All the Female Protagonists Who Have Been Saved Have Become Obsessed [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 47

In Bei Dawei’s home, his wife Lei Hua grumbled in the kitchen, cooking. Her son Bei Bing stole bites. Lei Hua snapped, “Is this for you? Why’s your mouth so worthless?”

Bei Bing’s hand, reaching for freshly fried meat, got smacked away.

He yelped, chased out. Bei Dawei smoked on the couch, glancing at the time, thinking they’d arrive soon. He went to the kitchen, warning, “Beixia’s coming today. Be polite. Keep the foul language away from the kid!”

His tone was sharp. Lei Hua muttered, “Fine, I won’t.”

Bei Dawei heard a knock, his face lighting up.

“Hey, they’re here.”

Seeing his eager look, Lei Hua rolled her eyes.

Usually silent, he was suddenly fawning over his niece.

She grabbed the spatula, continuing cooking. Three cold dishes sat on the table. The kitchen roared. Bei Bing ran around until the door sounded. He opened it, saw Beixia and the stranger from last time, pointing at Beixia, yelling, “Jinx, why’re you here?”

Bei Dawei stepped up, swatting Bei Bing’s butt, covering his mouth before he screamed.

“What’re you yelling? Call her sister!”

Bei Dawei’s hand was heavy. Bei Bing’s eyes teared up. Released, he ran off.

“I’m telling Mom you hit me!”

“Mom! Dad hit me!” Bei Bing shouted.

Lei Hua’s voice cut through the noise, “Bei Dawei, you bastard! What’d your son do now?”

Bei Dawei, embarrassed, shouted back, “Guests are here! Control your kid!”

Lei Hua calmed Bei Bing somehow; the house quieted.

Bei Dawei turned to Beixia and Zhou Xi, standing at the door, “Come in! Kids don’t know better! Don’t mind him!”

Zhou Xi’s brows stayed furrowed. She wanted to grab Beixia’s hand and leave, but Beixia firmly stepped into the nightmare-filled house.

Bei Dawei’s place was small, dimly lit, walls peeling, cluttered with junk.

It was overcast, no lights on, making it gloomier. The kitchen’s exhaust fan roared, forcing shouts. Bei Dawei led them to the table. Zhou Xi imagined Beixia’s past life here.

Her gaze landed on the lone couch—a two-seater with a gray footprint, likely from the screaming kid.

Did Beixia sleep on that couch?

Zhou Xi frowned.

Beixia sat, unfazed, only worried Zhou Xi felt uneasy. She’d lived in this chaos long; Lei Hua tried cleaning, but it was futile.

The floor was bare concrete, furniture basic, barely livable. Yet, Bei Dawei rented here five years.

A long-haul truck driver, he wasn’t broke—just stingy.

He had money for tombs and a rural house but none to improve his living conditions.

Zhou Xi sat. Bei Dawei urged them to eat. Zhou Xi’s bowl had a crack; she didn’t touch her chopsticks. They weren’t here to eat.

Lei Hua brought hot dishes, fake smile plastered on.

“Eat, eat, I made lots today.”

The roaring fan stopped, allowing normal talk.

Lei Hua led Bei Bing to the table. He grabbed chopsticks, lunging for meat, splashing broth, licking his chopsticks, then stirring the dish. Zhou Xi lost her appetite.

Beixia, eyes down, slid a disposable cup of tea to Zhou Xi.

Bei Dawei eyed Zhou Xi, unfamiliar. At her sister and brother-in-law’s funeral, he hadn’t seen her. Confused, he asked, “You are?”

Zhou Xi smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“I’m from Zhou Ren’s family.”

“Wasn’t Zhou Ren’s kid a boy?” Bei Dawei recalled, eyeing Zhou Xi, remembering Zhou Ren’s adopted child. Unable to conceive, they adopted, then wanted to ditch her when pregnant. Her sister intervened, even funding her college.

“Zhou… Zhou Xi, right?” Bei Dawei recalled.

Zhou Xi nodded.

“You’re so grown!” Bei Dawei feigned delight. “I remember you in school!”

“I graduated years ago,” Zhou Xi said lightly.

“Why’re you back? Big city not good?”

Zhou Xi looked up, serious, “I came back for Beixia.”

Bei Dawei tensed.

Zhou Xi, done with pretense, pulled the lawsuit from her bag. No table space, she handed it to him, standing. “We’re not here to eat but to deliver this.”

“What’s this?” Bei Dawei frowned.

“A lawsuit for seizing Beixia’s property!”

Bei Dawei slammed the table, “Absurd!”

Dishes rattled. Bei Bing cried. Lei Hua, sensing trouble, pulled him to another room. Bei Dawei stood, pointing at Zhou Xi, “Who’re you to meddle in our family?”

Zhou Xi pulled Beixia behind her, sneering, “Feeling guilty, huh? My sister’s estate was more than that! Treat Beixia well, I’d say nothing. She’s just a kid—how much could she eat? You mistreated her! I’ll make you return her property! You’re no uncle, no brother! If my sister knew how you treated her daughter, she’d haunt you!”

Bei Dawei’s finger shook, cursing, “You filthy woman from nowhere, trying to steal our Beixia! Don’t listen to her!”

To Beixia, “Our home’s like this. Your aunt’s harsh, but you never lacked food! Last time, didn’t I give you four hundred? Don’t believe outsiders! I’m your uncle—how could I wrong you? I’m just not capable now. When I earn more, I’ll treat you well!”

Zhou Xi nearly laughed at his contradictions.

Shamelessness defined this family. Bei Bing’s actions mirrored the adults’ teachings.

Beixia’s lips trembled, her gaze on Bei Dawei filled with sorrow.

Even now, her uncle dodged the truth.

Beixia didn’t want to argue. Right or wrong, as Zhou Xi said, the law would judge.

Zhou Xi felt her clothes tugged. Beixia whispered, “We’re done. Let’s go.”

She couldn’t stay—suffocating.

The air reeked of rot. Vaguely, Beixia saw herself curled on the couch, waking anxiously before dawn at any noise. This was never her room, just a temporary stop. In the dark, her soul wept, lost.

Zhou Xi took her hand, chin high, telling Bei Dawei haughtily, “I’ve filed the lawsuit. Get a lawyer. Miss court, and you’ll face an unfavorable ruling. Hope you show up.”

With a fake smile, “Beixia and I won’t eat. Enjoy your family meal.”

Bei Dawei’s face reddened, watching Zhou Xi lead Beixia away.

He stared at the white lawsuit, face pale, stunned Zhou Xi went this far.

In the car, Zhou Xi gripped the wheel.

Soft music played, her usual tunes. She glanced at Beixia via the rearview mirror, silent since boarding.

Searching for a topic, Zhou Xi’s eyes lit up.

“We didn’t eat well, so…”

Beixia spoke simultaneously, “Let’s eat…”

She looked at Zhou Xi. Zhou Xi glanced, then focused ahead, both smiling.

“What do you want?” Zhou Xi asked.

“Hotpot,” Beixia said.

“Hm?” Zhou Xi was curious.

“Didn’t you say hotpot washes away bad luck?” Beixia said.

Zhou Xi laughed freely, “Yes, I did! Hotpot it is!”

Beixia smiled too.

Zhou Xi’s worry eased—Beixia seemed okay.

They ate hotpot. At home, Zhou Xi napped, then cleaned. Beixia offered help but was shooed to study.

Zhou Xi teased, “Finished those papers I bought?”

Beixia, touching her nose, returned to her room.

Afternoon sun broke through clouds, spreading warmth. Zhou Xi’s teddy bear, Gina, lay on the bed, their photo facing Beixia. She glanced up from her desk, writing diligently, hearing Zhou Xi hum while sweeping, the washing machine humming—everything perfect. Beixia smiled, past pain healed.

Near work time, Zhou Xi knocked on Beixia’s door, peeking in. Seeing Beixia look, she grinned, “Wanna come to the station?”

Beixia was surprised.

“You can bring homework, sit at my desk, maybe wander, clear your mind,” Zhou Xi said.

“Can I go?” Beixia hesitated, worried about bothering her.

“Of course!” Zhou Xi nodded, smiling, “Up to you—go or stay?”

“I’ll go!” Beixia said quickly.

Zhou Xi laughed, “Knew you’d be interested. Change clothes! We’ll eat at the cafeteria!”

Zhou Xi drove to the station.

Beixia, bundled like a bear, contrasted Zhou Xi’s light sweater and coat.

Zhou Xi glanced, finding her cute.

At the station, Zhou Xi parked, taking the elevator.

Outside, Beixia thought the station huge—32 floors. Zhou Xi worked on the 8th. She led Beixia to drop her stuff. Colleagues were there. Zhou Xi greeted them, noticing curious looks, introducing, “My sister, here for the break.”

“Hi, sister,” a colleague said kindly.

Beixia mumbled, “Hi, brother.”

The colleague beamed, snapped out of it by Zhou Xi’s pat, waving off dinner plans.

The cafeteria was on the 3rd floor. Zhou Xi led Beixia down.

Weekends had workers, but fewer cafeteria options. Beixia wasn’t picky; Zhou Xi ordered two bowls of noodles she liked.

After eating, back on the 8th, it got busy—script checks, flow planning. Zhou Xi, swamped, let Beixia roam, entering the studio with Yan Xu.

It was New Year’s, a big day. They’d lined up a major guest for a call-in, needing a tight flow.

The studio’s glass was transparent. From Zhou Xi’s desk, Beixia saw inside but heard nothing.

Zhou Xi and Yan Xu reviewed the flow. Zhou Xi stepped out, monitoring sound at the control desk, signaling Yan Xu when ready. Music started, Yan Xu’s voice blending in.

Beixia watched, transfixed. Work-Zhou Xi wasn’t the lazy, clumsy home version—she was commanding, a battlefield general, orders sparking action.

During the hour, Zhou Xi stayed tense, ready for issues, standing by at the control desk.

Beixia stood by the glass, homework untouched, lost in Zhou Xi’s rhythm until the show ended.

Zhou Xi joked with colleagues. Yan Xu emerged, saying, “Good work.”

Today’s ratings, though not as high as the premiere, were solid for New Year’s—drivers tuned into their traffic station without switching.

Yan Xu glanced outside, “Your sister?”

Zhou Xi waved at Beixia, who noticed and waved back lightly.

“She seems into the station,” Yan Xu teased. “Stood there the whole time. Thinking of training a successor?”

Zhou Xi shook her head, “Her choice, but she’s great at science.”

“Science star?”

“Not quite,” Zhou Xi laughed.

They walked out together.

Zhou Xi noticed Yan Xu’s rush, unlike his usual ease.

“Got plans?” Zhou Xi asked.

Yan Xu, embarrassed, coughed, “New Year’s class reunion.”

Zhou Xi hadn’t thought much, but his unease sparked teasing, “Oh~ Class reunion?”

Yan Xu sped up, passing her, waving, “I’m off.” Clearly dodging.

Zhou Xi raised a brow.

Yan’s acting like he’s meeting an old flame.

She laughed. Beixia, approaching, saw her smile and grinned too.

Zhou Xi ruffled Beixia’s head, “Boring?”

“No,” Beixia shook her head, looking up, “It’s fun.”

Hall lights hit Beixia’s eyes, sparkling like stars. Zhou Xi ruffled her soft, velvety hair again, reluctant to stop.

Beixia let her, though she disliked being treated like a kid. Only Zhou Xi got a pass.

They headed to Zhou Xi’s desk. A summary meeting awaited. A colleague’s milk tea delivery included one for Beixia. Zhou Xi stood between desks, colleagues pulling chairs to listen. Beixia, at Zhou Xi’s desk, ears perked, listened.

Zhou Xi praised the team’s energy, noted show issues, and discussed tomorrow’s plan. Her meetings were direct—work-focused, no fluff, done in under twenty minutes.

Everyone scattered, ready to leave.

Zhou Xi stretched, relaxed post-work.

“Tired?” she asked Beixia.

Beixia shook her head. Noticing Zhou Xi rub her shoulders earlier, she stood, sat Zhou Xi down, and massaged her shoulders.

“Nice!” Zhou Xi sighed. A passing colleague praised, “Sisters are the best, so caring!”

“Right?” Zhou Xi joked, praising Beixia’s kindness.

Beixia blushed. When the office emptied, she lunged, covering Zhou Xi’s eyes.

Zhou Xi: ?

“What’s up?” Zhou Xi asked.

Beixia whispered, “Don’t praise me.”

Zhou Xi laughed, “It’s true! Shouldn’t you cover my mouth?”

Beixia used both hands—one on Zhou Xi’s eyes, one on her mouth. Zhou Xi chuckled, pulling them off easily. Spinning her chair, she faced Beixia, holding her hands, “What? Shy?”

Beixia looked down, avoiding her eyes.

Zhou Xi laughed, “Such thin skin—you’ll get bullied.”

Beixia glared—only Zhou Xi teased her like this.

Zhou Xi let go, “Work’s done! Home time!”

She grabbed her coat and bag. Beixia took her bag, following closely.

Night had fallen, traffic buzzing below. Zhou Xi pressed the elevator’s down button, selecting the garage. She asked Beixia about grabbing a late snack.

Beixia had no preference, deferring to Zhou Xi.

As Zhou Xi listed nearby eateries, the elevator lights flickered and died, stopping on the 3rd floor.

“Beixia, you okay?” Zhou Xi’s worried voice sounded in the dark.

She’d heard the station’s elevators were old, prone to issues, but not today.

Groping, Zhou Xi’s fingers brushed Beixia, who gripped back, voice calm, “I’m fine.”

Beixia asked, “Rescue number?”

Zhou Xi pulled out her phone, flashlight on, finding a red sticker with the number. She called, explaining. Beixia pressed all the buttons, then pulled Zhou Xi to a corner, holding the rail.

In the dark, only the phone’s light glowed. Beixia said, “Don’t be afraid. We’re low; we’ll be fine.”

Zhou Xi blinked, seeing Beixia’s calm, pale face, feeling her reliability for the first time.

Zhou Xi wasn’t scared, but having someone to lean on steadied her startled heart.

Beixia checked the buttons, saying, “Turn off the light. Save battery in case rescue can’t find us.”

Zhou Xi complied. In the quiet dark, vague outlines emerged. Beixia held her hand tightly, arm close.

After standing long, they sat, tired.

Zhou Xi grumbled, “Why’s rescue so slow?”

Beixia, calm, “They’re probably far. No call means they know our location.”

Zhou Xi glanced at her. Beixia asked, “Looking at me?”

She leaned closer, forehead brushing Zhou Xi’s nose. Beixia froze, hearing Zhou Xi’s amused voice, “You hit my nose.”

“Sorry,” Beixia said after a pause.

In the dark, she seemed grown-up.

Zhou Xi asked, “Can I lean on you?”

“Mm.” Beixia offered her arm.

Zhou Xi hugged it, resting her head. After standing an hour recording, she was tired. Beixia’s arm brought safety; she yawned, sleepy.

Her eyelids drooped, closing. Beixia stared ahead, arm still. Zhou Xi’s voice held sleep, “When will they get here?”

“Soon,” Beixia said.

Zhou Xi lit her phone. Beixia saw her curled lashes quiver, a tear at her eye’s corner.

“Spending the night in here?” Zhou Xi joked. “Alone, I’d freak, but with you, it’s kinda nice.”

Beixia’s heart trembled, wishing the moment lasted.

But after Zhou Xi spoke, rescue arrived.

“Anyone inside?” a voice called.

Zhou Xi stood, “Yes!”

“Stand steady! We’re prying the door! The circuit’s dead!”

Zhou Xi shouted, “Got it!”

“Step back!”

Zhou Xi shielded Beixia in the corner. Rescue cut a gap big enough for one. A rescuer jumped in to help them out.

Who goes first? “You first!” both said together.

Zhou Xi looked at Beixia, shaking her head. Beixia pursed her lips, not arguing—delaying wasted time. She climbed on the rescuer’s shoulders, pulled out, then Zhou Xi followed.

Rescue climbed up. Zhou Xi patted her chest, relieved.

Both unharmed, rescue drove them home.

At the door, Zhou Xi whispered, “Thought you’d argue. Scared me.”

Beixia glanced, hanging Zhou Xi’s coat, “I wanted you safe first, but reason said arguing delays us, pointless.”

Zhou Xi laughed, unstoppable, patting Beixia’s shoulder, “If TV dramas were like us, they’d wrap fast.”

Beixia pictured it, laughing.

Seeing Zhou Xi’s bright eyes, her fear lingered. Leaving the elevator, accidents flashed in her mind—she feared for Zhou Xi. Thankfully, both were fine.

Zhou Xi tilted her head, tapping Beixia’s cheek. Beixia looked, confused.

“Tonight, you felt grown,” Zhou Xi said, smiling quietly, her eyes blooming like a night flower.

Beixia’s heart skipped irregularly. She looked down, pulling Zhou Xi’s hand off her shoulder, hiding, “I’m already grown.”

“Almost adult kid,” Zhou Xi laughed.

Beixia asked, “No snack. Instant noodles?”

“Yes!” Zhou Xi rolled up her sleeves.

In the kitchen, they jostled playfully, cooking noodles.

The quiet night flowed. A firework boomed in the complex. Zhou Xi, holding her bowl, called Beixia to the balcony. They stood, bowls in hand, watching dazzling fireworks light the dark.

New Year arrived, old year passed safely. Zhou Xi smiled, “Happy New Year.”

Beixia watched Zhou Xi’s face, lit and shadowed by fireworks, voice husky, “Happy New Year.”