After the Soul Swap Between Love Rival AO - Chapter 10

Cheng Luanxin: “…”

 

 

Wasn’t this supposed to be straightforward and simple?!

 

 

How would she know Song Qiuchi’s views on love?!

 

 

The worst part was—this wasn’t even something she could just make up!

 

 

She shot a pleading glance at Song Qiuchi, only to find her looking completely unruffled. She must have gotten a very simple question.

 

 

At that moment, Bian Ning timidly raised her hand. “Can we start answering now? I drew the first question—it asks about my sexual orientation…”

 

 

“Since I’m an Omega myself, but like Liang Shengxia, I don’t mind my partner’s gender. What matters most to me is the connection.”

 

 

“With that in mind, I’d like to ask Su Ling the same question… What’s your sexual orientation?”

 

 

The romance observers had no idea what had happened before the room assignments, and the barrage of comments exploded instantly:

 

 

“Wait, Liang Shengxia doesn’t care about her partner’s gender?! Does that mean I have a chance?!”

 

 

“Bian Ning is asking Su Ling this—does that mean she’s interested in her?!”

 

 

Su Ling was also taken aback, not expecting Bian Ning to be so direct. “I, uh… I probably still prefer Alphas, haha.”

 

 

Bian Ning nodded. “Thanks for answering.”

 

 

Annai chimed in, “Wow, I didn’t expect things to heat up so quickly right from the start. So, who drew the second question?”

 

 

Su Ling raised her hand somewhat awkwardly. “That would be me. My question is: How many relationships have you been in? Since I’m here to be genuine, I don’t want to lie—I’ve had quite a few. I was young and reckless, so… seven.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin actually admired Su Ling’s honesty and casually added, “That’s normal. Everyone has their wild phase.”

 

 

Su Ling looked straight back at her. “Then… I’d like to ask Qiuchi the same question. How many relationships have you had?”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin: “Huh?”

 

 

Instinctively, she turned to Song Qiuchi for the answer.

 

 

Song Qiuchi gave a slight shake of her head.

 

 

Cheng Luanxin scratched her head. “Well, uh… I’ve actually never been in one…”

 

 

Su Ling nodded. “Got it.”

 

 

Barrage comments:

 

 

“Girls, tell me I didn’t just imagine it—did Song Qiuchi just look at Cheng Luanxin?!”

 

 

“You didn’t imagine it!!! Luanbao shook her head at Qiuchi!!!”

 

 

“I hereby declare Su Ling officially heartbroken.”

 

 

“AHHHHHHH I’M SCREAMING.”

 

 

The questions continued down the line.

 

 

The fifth question landed on Du Zhiruo. She unfolded her slip with confidence. “My question is: Have you ever had a crush? If so, did they know? My answer is: Yes, but they probably didn’t know.”

 

 

“With that, I’d like to ask Cheng Luanxin the same question—have you ever had a crush, and did they know?”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin stared blankly at Du Zhiruo, not understanding why she would ask her this. It almost felt like…

 

 

Like Du Zhiruo’s crush had been her all along.

 

Song Qiuchi furrowed her brows. Ever since their reunion, Du Zhiruo had given her a rather unpleasant impression, feeling like she was deliberately trying to steer Chengluanxin in a certain direction.

 

 

Song Qiuchi answered bluntly, “No, I don’t have a secret crush.”

 

 

Chengluanxin: “?!?!”

 

 

What’s the harm in just telling the truth?!

 

 

Du Zhiruo hadn’t expected Song Qiuchi to respond like that either and was momentarily taken aback. “Oh, sorry, that was intrusive of me.”

 

 

Chengluanxin was fuming, shooting Song Qiuchi pointed looks.

 

 

Song Qiuchi pretended not to notice and unfolded her slip. “I drew number six. The question is: What kind of confession scenario would make your heart flutter the most?”

 

 

“I don’t care much about the setting. As long as the other person is sincere and serious, that’s enough for me.”

 

 

After saying this, Song Qiuchi glanced around the room but still chose Chengluanxin. “I’d like to ask Chengluanxin the same question—what kind of confession scenario would make your heart flutter the most?”

 

 

Chengluanxin glared at her. “First of all, it’d have to respect my personal wishes, right?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi lowered her eyes. “Got it.”

 

 

Chengluanxin thought to herself, Got what? If you really got it, how could you lie through your teeth and say I don’t have a crush?

 

 

The live chat, oblivious to the undercurrents between them, was going wild:

 

 

Aaaaah I knew Luanbao would toss the question back to Qiuchi!

 

 

Their standards are so simple and down-to-earth!

 

 

I feel like Song Qiuchi’s tone was totally flirting with Chengluanxin

 

 

Chengluanxin: No secret crush—I’m openly in love with Song Qiuchi.

 

 

Finally, it was time for the tenth question. Chengluanxin unfolded her slip: “My question is: Please share your views on love.”

 

 

Still seething from Song Qiuchi’s earlier remarks, her words came out sharp. “The concept of love is too broad. My understanding is pretty shallow, but when it comes to relationships, I think they should be built on mutual trust and respect. Without those, it’s hard to make any progress. I’d like to ask Chengluanxin the same question—what do you think?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi could tell Chengluanxin was still upset about her disregarding her wishes and betraying her trust. After a moment of thought, she said, “You’re right.”

 

 

Chengluanxin: “???”

 

 

Seeing Chengluanxin’s increasingly murderous expression, Song Qiuchi wondered if she hadn’t been clear enough and added, “Everything you said is right.”

 

 

Chengluanxin: “???”

 

 

The live chat was in stitches:

 

 

Chengluanxin is officially confirmed as the dense tough girl—does she really not get what “you’re right” means?

 

 

nsdd nsdd nsdd

 

 

You’re right! Everything you said is right!

 

 

Chengluanxin was speechless. “Don’t you have your own thoughts?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi pondered for a moment. “My ideal love should be simple and pure. Personally, I think love should come naturally, not through scheming and calculation.”

 

 

The remark seemed partly directed at Du Zhiruo, but to Chengluanxin, it felt like Song Qiuchi was throwing shade at her, given how she’d pulled strings to get on this show.

 

 

But who are you to judge, Song Qiuchi? If you weren’t scheming, would you even be here?

 

 

Chengluanxin just wanted to give this hypocrite a big thumbs-up. “You’re right. Everything you said is right too. Hard not to agree.”

 

 

The live chat erupted in laughter:

 

 

Are they just roasting each other? Why is this so funny?

 

 

 

“Definitely just friends joking around—after all, their conversation was completely normal!”

 

 

“Honestly, even if it’s a lovers’ quarrel, it’s still pretty sweet. I’d love to see them bicker.”

 

 

“Hard not to agree!!”

 

 

…

 

 

The first night’s romantic chat room finally came to a perfect close.

 

 

All the guests returned to their respective rooms.

 

 

Cheng Luanxin stewed over things, growing increasingly frustrated, and eventually decided to confront Song Qiuchi: “Come out, come out! We need to talk!”

 

 

Song Qiuchi replied instantly: “Where?”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin: “Meet me at the door.”

 

 

After sending the message, she waited for a while but got no response. Impatient, she jumped off the bed, threw on a jacket, and headed out.

 

 

The moment she yanked the door open, she was startled by Song Qiuchi standing right outside: “Whoa… What are you doing here?!”

 

 

Song Qiuchi held up her phone expressionlessly: “You said to meet at the door.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin grumbled irritably, “Obviously, I meant the villa’s front door! Who waits right outside someone’s room like this… Unbelievable…”

 

 

She waved her arm dismissively. “Come on, let’s go outside.”

 

 

Song Qiuchi said nothing, silently following behind Cheng Luanxin.

 

 

The moon was bright, the stars sparse, and a thin mist veiled the bamboo grove. The late August breeze carried a hint of desolation. Pretending to admire the scenery, the two circled the courtyard until they finally found a blind spot free of cameras and stopped.

 

 

Cheng Luanxin glanced around, confirming they were alone, then lowered her voice: “Song Qiuchi, you went too far today.”

 

 

Song Qiuchi: “What do you mean?”

 

 

“You have the nerve to ask? You’re the definition of ‘taking advantage and then acting innocent’! We agreed to cooperate for mutual benefit, so why did you ruin my image in front of Zhi Ruo?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi: “When did I ruin your image in front of her? If we’re talking about ruined images, your performance on the roller coaster was the real deal.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin’s almond eyes widened. “Oh, so this is payback?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi didn’t want to argue: “It’s not.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin: “Yes, it is! You realized Zhi Ruo wouldn’t like you anymore, so you decided to drag me down too. How sneaky!”

 

 

Song Qiuchi took a deep breath. “I said it’s not.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin felt wronged. “I didn’t mean to freak out on the roller coaster—it was genuinely terrifying! Besides, I didn’t ruin your image. Zhi Ruo even said she thought you’ve changed a lot and that it’s good to see you being more genuine. If anything, I paved the way for you!”

 

 

Song Qiuchi paused. “She told you that?”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin: “Yeah, she did. Feeling smug now?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi frowned, realizing Du Zhiruo’s words and actions didn’t align with her expectations. “Cheng Luanxin… do you really like Du Zhiruo that much?”

 

 

Chapter 10: So, Who Did You Come Here For?

 

 

Cheng Luanxin pouted. “Yeah, I like Du Zhiruo. Didn’t you already know that?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi did know, but she couldn’t understand how someone could remain so devoted to another person for so many years.

 

 

After all, she couldn’t even decipher her own feelings.

 

 

“Why?”

 

 

 

“Why? Because Zhi Ruo has always been kind to me. You know my family situation…” Cheng Luanxin’s voice grew softer as she spoke. “Don’t judge me by how I am now. Back in school, I actually struggled with a lot of insecurities…”

 

 

Song Qiuchi had a general understanding of Cheng Luanxin’s family background. While helping her teacher collect information on financially disadvantaged students, she had come across Cheng Luanxin’s file. At the time, they attended an elite high school where most students came from wealthy families who had essentially bought their way in. Only a handful were academically outstanding students from ordinary backgrounds—Cheng Luanxin was one of them.

 

 

She had also heard rumors that Cheng Luanxin’s mother had gotten pregnant out of wedlock, left home after giving birth, and never returned. Cheng Luanxin’s only family was her grandmother, an elderly woman who sold old-fashioned perfumed balms at a street stall and barely made ends meet each month.

 

 

Cheng Luanxin had indeed been determined to prove herself, consistently ranking at the top of her class, which inevitably bred jealousy. Back then, she was much shorter, barely over five feet tall, and many mocked her height, sneering that she’d inevitably end up as a low-tier Omega after her secondary gender manifested—weak and sickly, destined to rely on an S-tier Alpha for survival.

 

 

Of course, Cheng Luanxin had silenced them all when she later differentiated into a rare SS-tier Omega.

 

 

“I know you all looked down on me back then, and I get it. I was uncool, unsophisticated compared to you. But Zhi Ruo was different. She patiently explained things I didn’t understand and shared the things she loved with me. She treated me better than any of you ever did—why wouldn’t I like her?”

 

 

Hearing it put that way, it did make sense.

 

 

Song Qiuchi paused. “I never looked down on you.”

 

 

“But you were always against me!” Cheng Luanxin glared at her. “Even now!”

 

 

Song Qiuchi sighed. “I wasn’t—”

 

 

“Stop making excuses. I know you like Zhi Ruo too. If you want to compete for her, do it openly after the show ends. Quit scheming behind my back, okay?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi: “…If that’s what you think, I can’t change your mind.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin: “…”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin: “Could you stop being such a toxic straight girl?!”

 

 

After much back-and-forth, they finally reached an agreement—both would set aside their feelings for Du Zhi Ruo for now and focus on cooperating with the show’s CP-building during their body-swap period.

 

 

Though, truthfully, Song Qiuchi didn’t seem to harbor any romantic feelings for Du Zhi Ruo at the moment.

 

 

But she had no intention of telling Cheng Luanxin that. After all, Du Zhi Ruo’s actions were private matters, and Song Qiuchi disliked gossiping behind others’ backs.

 

 

And so, the first day of filming came to a close.

 

 

Early the next morning, the guests received their shooting assignments from the production team.

 

 

The three Alphas were to invite their current crushes to plan three separate dates. If multiple people chose the same crush, the crush could then pick among them. Those without a current crush could opt out, while uninvited or unsuccessful guests were free to do as they pleased.

 

 

Of course, all activities during the dates would require spending rose tokens.

 

 

 

Cheng Luan had an abundance of rose tokens to spare, so there was virtually no pressure. Planning dates wasn’t particularly difficult either—Yu Peiyin’s scripts provided templates, and all she had to do was follow them.

 

The most awkward part was having to invite Song Qiuchi on a date right in front of Du Zhiruo. The production team really had to assign shared rooms—utterly inhuman.

 

 

By the time Cheng Luanxin finished getting ready, the director and cameraman had already been waiting at the door for a while. Cheng Luanxin hurriedly apologized, “Sorry, sorry! I didn’t realize you were waiting for me all this time.”

 

 

The director smiled. “No worries. So, who does Qiuchi plan to invite today?”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin followed the script’s answer: “I was thinking of meeting Luanxin first today, since I’m not too familiar with the other guests yet… Are we live right now?”

 

 

The cameraman nodded.

 

 

Cheng Luanxin waved at the camera. “Good morning, everyone! Today, I’m inviting Cheng Luanxin out on a date.”

 

 

Live Comments:

 

 

“Good morning, wifey! You look stunning as always!!”

 

 

“I knew Qiuchi would pick Luanbao!!! Qiuchi x Luanxin is REAL!!!”

 

 

“But Cheng Luanxin and Du Zhiruo are roommates though… This is gonna be a bloodbath lol.”

 

 

“Ugh why aren’t the in-room cameras streaming right now? As a romance observer, I demand full coverage!!”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin went upstairs to Song Qiuchi’s door, shamelessly flattering herself: “I’m actually a little nervous. Did I come too late? What if Luanxin’s already been asked out by someone else?”

 

 

The director chuckled. “Why don’t you knock and find out?”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin nodded. “Alright, here goes.”

 

 

She knocked three times. A familiar voice answered from inside, “Coming.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin mouthed to the camera, “Still here.”

 

 

Song Qiuchi cracked the door open slightly and smiled faintly. “I had a feeling it’d be you. Want to come in?”

 

 

Hearing this, Du Zhiruo also appeared at the door, grinning. “Good morning! Luanxin and I were just guessing whether you’d show up, and here you are. So… who are you here to invite?”

 

 

It was clear both had put effort into their looks for the date—outfits on point, makeup flawless.

 

 

But the choice was already set in stone. Cheng Luanxin could only invite Song Qiuchi today.

 

 

She felt too guilty to meet Du Zhiruo’s eyes, but then again, she was playing Song Qiuchi right now. Whoever she picked, the blame would fall on Qiuchi, not her.

 

 

Steeling herself, Cheng Luanxin said, “Good morning. Uh… I’m here to ask Luanxin out today.”

 

 

“Oh, I see.” Du Zhiruo’s smile faltered slightly, but she kept it up. “Well, have fun on your date.”

 

 

Song Qiuchi turned to Cheng Luanxin. “Shall we head out now?”

 

 

Unable to bear Du Zhiruo’s disappointed expression, Cheng Luanxin was eager to escape. She nodded quickly. “Yeah, let’s go.”

 

 

According to Yu Peiyin’s script, the first date location was their alma mater—Mingxin Private High School. Since it was summer break, filming wouldn’t disrupt classes.

 

 

Cheng Luanxin exchanged a rose token for a chauffeur-driven car, and the two set off for Mingxin.

 

 

Once inside the car, Cheng Luanxin sighed. “Didn’t realize even transportation costs tokens. Good thing we have plenty. Otherwise, we’d be stuck dating in the villa, huh?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi shot her a look. “You should save them. There are only four outdoor shoots for the whole cast. Once other contestants gain popularity later, tokens won’t come as easily.”

 

 

 

“I haven’t been extravagant or wasteful either,” Cheng Luanxin began following the script in her conversation with Song Qiuchi. “Time flies so fast—it’s been eight years since we first met. Do you remember your first impression of me?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi thought for a moment: “Very fair skin, quite tall, a bit aloof, quiet, and not much of a talker.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin playfully mocked herself according to the script: “You were the opposite—short, and you never stopped talking.”

 

 

Live Comments:

 

 

“Hahaha, is that really how it was? I feel like their personalities have kind of swapped now?”

 

 

“Honestly, Song Qiuchi’s private persona doesn’t match her cold, aloof image, but it’s pretty fun.”

 

 

“Weren’t they high school desk mates? Why not elaborate on that?”

 

 

After getting permission from the security office, the two successfully entered the school grounds.

 

 

Years after graduation, the campus was still vibrant and lush. Apart from the renovated dormitories, little had changed—even the honor roll at the entrance still displayed their photos and names. Familiar with every corner, they easily found their old classroom from their first year of high school and took their original seats.

 

 

Cheng Luanxin tapped her fingers rhythmically on the desk: “We only sat together for the first semester of freshman year, right?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi nodded: “Yeah, because you were too tall and kept blocking the view of the students behind you. Teacher Xu moved you to the back.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin rested her chin on her hand: “It’s been so long since we last saw Teacher Xu. I wonder how she’s doing now.”

 

 

Teacher Xu had been their homeroom teacher back then, fresh out of grad school, barely older than her students, and got along with them effortlessly.

 

 

Song Qiuchi: “I follow her on social media. She just got married recently and seems to be doing well.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin leaned in: “Really? Let me see.”

 

 

On the phone screen was a set of wedding photos—Teacher Xu standing beside another woman, both in pristine white dresses, intimate and radiant, a perfect match.

 

 

After a moment’s thought, Cheng Luanxin tilted her head and looked at Song Qiuchi, finally asking: “I’ve been meaning to ask—why did you join this show?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi pondered briefly: “For me, it’s mostly about meeting people from different circles. You know I used to be an independent musician—I only signed with a label recently, so my network’s pretty small.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin: “Just to expand your social circle? Not for dating?”

 

 

Song Qiuchi: “Not exactly. If I meet the right person, that’d be great. What about you? You don’t seem like the type to join this kind of show either.”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin: “I watched the first season of Romance for You and thought the pacing was really good, so I wanted to give it a try. I don’t have much dating experience, and I never expected to run into you here.”

 

 

Song Qiuchi smiled: “I didn’t expect to see you either. So, why did you invite me out today?”

 

 

Cheng Luanxin gave a slightly shy smile: “After coming here, I realized I still feel most comfortable around you.”

 

 

Live Comments:

 

 

“Whoa, is this a confession?!”

 

 

“Why hold back then? Just give dating a shot!”

 

 

“Get together, get together, get together!”

 

 

Little did they know, Cheng Luanxin was practically suffocating from this conversation. Expanding social circles, good pacing—what a load of noble-sounding excuses. Wasn’t the real reason just to chase after Du Zhiruo?

 

 

 

Now things had taken a turn for the worse—not only had Du Zhiruo slipped through their fingers, but the two of them also had to put on an act here. Life was truly too difficult.

 

 

Just then, a staff member walked in carrying two school uniforms and said something to the director. The director smiled and turned to the two of them. “Since we’ve gone to the trouble of returning to campus, why not change into your uniforms? We’ll do a few interactive mini-games.”