Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 38

38: The Bottom Line

That night, Jiang Ci slept in the study. Tossing and turning, she couldn’t sleep, so she got up and wrote down some important plot points, essentially creating a “strategy guide.”

The next day, Xi Lingxue moved to a separate courtyard, officially starting their “separate living” arrangement.

The servants in the mansion speculated whether they had had a falling out, but when the two met, there was no sign of conflict. They treated each other with respect, and their relationship didn’t seem to have any issues.

Jiang Ci knew that after everything had been laid bare, Xi Lingxue no longer needed to be close to her. They were merely partners, fulfilling a contract.

Perhaps Xi Lingxue now saw her only as a companion? A friend?

Jiang Ci’s heart still ached faintly. She had spent the night adjusting her mindset, constantly telling herself that there was still a chance. That female knight was just a scoundrel, flirting and then running away. Xi Lingxue was probably just experiencing her first love and had been deceived by her!

She needed to pull herself together and not be easily defeated!

There were still six months left on the contract. Sweet words wouldn’t win over the black lotus. Jiang Ci thought she needed to achieve something, to move Xi Lingxue with her actions!

During this time, Jiang Ci poured all her energy into the court. It didn’t matter that Huang Fu was Xi Lingxue’s person; they were now on the same side. Once the intelligence network was established, things would go much smoother.

Jiang Ci kept an eye on the Crown Prince and the Yao family while actively gathering evidence. Corruption, embezzlement of military funds, and exploiting the people—these were all part of the original plot, and Jiang Ci had the advantage of foresight.

As she expected, the emperor issued an edict, enfeoffing Xi Lingxue as the Prince of Qi and allowing her to participate in court politics.

This move was like a bombshell, shocking the entire court.

Jiang Ci breathed a sigh of relief. She had finally set Xi Lingxue on the right path, and from now on, Xi Lingxue could showcase her talents.

However, the downside was that they could no longer operate in the shadows. This was an open declaration of war against the Crown Prince and the Prince of Duan. From now on, they would have to tread carefully, facing both overt and covert dangers.

…

Naturally, Consort Yao’s side also broke all pretense, and she was furious.

Over the years, the Crown Prince had gradually shown signs of decline, and many court officials had already submitted memorials impeaching him. If this continued, the position of heir apparent would inevitably go to the Prince of Duan. But at this critical moment, Xi Lingxue had suddenly emerged!

“Mother, calm down.” Xi Lanhua came to see Consort Yao after court and had been trying to console her for a while. “I think Father has lost his mind. How could he enfeoff a Kunjun as a prince…”

Consort Yao’s expression was grim. “Xi Lingxue… I really underestimated her!”

At first, they thought she was just competing with Yao Qin for favor, at most vying for status within the Marquis’s household. Who knew her ambitions were so grand?!

“Now, Gao Yi’s attitude is crucial.” Consort Yao said gravely. “It depends on whether she continues to support you or supports Xi Lingxue.”

Xi Lanhua patted her chest confidently. “Of course, she’ll support me~”

Consort Yao looked at her with disappointment. “You’re really confident! They’re married, aren’t their relations closer than yours?”

This topic made her furious. If Yao Qin had been favored, Gao Yi would surely have been under their control. How could things have gotten to this point, slipping out of their grasp?

Coincidentally, as they spoke of Yao Qin, Yao Qin arrived. Yao Qin happened to enter the palace at that moment.

The atmosphere seemed a bit awkward. She could guess that Consort Yao was in a bad mood and cautiously called out, “Aunt…”

Consort Yao’s face was tense. After a long while, she said, “Qin’er, what exactly is Gao Yi’s attitude now? She’s just a Qianjun, after all. Can’t you win her favor at all?”

Yao Qin felt as if all the blame was being pushed onto her and said aggrievedly, “Aunt, I’ve tried my best… It’s clearly Gao Yi’s problem. Besides, I heard she’s been sleeping separately from Xi Lingxue recently!”

Xi Lanhua immediately perked up her ears. “A problem? Sleeping separately?”

Heavens! Weren’t they quite capable in that area?

Consort Yao shot her a sidelong glance. What was this silly child thinking?

Consort Yao asked, “Have you tried everything I taught you?”

Yao Qin nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed to speak in front of the Prince of Duan. “That day, I… cough, followed your instructions… But she didn’t seem to notice at all, showing no reaction. I think she might have some hidden illness…”

Yao Qin was also a bit worried. If there really was a problem, they needed to treat it quickly! She still needed to rely on children to secure her position!

“Something’s not right…” Consort Yao, being an experienced woman, knew that even if a Qianjun didn’t mark someone, there should still be a natural physiological reaction. She narrowed her eyes, recalling, “I remember half a year ago, you said Xi Lingxue had injured Gao Yi?”

Reminded by her, Yao Qin’s eyes widened in realization. “Yes! That’s right. It seemed to be her glands! Could it be—”

Consort Yao sneered. If Xi Lingxue had really injured Gao Yi, then the trouble was much bigger.

Xi Lanhua shivered involuntarily. “Mother, what are you planning?”

Consort Yao: “You don’t need to worry about it.”

Xi Lanhua was furious. They never told her anything, treating her like a child who couldn’t be involved in adult matters!

…

The weather turned cold, and the first heavy snow of winter left the capital covered in silver.

Today was Xi Lingxue’s first day at court, and the carriage was already waiting at the door early in the morning.

When Jiang Ci came out, she glanced at it a few more times. There was a time when she had fantasized about going out with Xi Lingxue, side by side.

But alas…

These were just wishful thoughts. If Xi Lingxue were to be with someone, it wouldn’t be her.

Jiang Ci’s heart ached, but she patted her face to cheer herself up.

Right now, she was the one by Xi Lingxue’s side. She would replace that person!

She would!

Hearing footsteps behind her, Jiang Ci turned around and saw Xi Lingxue and Jin Yu walking towards her.

Xi Lingxue looked at her, her eyes gentle. “It’s cold. Let’s ride in the carriage together?”

The woman was dressed in a red court robe, radiant and beautiful.

She was not yet twenty, already blossoming into a graceful young woman. Jiang Ci greedily wanted to see what she would look like in the future as an empress—she would surely be stunning, a peerless beauty.

How could Jiang Ci bear to let go? Having tasted the woman’s tenderness, she wanted more.

Jiang Ci smiled and replied, “Alright.”

The carriage was lined with thick fur blankets and had a stove inside, making it much warmer than riding outside on horseback.

Jiang Ci sat beside Xi Lingxue, looking out at the snowy scenery, listening to the sound of the wheels crunching over the snow, her thoughts wandering.

Time had flown by. Unknowingly, she and Xi Lingxue had gone from midsummer to the depths of winter. Next should be their spring, right?

…

Xi Lingxue’s performance at court need not be said. Whatever the emperor asked, she could answer fluently, earning praise from all the civil and military officials.

Jiang Ci was quite relieved. The beginning was always the hardest, but as long as Xi Lingxue was given the opportunity, she would surely shine.

After the court session, the emperor specifically kept them behind, saying they would have lunch together, along with the Crown Prince and the Prince of Duan.

The emperor smiled. “You don’t need to be nervous. It’s just a family banquet.”

This was actually suggested by Consort Yao, as he hadn’t felt the warmth of family in a long time.

Of course, the others didn’t see it that way.

The Crown Prince and Xi Lingxue were already at odds, with plenty of old and new grievances between them.

The Crown Prince was good at pretending. As they walked towards the inner palace, she could still smile and chat with Xi Lingxue, playing the role of a good older sister.

Jiang Ci felt nauseated just watching.

However, she had already been secretly gathering evidence. Once everything was ready, the Crown Prince wouldn’t be able to strut around for much longer.

The Prince of Duan was as carefree as ever, not affected by the enfeoffment. After returning from her mother’s place a few days ago, nothing had happened, so she had already stopped thinking about it. Now, she was more interested in gossip.

“Hey, hey.” Xi Lanhua leaned over to Jiang Ci and whispered, “I heard you have some issues with marking. Was it because you went too far before?”

“…” Jiang Ci: “Cough, who told you that?”

“Never mind that.” Xi Lanhua said. “Health issues are serious. Don’t hide it. I can have Doctor Xue take a look at you.”

To be honest, Jiang Ci was a bit tempted. Thinking back to when she had refused Doctor Xue, she now regretted it.

Doctor Xue was the head of the Imperial Hospital. If even he couldn’t help, then Jiang Ci would have to pin her hopes on some folk expert.

…

The family banquet was less formal, much more relaxed.

Winter was the perfect time for hot pot, so Consort Yao had arranged for each person’s table to have a small stove, with individual pots.

Consort Yao smiled like a flower. “I specially found a beauty from the Western Regions. I heard she dances exceptionally well, perfect for entertaining everyone.”

“Wonderful.” the emperor said with a smile. “Consort, you’ve really put in a lot of effort.”

Consort Yao clapped her hands, and immediately a eunuch led in a stunningly beautiful woman with exquisite makeup.

In an instant, all the Qianjun were captivated. The woman exuded a faint floral scent, clearly a Kunjun.

Xi Lingxue frowned, suddenly feeling an ominous premonition. She glanced at Gao Yi beside her, and the unease in her heart lessened slightly.

As the music started, the woman began to dance. Her movements were light and graceful, her posture elegant and mesmerizing, making it impossible to look away.

Xi Lanhua had already forgotten to eat, her soul seemingly captured by the dancer.

The dancer was as light as a swallow, her dress swirling as she spun. She gradually moved closer to Jiang Ci. Suddenly, as if making a small mistake, her legs gave way, and she fell towards Jiang Ci.

Almost instantly, her pheromones burst forth, filling the air with a floral scent.

The Crown Prince, the Prince of Duan, and even the emperor—all three Qianjun—immediately changed expressions, covering their noses and retreating. Even so, their breathing became rapid, clearly having a physiological reaction.

The royal family valued face above all. Losing composure, especially being overwhelmed by a Kunjun, was a major taboo!

However, to everyone’s shock, Gao Yi wasn’t affected in the slightest. She calmly caught the dancer.

The three Qianjun were stunned.

Jiang Ci helped the dancer up and asked, “Did you twist your ankle?”

The dancer’s cheeks were flushed, and she leaned weakly against Jiang Ci’s shoulder, saying breathlessly, “My lord, forgive me. It seems… my heat cycle has suddenly arrived.”

Xi Lingxue’s eyes darkened. They had managed to get through the court session, only to be ambushed here.

Heat cycle?

Jiang Ci sniffed the air, puzzled. “Really? I didn’t smell anything.”

“Gao Yi—”

Xi Lingxue called out to her, but it was too late.

“What? You didn’t smell anything?” The emperor’s expression turned serious. He had already noticed something was wrong. “Gao Yi, is there something wrong with your body?”

For a civil official, this might not be a big deal, but for a military officer, it was a disaster.

Now, everyone’s attention was focused on Jiang Ci, momentarily forgetting the dancer who had made the mistake.

Consort Yao feigned concern and seized the opportunity. “Is it because of the injury from before? Should we call the imperial doctor to take a look?”

The emperor remembered the “previous incident” It was said that Xi Lingxue had injured Gao Yi’s glands, and Gao Yi had taken a few days off to recuperate.

Jiang Ci initially wanted to say, “Yes” but her intuition keenly picked up a whiff of conspiracy.

…Why were they all reacting so strongly? It seemed like they cared more about this issue than she did herself.

After only a few seconds of hesitation, the Emperor immediately ordered the attendant, “Summon Doctor Xue!”

Jiang Ci didn’t understand. She looked at Xi Lingxue, hoping to get an explanation or perhaps some enlightenment from her.

After all, Jiang Ci had always thought that the gland was only her own problem, at most affecting her partner. Not being able to mark meant no sexual life, but that was a matter between her and her wife, and it didn’t concern others.

Xi Lingxue instinctively avoided her gaze, “Gao Yi, I…”

What should she say?

She didn’t know how to start, nor could she stop the Emperor’s order. Speaking up now would only raise more suspicions.

This sudden turn of events caught her off guard. Xi Lingxue couldn’t figure out where things had gone wrong, as she thought she had concealed it well.

Jiang Ci was slightly stunned, vaguely sensing that Xi Lingxue was still hiding something from her.

Her heart felt as if pricked by a needle, a bit painful and a bit frustrated.

Why was there always another layer of lies beneath the lies?

Why, after so long, could Xi Lingxue still not be honest with her?

She thought everything had been cleared up that night. When would it end? Was she really not worth trusting?!

No one noticed that the dancer had gradually regained control of her pheromones.

Doctor Xue arrived quickly, jogging all the way. Upon arrival, he felt the atmosphere was strangely tense, as if everyone had something to say but was holding back.

Doctor Xue braced himself and said, “Marquis, I need to examine your gland. Please loosen your collar a bit.”

Although Jiang Ci felt uncomfortable, she remembered Xi Lingxue’s advice, “Can we move to another room? It’s not appropriate to do this in front of so many people. The gland is a very private organ.”

“That’s for Kunjuns!” the Emperor exclaimed, “You’re a Qianjun, what are you afraid of?”

Xi Lanhua also found Gao Yi’s reasoning a bit odd and reminded, “Kunjuns glands are delicate, but Qianjuns are different, it doesn’t matter…”

Is that so?

Jiang Ci was momentarily stunned, but when Doctor Xue had visited the Marquis’s residence before, Xi Lingxue had specifically asked Jin Yu to wait outside to remind her…

“Do not let Doctor Xue examine your gland.”

These were Jin Yu’s exact words. Now, Jiang Ci suddenly realized that this might have another meaning.

—Simply to stop her.

In an instant, many details connected in her mind.

Every time the gland was mentioned, Xi Lingxue would always evade the topic, and Zhang Chengji had been delaying as well.

A suspicion arose in Jiang Ci’s mind, but she couldn’t help making excuses for Xi Lingxue, feeling that she wouldn’t do this to her…

However, the other’s silence and avoidance of eye contact deeply hurt Jiang Ci.

Almost out of spite, Jiang Ci pulled open her collar, boldly exposing the back of her neck.

Everyone gasped in shock. There was a long scar on the gland, and the entire area had lost its color, appearing gray and lifeless, like a dead thing.

Consort Yao covered her mouth in shock, and even the Crown Prince and Prince Duan were speechless.

Without needing Doctor Xue’s diagnosis, the Emperor understood the situation at a glance.

Although Jiang Ci couldn’t see it, she could tell from their expressions what was going on.

“It’s incurable, isn’t it?”

Doctor Xue hadn’t expected this outcome either, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He could only stammer, “This, this… I am powerless…”

Jiang Ci turned to look at Xi Lingxue, who remained silent, her eyes downcast, showing no surprise.

Jiang Ci understood; she had known all along, hiding it from her from the very beginning.

Even when she was vomiting from taking medicine, Xi Lingxue had shown no mercy.

This was something they could have discussed. She didn’t mind; it was the original body’s fault.

But it was her who took the medicine, her who was gradually weakening, bearing all the consequences of the original body’s misdeeds.

The Emperor was both shocked and furious, his face changing colors. After a long while, he finally regained his composure and angrily said, “Xi Lingxue! Did you do this?!”

The room fell silent, and even Prince Duan held his breath in fear.

Xi Lingxue’s fingertips turned white from gripping too tightly. After a moment, she knelt down straight, as if ready to accept punishment, and replied, “Yes.”

The Emperor was so angry he almost staggered backward. Consort Yao quickly supported him, “Your Majesty, please calm down!”

The Emperor pushed Consort Yao aside and strode over to Xi Lingxue, pointing at her with a trembling hand, “You, you… rebellious girl!”

With a loud “smack” Jiang Ci was jolted awake.

Xi Lingxue was slapped hard and fell to the ground. However, she seemed unfazed, wiping the bl00d from the corner of her mouth.

The bright red bl00d made her look even more stunning and aloof. She straightened her back and knelt properly again, her eyes cold and indifferent.

“How can I face the Gao family like this?!” The Emperor raised his hand again.

Jiang Ci woke up in a panic and rushed over, shielding Xi Lingxue, “Your Majesty! It’s not her! It’s me! I was injured by an enemy sneak attack before!”

Xi Lingxue was stunned, her eyes filled with shock.

Consort Yao was equally shocked. She had thought this would be the perfect opportunity to depose Prince Qi. How could someone who attempted to harm her own lord, such a venomous woman, stand in court? Moreover, she had ruined Gao Yi, the only heir of the Gao family!

What was even more unexpected was that Gao Yi was still protecting her!

Which Qianjun could tolerate such a thing with their gland?

Consort Yao was now also puzzled. Could it really be as Gao Yi said, that she was injured by an enemy sneak attack?

The Emperor’s hand, raised halfway, suddenly stopped, “Lingxue just admitted it…”

“It’s a misunderstanding!” Jiang Ci lied in a panic, “Xiaoxue didn’t know. She might have always thought it was her fault. Actually, her stab was very light and had already healed…”

Jiang Ci knew that Xi Lingxue had lied to her again.

Jiang Ci was sad, angry, and filled with resentment, but rationally she knew that this matter must not be blamed on Xi Lingxue. Once the Emperor held her accountable, all their previous efforts would be in vain.

She had worked so hard to get Xi Lingxue into court. Their grievances could be discussed slowly later, not here in front of the Emperor, Consort Yao, the Crown Prince, and Prince Duan.

Jiang Ci forced down her emotions and said, “It was my own carelessness, it has nothing to do with her.”

The Emperor looked grave, unsure whether to feel relieved or regretful.

It was good that Xi Lingxue hadn’t caused the injury, but Gao Yi was now ruined. How could she lead troops in the future? The Gao family line was cut off, and their bloodline talent could no longer be used by the royal family!

The Emperor felt deeply pained and sighed heavily. This was a loss for the Yu Kingdom!

Seeing that she had managed to deceive them, Jiang Ci finally relaxed a bit. However, the next second, her vision went black, and she fainted.

…

In a daze, Jiang Ci felt as if she was being carried and heard words like “overwhelmed by anger.”

She thought self-mockingly, indeed, she was both anxious and furious.

Such an important matter, and Xi Lingxue had hidden it from her for so long.

In truth, she didn’t care that much about the gland. Otherwise, she would have paid more attention to it and wouldn’t have let Zhang Chengji delay for so long. After all, this wasn’t her body, and she even detested it.

If the Gao family line was cut off, so be it. What did it have to do with her? A hundred years from now, even the royal family’s line might be cut off.

She only cared about Xi Lingxue.

But this person had deceived her time and time again. Every time she thought Xi Lingxue had fully accepted her, reality would slap her hard in the face.

It seemed that between them, nothing was real.

Jiang Ci thought her heart was strong, but now she realized she had overestimated herself.

She didn’t know how much longer she could hold on. She had taken one hundred and one steps towards Xi Lingxue, but the other had been retreating all along, while stabbing her at the same time.

Now, her heart was full of holes.

Some time passed, and her consciousness flickered. She felt herself being carried, jolted along the way, and finally placed on a bed. The sensation beneath her was soft.

They must have returned to the Marquis’s residence.

Strangely, Jiang Ci couldn’t open her eyes, but she could hear some vague voices, intermittent, some from Nanny Zhang, some from Jin Yu.

After a long while, she seemed to vaguely hear Pei Shiyuan.

“Lingxue, enough. Are you still going to use her as a substitute? You know she’s not Gao Yi. This is unfair to her!”

…What substitute?

Was she talking about her?

This thought, once formed, swirled like a vortex, pulling her into an abyss.

Wait, Xi Lingxue knew she wasn’t Gao Yi?!

Knowing this, she still used her as a substitute?!

Was it for that female knight?

Because they were both transmigrators, both with strange and novel ideas, making them so alike?

Of course. She knew about facial masks, soap, and glass. That woman knew about them too, didn’t she?

A sharp ringing filled Jiang Ci’s head, and in an instant, coldness seeped through her entire body.

This was the last straw. She could tolerate Xi Lingxue’s endless testing, deception, and lies, but she could never accept being treated as someone else’s substitute.

This was her bottom line.

She had been trapped in this body called Gao Yi, lost the face she once took pride in, lost her own name. Wearing a face she loathed, all she wanted was to carve out her own existence despite the constraints.

But in Xi Lingxue’s eyes, she was nothing more than that person’s shadow.

She didn’t see her. She didn’t see “Jiang Ci.”

Was she going to lose even the last shred of her own identity…?

Her heart, already on the verge of collapse, was dealt the cruelest blow yet.

A substitute…

So all of Xi Lingxue’s acceptance and fondness weren’t for her efforts at all. It was just because she resembled that person.

Who cared about “Jiang Ci”? Who even knew her?

She was nothing.

For the first time, Jiang Ci truly understood the phrase:

“A dog that licks too much ends up with nothing.”

Indeed, she had lost even herself.

She couldn’t hear what was said next. Her consciousness finally sank into darkness.

…

When she woke up, the sky outside was already dark. The room was dimly lit by candlelight, casting a soft amber glow.

As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw someone resting by her bedside. Long, black hair draped over half of Xi Lingxue’s face, but even so, it couldn’t hide her devastating beauty.

They were alone in the room. Pei Shiyuan was gone.

Jiang Ci reached out. Her fingertips were just about to brush against Xi Lingxue’s cheek when the woman suddenly lifted her head, as if sensing her movement.

Jiang Ci paused, then lowered her hand.

“You’re awake?” Xi Lingxue’s voice was gentle. “Do you want some water?”

Jiang Ci shook her head, her expression cold. Without hesitation, she asked,

“Why did you hide my gland issue from me?”

In the end, it all came down to distrust, didn’t it?

From beginning to end, she had never acknowledged “Jiang Ci.”

“I told you before, I don’t blame you. It was self-defense.” Jiang Ci slowed her speech, speaking each word carefully. “I also told you I would never hurt you. I only wanted to help you.”

“Gao Yi…”

“Don’t call me Gao Yi.” Jiang Ci clenched the bedsheet, her eyes turning red. “I’ve told you countless times—I’m not her. But you never seemed to care.”

Xi Lingxue lowered her head slightly, her voice soft. “I do care.”

Jiang Ci scoffed and retorted, “Then do you remember my name? I told you on the very first day I arrived.”

Xi Lingxue stiffened. After a moment of silence, she forced out a response, “…I don’t remember.”

Jiang Ci let out a short laugh.

She had expected this answer. But that didn’t stop it from cutting deep.

Of course. Xi Lingxue didn’t remember, nor did she care. She never even asked.

Who she was didn’t matter at all.

She was just a shadow. A tool.

In Xi Lingxue’s world, “Jiang Ci” had never existed.

“I know you’re a foreign soul, possessing Gao Yi’s body…” Xi Lingxue turned her face away. Her fingers curled into a tight fist. After a long pause, her gaze turned cold, her beautiful eyes filled with icy resolve.

“Our contract is void. Leave. Go wherever you’re meant to go.”

Jiang Ci froze.

She looked at Xi Lingxue in disbelief. “You… want me to leave?”

“Yes. From now on, I don’t need you anymore.” Xi Lingxue’s voice was indifferent. “I will compensate you for everything you’ve done for me. If you want anything, just name it.”

Jiang Ci’s mind went blank, unable to process the words.

All she could hear, over and over again, was—

“I don’t need you anymore.”

After what felt like an eternity, she finally understood.

She was being discarded.

Compensation?

How? By burning paper offerings for a wandering soul? Or erecting a shrine?

Xi Lingxue should know better than anyone what she wanted most.

But she couldn’t give it.

Jiang Ci smiled bitterly. “Nothing. I don’t want anything.”

Silence.

Xi Lingxue stood up, her voice detached. “Think it over. If you change your mind, come find me.”

With that, she left the room without a second glance.

Jiang Ci watched her retreating figure. She was still wearing the same imperial robe from that morning—her slender waist impossibly delicate, her posture as graceful as ever.

They had planned for half a year. The situation had been turning in their favor. Xi Lingxue had been granted the title of Prince Qi, and the throne was within her grasp.

So why had things come to this?

Jiang Ci wished this were just a nightmare. That when she opened her eyes again, Xi Lingxue would still hold her, kiss her, and treat her like before.

She rubbed her eyes repeatedly, wiping away her tears. But nothing changed.

Her heart ached. Her eyes burned.

This wasn’t a dream.

It was reality—cruel and undeniable.

She had been abandoned.

Xi Lingxue’s words hammered into her already shattered heart.

Was this really the same Xi Lingxue she knew?

The one she knew was cold on the surface but never heartless. She wouldn’t burn bridges after crossing them, wouldn’t throw her away just because she had secured her position in court.

Not even an explanation.

How could she be so cruel?

…Oh, right. Jiang Ci had forgotten.

In Xi Lingxue’s eyes, she was just a substitute. A tool. She could never compare to the real one.

So of course, she was insignificant.

A true black-hearted lotus.

A black lotus wouldn’t waste words, wouldn’t hesitate with sympathy. She would only choose what benefited her most.

And right now, Xi Lingxue no longer needed her.

Jiang Ci laughed through her tears.

What was the point of staying here anymore?

She clenched the bedsheet tightly, her tears falling onto the fabric.

This time, she had truly hit a dead end.

She finally understood—no matter how hard she tried, there was never a future for her and Xi Lingxue.

She didn’t want to stay anymore.

Holding onto the last shred of her dignity, Jiang Ci only wanted to escape.

【System, come out… I choose to go back.】

【Are you sure? This is a one-time decision. Once confirmed, it’s irreversible.】

【Confirmed.】

【Confirmation successful. Congratulations, Host. The transfer will activate in two hours.】