze: Is that so?

It hadn’t considered any of that. No wonder its host was a genius!!!

The system fawned with a flattering laugh: But none of that matters! After all, my dear host, you’ll definitely succeed!

Fang Yi rolled over, pushing the question to the back of her mind. Yes, no matter what, she would succeed.

The next day.

He Shuanghua was highly efficient. By the afternoon, she had already handed the revised contract to Fang Yi.

“Here. We can schedule a meeting with the Lin family. To prevent them from making additional demands, I’ll be present throughout the signing process.”

Fang Yi took the thick stack of documents, flipping through them casually. She had complete confidence in He Shuanghua’s professionalism. “Thanks.”

“I have one more question.”

Seeing Fang Yi’s serious expression, He Shuanghua immediately adopted her ironclad negotiation demeanor, raising an eyebrow. “What is it?”

She was confident—no one could find a loophole in her contract.

“Do you know where I can find a large stuffed animal store in Z City? Preferably an expensive one, something comfortable to hug.”

“…”

The “Invincible Queen,” dressed in her black-and-white professional attire, froze for a moment, her cold demeanor cracking like ice at the corners of her lips. “That kind of question, huh?”

“Trying to charm a little girl? Didn’t take you for the type.” She gave Fang Yi a teasing look.

Fang Yi rubbed her nose. “Something like that. I did take advantage of her kindness, after all.”

He Shuanghua’s words from last night had given her an idea. Since she couldn’t refuse the Lin family’s financial temptations, rather than passively accepting a debt of gratitude, she might as well take some small benefits proactively.

But she wouldn’t touch that money—she’d save it as an emergency fund.

Lin Shuxing’s illness seemed serious. The original story mentioned that later on, she would be abandoned and despised by everyone. If something unexpected happened and she truly ended up destitute—

At the very least, Fang Yi would have saved up a hefty medical fund for her.

He Shuanghua drove her to a fairytale-like pink building tucked away in a remote alley.

The stone steps resembled an entrance to another world. Rounding the corner and passing through a vine-covered archway, they were greeted by a scene of extravagant romance.

A male attendant dressed in a spade-patterned uniform welcomed them inside. Servants carried trays of champagne, golden starlight raining from above. There was a handmade chocolate workshop, a high-end jewelry store selling “love” for couples…

“This is a property of the Yanjing Li family. Li Sinian’s branch is already powerful enough in Z City, but they’re still just a distant offshoot of the main family.”

He Shuanghua lowered her voice as she explained to Fang Yi. “As long as you have money, you can buy anything here.”

Fang Yi didn’t have much of a concept of the Yanjing Li family, but hearing He Shuanghua’s words, she couldn’t shake the feeling that beneath the seemingly adorable shops lurked something dangerous.

She walked calmly up to He Shuanghua and carefully surveyed their surroundings. “For example, firearms and ammunition? Or banned substances?”

He Shuanghua pressed a single finger to Fang Yi’s lips, shaking her head with a smile. “You shouldn’t say it like that.”

“Fine, whatever. I just want to buy a little bear—a plush teddy bear,” Fang Yi shrugged.

The toy store was nestled in a courtyard overgrown with morning glories, filled with every kind of plush imaginable.

From the moment they entered, the system couldn’t stop exclaiming: 【Host, I want one too!!! This little dog, can I have it? No, no—what about this winged egg? I want it too!】

But when it saw the price tag, the system’s boiling enthusiasm instantly froze: 【Haha, suddenly I don’t want it anymore. Just a mutated egg acting all high and mighty!】

A winged egg the size of a palm actually cost five figures.

Fang Yi was also surprised. The last time she’d seen prices like this was in the chaotic monetary system of the post-apocalyptic world.

He Shuanghua leaned slightly toward her and explained, “These are made of genuine leather, so they’re a bit more expensive.”

“Genuine leather…?”

“Genuine leather.”

He Shuanghua expertly led them to another section—clearly a frequent visitor. “But if you’re looking for a teddy bear, the ones in stock are probably faux fur. They’re softer to the touch and not as pricey.”

Genuine leather, faux fur—what a contrast…

Fang Yi: “Where I come from, plush toys made of real leather are called taxidermy.”

Taxidermy? It took the system a moment to process this before it let out a shriek and jumped three feet in the air.

In the end, they chose an orange teddy bear just the right size to cradle in their arms—warm, soft, with glossy black eyes that looked like they were dipped in honey.

The system burrowed into its embrace, rubbing its face against it before melting into a blissful, albeit slightly deranged, puddle: 【There’s a reason it’s expensive—it really is so comfy~】

At least they had 200 points as payment!! No worries, no worries!!!

They had agreed to sign the contract at 1 p.m., but when they arrived at the Lin residence, the butler informed them they would have to wait an extra hour.

He Shuanghua narrowed her eyes and whispered into Fang Yi’s ear, “A power play?”

“Probably not.” Fang Yi studied the butler’s kindly smiling face, feeling an inexplicable unease.

The butler’s attitude was impeccable—ushering them into the living room, offering refreshments, even asking if they’d like a massage.

Was the murderous intent only unlocked at night? Or did he just dislike her coming to see the young mistress after dark?

How strange.

Fang Yi carried the bear upstairs, cradling it like a baby, even supporting its bottom with one hand.

He Shuanghua stayed in the living room, tilting her head slightly as she flashed the butler a smile. “The Lin family is known for punctuality. May I ask what caused the delay?”

“My apologies, but this was the master’s decision. I’m not at liberty to say. Thank you for your patience.” The butler smiled and gestured for someone to pour her another cup of rose tea—the very kind He Shuanghua usually preferred.

She picked up the antique teacup, running a finger along its rim without drinking. “Excellent tea,” she murmured.

Lin Shuxing was playing the piano, the rhythm of the black keys perfectly matching the footsteps of the approaching woman.

Pretending not to notice, she continued playing, her fingers dancing across the keys like the four little swans, the afternoon sunlight lingering on her as if the fragile, snow-like girl had won its favor.

The melody was gentle, dust motes swaying in the sunlight to the lively notes. On a nearby cabinet, rows of golden trophies gleamed.

Fang Yi stood quietly three feet away, waiting with the bear in her arms for the performance to end.

The small concert finally came to a close with The Nutcracker. Lin Shuxing’s lips curved slightly as she turned her head and saw the fluffy orange teddy bear bouncing toward her.

“Hi,” came her signature greeting, her voice unconsciously shifting to mimic what she imagined the bear would sound like. “You played wonderfully.”

Fang Yi hid behind the bear, making it salute Lin Shuxing with its little paw.

The mission panel flickered intensely as the system held its breath, straightening its tiny tie: Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to witness—two hundred points are about to—

“Fang Yi,” Lin Shuxing called softly.

The mission remained uncompleted.

Fang Yi peeked out from behind the bear. “How did you know it was me?”

Not just anyone could come here.

Lin Shuxing swallowed her words and didn’t answer, her gaze lingering on the bear. “What’s this?”

“For you.”

“I don’t want it.”

“But the bear wants to be with you,” Fang Yi said with utter seriousness. “It says it likes you.”

Using that wooden expression to say something so cute was downright cheating!

Lin Shuxing turned her face away, feigning indifference. “Really?”

“Really. Here, hold it if you don’t believe me.”

According to the store clerk, this plush was specially designed for hugging—something about reducing stress and whatnot. Fang Yi hadn’t paid much attention, assuming it was just marketing fluff.

But it was adorable. Holding it felt like embracing the whole world.

Lin Shuxing nodded and finally extended her flawless, delicate hands, carefully taking the bear.

Fang Yi pressed a fist to her lips, lowering her voice as she continued the bear’s act. “Miss Lin Shuxing, your piano playing is so beautiful.”

The girl lifted her chin slightly, secretly pleased by the woman’s unconscious cuteness. “Hmph. It was alright, I suppose.”

Seeing that she had accepted the gift, the system crouched down, eagerly awaiting the melodious chime that would be even sweeter than the piano piece.

Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to witness—two hundred points are about to—

“Playing house, are we?” A woman leaning against the doorway suddenly snapped her fingers. “Kids, finish signing the marriage contract first, then you can keep playing.”

The mission still didn’t complete.

The system’s eyes widened: ?!

Fang Yi immediately straightened, coughing awkwardly, her arm instinctively moving to shield Lin Shuxing.

When did she get here? Even she hadn’t noticed.

“Shui Wuding,” Lin Shuxing said coldly.

The woman in the black qipao smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yes, Young Miss? Any orders?”

Lin Shuxing paused. “You’re late.”

“No, I arrived just in time.” Shui Wuding stepped forward, her gaze locking onto Fang Yi, so close their breaths nearly mingled.

The woman carried a strange herbal scent, earthy and faintly metallic—like a cold-blooded serpent, its crimson tongue flickering as it sized up prey about to stumble into its trap.

Beneath the strands of her hair, the faint outline of a jade-green snake tattoo coiled around her neck.

Danger.

Fang Yi’s arm tensed, her peripheral vision darting toward the nearest floor lamp.

But the woman suddenly laughed, pinching Fang Yi’s cheek with startling familiarity. “Little Fang Yi, I even held you when you were a baby!”

“…?” That happened?

The woman took both their hands, pulling them toward the door. “Come on, let’s go sign the marriage contract. We wouldn’t want to miss the auspicious hour.”

Auspicious hour.

Fang Yi’s brow twitched, realizing this woman was likely the mystic practitioner Lin Lan and the others had mentioned.

Her hand was icy cold, barely grazing Fang Yi’s skin, yet Fang Yi keenly noticed the woman’s fingers pressing against certain acupoints, making it impossible to resist.

The woman led them downstairs, through a long corridor, and pushed open a mahogany door.

The room was eerily empty, suffused with a thick, oppressive darkness. At its center stood an incense altar, where three candles flickered unnaturally without any breeze, casting an eerie glow.

On the stark white wall, a vivid crimson “double happiness” character was prominently pasted.

At some point, the woman had released her grip and now stood behind them, lightly waving her hand. The red light reflected on her face, and her eyes gleamed with an unsettling, unnatural radiance:

“The auspicious hour has arrived—”

Her voice turned shrill, faintly accompanied by a rasping hiss.

The sound resembled that of a mutated beast—a hiss often meant as a warning. Fang Yi’s gaze slowly swept across the room.

Her eyes soon fixed on the deity statue at the head of the altar. She blinked slowly, double-checking to ensure she wasn’t mistaken:

The woman’s smiling expression bore an uncanny resemblance to the statue—almost seventy percent alike.

……

Amid the heavy silence, a slender hand suddenly entwined tightly with Fang Yi’s, fingers interlacing.

Fang Yi could feel Lin Shuxing’s trembling grip, their palms damp with sweat tracing the lines of their hands as if their fates had intertwined into an unbroken loop.

Yet the girl’s delicate frame shifted slightly, shielding Fang Yi. Her lips parted, and her voice rang out with startling clarity:

“It’s alright. Don’t be afraid.”