All the Female Protagonists Who Have Been Saved Have Become Obsessed [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 43

Beixia looked down at the scale. Zhou Xi patted her shoulder, saying earnestly, “Eat more from now on.”

Beixia smiled at her. Zhou Xi felt relieved. Compared to the blank expression when they met, Zhou Xi preferred Beixia’s lively look now.

Zhou Xi ate a bit with Beixia. Full from earlier, she wasn’t hungry. At the table, she announced, “I started my job today. I might work evenings. If you come back and I’m not here, I’m probably at work.”

At the TV station’s radio department, evenings required broadcasts. Though pre-recorded, the director had to be there. Once familiar, she might not need overtime.

Beixia paused, chopsticks still, then asked, “Will it be late?”

Zhou Xi smiled, “Not past your bedtime.”

These days, Zhou Xi grasped a senior student’s grind—sleeping later than dogs, waking earlier than roosters. Ancients danced at dawn; Beixia studied with fierce determination.

Seeing a senior’s schedule online, Zhou Xi compared it to Beixia’s, worrying about her sleep. She said, “Don’t study too late. Sleep enough to stay sharp for daytime learning.”

Beixia nodded.

Two years behind, she had to work harder to catch up on her self-abandoned time.

Morning, Beixia left. Zhou Xi’s room was quiet—she’d stayed up late. While Beixia washed, Zhou Xi, yawning, grabbed water. Knowing she might not see Zhou Xi all day, Beixia tightened her bag’s straps, wanting to say good morning. At Zhou Xi’s door, she hesitated.

Zhou Xi, new to her job, might have worked late. Disturbing her rare sleep would ruin her morning.

Beixia recalled her aunt waking her cousin Bei Bing, who got grumpy when roused. Her aunt called it pig-like temper, but being disturbed truly upset people.

Beixia forgot if she was once like that. Sleeping lightly, she skipped noon rests. Though she zoned out in class, she wasn’t sleeping—just blank. Four or five hours of sleep kept her alert; more made her groggy.

Sighing softly, Beixia closed the door quietly, her good morning unsaid.

Zhou Xi slept until her alarm. Washed up, she drank water in the kitchen, spotting Beixia’s breakfast on the table.

Beixia was the most disciplined kid Zhou Xi knew. Used items returned to place, never scattered. Dishes were washed, trash taken out, everything neat—discipline Zhou Xi couldn’t match.

Zhou Xi’s life was always lax.

Munching Beixia’s toasted bread, Zhou Xi sipped hot honey water, wandering the house. Beixia had tidied—it was cleaner.

Tapping her head, Zhou Xi recalled telling Beixia not to clean, yet she did, early morning, no less.

Checking the time, Zhou Xi gulped the bread, chugged the honey water, grabbed her bag and files, and drove to work.

At the TV station, having met colleagues yesterday, the traffic radio’s workflow was smooth. Follow it, and few issues arose. Occasionally, they’d find interview guests or insert breaking news—hosts and producers handled these expertly. Zhou Xi’s first task was a three-day New Year’s program. She’d stayed up crafting the proposal.

Morning, Zhou Xi led a meeting. Brainstorming with the team, they settled on a car-themed New Year’s show, inviting artisans to make handwoven car decorations, promoting local intangible heritage items, connecting with drivers about their New Year plans, and highlighting local foods, urging family time.

The hour-long program was packed, needing coordination—guests, scripts, interviews. New to the job, Zhou Xi dove into the challenge.

She worked half a month, finalizing the program by Christmas Eve. Lifting her head from the computer, she saw snow outside.

Christmas Eve was a weekend. Colleagues left apples on her desk; the station gave each a flower. Except for those on duty, everyone—coupled or single—left early. Zhou Xi overheard a team member complain about hard-to-book restaurants; her boyfriend struggled to reserve one.

Closing her laptop, Zhou Xi thought she should go home.

The radio’s star host, done broadcasting, removed his headset, surprised to see Zhou Xi, “Boss, no date tonight?”

Zhou Xi laughed, “Don’t tease, Yan.”

On probation, not yet a boss, Zhou Xi felt like a cog in the radio team, where everyone mattered more. Her professionalism earned her the nickname “boss” as a jest.

Yan Xu grinned, “No one asked you out?”

Zhou Xi nodded. Yan Xu sighed, “They’ve got no taste.”

“How about us two loners grab dinner?”

Zhou Xi shook her head, “Yan, I’ve got a kid at home.”

Yan Xu, shocked, “You’re not married?”

Zhou Xi smiled, “My sister, nearing college exams. I’ve been busy, neglecting her. It’s a day off, so I’ll eat with her.”

Yan Xu nodded, “You’ve been swamped.”

He knew about the New Year’s program, having reviewed three script drafts.

Yan Xu offered, “I’m heading home. Need a ride?”

Zhou Xi’s car was borrowed by a colleague for supplies. Yan Xu knew.

Zhou Xi hesitated, “Is that okay, Yan?”

He laughed, “Two loners—scared of gossip?”

“Not that,” Zhou Xi said awkwardly, “I don’t want to trouble you if it’s out of your way.”

“You live near Green Shade Avenue, right?” Yan Xu said.

“How’d you know?” Zhou Xi was stunned. Yan Xu laughed, “Why else do we meet in the parking garage daily? We go the same way.”

Zhou Xi was genuinely surprised. Not that Yan Xu liked her—he was handsome, well-off, with a great voice, a reliable big brother at the station, helping her often.

“Alright, thanks, Yan!” Zhou Xi agreed readily.

She packed her laptop, eyeing the desk’s flower. Off duty this week, it’d wilt by her return. She took the apple and flower.

Yan Xu grabbed his coat, chatting as they left.

Both tall and attractive—him dashing, her charming—they looked striking together.

Zhou Xi told the duty staff to handle the handover, ensuring work continued despite the holiday, then went with Yan Xu to the garage.

Yan Xu drove up. Zhou Xi got in.

In the car, he asked, “What’re you and your sister eating?”

Zhou Xi groaned, “Something casual, wherever there’s a spot. Probably no reservations—maybe KFC or McDonald’s.” She smiled, “Mainly to get her in the holiday spirit. She’s cooped up studying; I want her to relax.”

Yan Xu sighed, “You’re a great sister.”

The car stopped outside the complex—vehicles weren’t allowed in. Zhou Xi said lightly, “Thanks, Yan.”

“Merry Christmas,” Yan Xu smiled.

“You too,” Zhou Xi replied, reaching for her seatbelt. Her gaze froze—outside, Beixia stood with a tall, lean boy.

Yan Xu, seeing her pause, followed her gaze. Under a streetlamp, two uniformed high schoolers talked. The shorter girl looked up at the tall, handsome boy. Snow fell around the yellow light, picturesque.

“That’s… your sister?” Yan Xu mused.

Zhou Xi frowned, whispering, “Yan, can I stay a bit?” Afraid of being seen, she sank lower.

Yan Xu, tense, agreed, “Sure.” Like spies in a show, he turned off the headlights, clearly seeing the kids.

Wen Chao handed Beixia materials, smiling, “I got accepted early. I don’t need these anymore. Didn’t lend them to others, but since you’re working hard, they’re yours.” He grumbled, “I waited for you to ask for tutoring. Now? There’s barely time.”

Beixia took the heavy stack, arms bending. Wen Chao grabbed it back, “I’ll carry it upstairs.”

“Thanks,” Beixia said.

Wen Chao’s eyes curved, brushing off past grudges, “We’re teammates.” Competition comrades.

Grinning mockingly, “Your tiny frame’s lighter than these books. They’d knock you over.”

His tone was cheeky. Beixia, used to it, swatted his head.

Wen Chao yelped, but grinned, “Still so violent? Tomboy!”

Beixia smiled too. Side by side, Zhou Xi had never seen such a smile on her. Frowning, she opened the window, shouting, “Beixia!”

The teens turned. Zhou Xi stepped out, face stern. Yan Xu, worried about a sisterly clash, followed.

Hearing Zhou Xi, Beixia’s budding smile faded, seeing the tall man from the car. It vanished. She watched Zhou Xi approach, snow falling, blurring her eyes.

Zhou Xi studied Wen Chao, asking, “Beixia, who’s this?”

Before Beixia spoke, Wen Chao, thrilled, answered, “Hello, sister! I’m her classmate and tutor, Wen Chao!”

He was elated Zhou Xi pulled Beixia from her slump, doing what he couldn’t. His eyes sparkled at her.

Zhou Xi, puzzled—why was this boy like a dog seeing its owner?

Ready to dislike him, fearing her cabbage would be taken, his enthusiasm disarmed her.

“Who’s he?” Beixia asked coldly, eyeing Yan Xu with hostility.

It was Christmas Eve, Zhou Xi with a man who drove her home. Were they dating? Beixia’s lips tightened, staring at Yan Xu, unnerving him.

He hadn’t done anything, right?

Wasn’t this about catching young lovers? Why was he questioned?

With an outsider present, Zhou Xi and Beixia held back, though both were upset, maintaining composure.

Zhou Xi frowned, introducing, “This is Teacher Yan, my colleague.”

All together now, Zhou Xi felt awkward not inviting Yan Xu in. Wen Chao, planning to carry Beixia’s books, wanted to see her new life, curious if this sudden sister treated her well.

The three followed Zhou Xi home. Zhou Xi and Beixia boiled water for tea. Yan Xu and Wen Chao sat stiffly in the living room.

The house felt cozy. Yan Xu and Wen Chao looked around. Wen Chao set the materials on the table, asking boldly, “Are you Beixia’s sister’s boyfriend?”

Yan Xu, startled, waved, “No.”

Single, he liked someone else, admiring Zhou Xi platonically.

Wen Chao nodded, “Oh.” Sensing Zhou Xi’s importance to Beixia, he didn’t want complications. Kids could be possessive too.

“You?” Yan Xu asked.

Wen Chao puffed his chest, “I’m her tutor!”

Proud, his face glowed. He and Beixia had fallen out; she didn’t call him a friend, so he wouldn’t either.

Zhou Xi brought tea, Beixia cups.

Hearing, she asked, “What tutor?”

Wen Chao stood, taking a cup, “Sister, let me!” Sweetly.

Zhou Xi handed it over, hearing him explain, “Our teacher started a program to reinforce knowledge. Class 2 tutors Class 12, one-on-one. I’m the best, so I took three students, including Beixia!”

Proud again, tutoring Beixia was different—special.

“I see…” Zhou Xi recalled Beixia mentioning the new homeroom teacher, Zhao Wenyan, her first-year teacher, starting this program.

Glancing at Beixia, their eyes met. Beixia’s dark gaze made Zhou Xi pause; Beixia lowered her chin, silent.

Zhou Xi realized she’d misunderstood.

Smiling, “Then we’re counting on you to teach Beixia well.”

Wen Chao beamed, “I will, sister!”

Yan Xu, seeing the sisters fine, stood to leave. Zhou Xi walked him out. He said, “No big deal, as long as it doesn’t affect studies.”

Thinking of her cabbage and pigs, Zhou Xi’s back teeth clenched, mumbling, “Mm.”

After Yan Xu, Wen Chao left, having dropped off materials and with plans. Sipping tea, he went. Only Zhou Xi and Beixia remained.

Beixia bent to clear cups. Zhou Xi probed, “Your tutor’s grades are good?”

Beixia, “Mm, he’s accepted early.”

Zhou Xi’s heart jolted—so impressive?

Dryly, she said, “Oh,” trailing Beixia, watching her wash cups, silent.

Beixia dried the cups and her hands with paper, then looked at Zhou Xi, tone flat, “Were you on a date with that uncle?”

What? Zhou Xi waved, “No way! Me and Yan? Impossible!”

“Why so late then? It’s a weekend, your day off, not on duty,” Beixia pressed. Zhou Xi, confused—shouldn’t she be questioning Beixia? How’d it flip?

Her back teeth chilled. Helplessly, “It’s a weekend, but I worked late. Our new program’s launching.”

She remembered her reason for returning—to take Beixia out.

Swerving, “Want to go on a date with me?”

Zhou Xi’s eyes curved, leaning closer.

Beixia froze, tempted to step back, but held firm.

“Our… date…” Beixia murmured.

Zhou Xi laughed, “Who says Christmas Eve is just for lovers? It’s great with my sister!” She hooked Beixia’s shoulder, pulling her from the kitchen, teasing, “Want to spend it with me, or…?”

“Want,” Beixia answered firmly.

Zhou Xi rubbed her shoulder, “Alright!”

They changed, and Zhou Xi took Beixia to the bustling square. A giant pine stood, wrapped in star lights, adorned with Christmas ornaments. People snapped photos. Snow fell, but the lively crowd and vendors’ calls warmed the air. Zhou Xi, gloved, held Beixia’s hand. Beixia stared at her back, dazed.

“This way!” Zhou Xi dove into the crowd, Beixia following quietly, lost in thought.

Was Zhou Xi working with men like that?

On the way, Zhou Xi explained her car was borrowed, and Yan Xu, going her way, gave her a ride.

Beixia felt uneasy, jealousy gnawing.

She wanted to grow up, stand beside Zhou Xi, not like now—Zhou Xi asleep when she returned, still in bed when she left for school. In half a month under one roof, they’d spoken less than Zhou Xi with colleagues.

Seeing Zhou Xi’s ease with others, Beixia burned with envy.

Her heart was small, wanting Zhou Xi hers alone. But Zhou Xi wasn’t. She entered Beixia’s world, yet Beixia didn’t know hers.

Thinking the earlier issue was past, Zhou Xi held Beixia’s hand, joining the fun. Spotting a cute reindeer headband, she tried it on Beixia. Beixia’s face soured. Zhou Xi pinched her cheek, “Too cold? Hungry?”

Beixia shook her head, eyeing Christmas decorations, picking a heart-shaped, festive headband for Zhou Xi. Without a mirror, Beixia’s eyes were one. Zhou Xi tilted her head, “Look good?”

Beixia nodded.

To her, Zhou Xi always looked good.

Pleased with her choice for Beixia, Zhou Xi paid. Seeing Beixia distracted, she decided to eat.

They chose KFC—restaurants were packed, but KFC had seats.

Zhou Xi ordered, leaving her coat and bag with Beixia, who stared at them.

She realized Zhou Xi always saw her as a child.

Returning with food—quickly served—Zhou Xi noted Beixia wasn’t picky. Asking her preference, getting none, she chose two meals.

It’d been ages since Zhou Xi ate fast food, like instant noodles—missed when long untouched.

Handing Beixia her portion, Zhou Xi said, “Our program airs December 30. If you’ve time, listen to the traffic radio. It’s my first planned show.”

Confident, Zhou Xi glowed, starlight in her eyes, captivating Beixia.

Licking her lips, desire stirring, Beixia whispered, “I will.”

Zhou Xi smiled, “Students prioritize studies. Listening’s optional.”

Beixia lowered her eyes, hiding her longing. Seeing Zhou Xi step from another’s car tonight, her inner volcano nearly erupted.

It teetered, testing her fragile patience.

Zhou Xi: My cabbage will be taken by a pig.

Beixia: The cabbage only wants to take a cabbage.