Failed to Transmigrate, I’m Back Again - Chapter 26

Qiao Mian: “So you’re saying you fought Shi Shuwu for three hundred rounds, won, and not only retrieved your stolen items but also managed to snag some of her item cards?”

Qiao Mian rummaged through the pile of item cards Tang Wuyun had dumped on the table.

The three of them had finally reunited and were now discussing how to use the item cards.

Tang Wuyun nodded emphatically. “Yes, exactly! That’s exactly what happened.”

Shi Zhimiao couldn’t help but chuckle.

Even though Tang Wuyun had hung up the phone mid-call, her pained yelps made it clear she stood no chance against Shi Shuwu, let alone manage to steal anything from her.

Noticing Shi Zhimiao’s mocking gaze, Tang Wuyun’s eyes darted nervously, her smile strained. She grabbed a bottle of mineral water and took a couple of gulps, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Sigh… She really couldn’t beat Shi Shuwu. The only reason she got these items back was because Shi Shuwu had let her. But could she admit defeat to her teammates? Of course not.

Qiao Mian, who had been intently studying the item cards, suddenly spoke up again. “By the way, why were you following Shi Shuwu around all the time?”

Do you really have to be so clingy?

Without a second thought, Tang Wuyun retorted, “What do you mean I’m always following Shi Shuwu? It’s clearly her who’s always following me…” Her voice trailed off, her words lacking conviction.

Qiao Mian clicked her tongue and shook her head, her hands continuing to sort through the props.

Shi Zhimiao, who had been writing in her notebook, glanced at Tang Wuyun and sighed helplessly, looking utterly defeated.

Tang Wuyun immediately protested, “Hey, hey, hey! Why are you making that face? It makes me look so useless!”

Not to mention, both of them had tasks to keep them busy, while she was just sitting there doing nothing.

Shi Zhimiao shook her head, taking a moment to reply, “No, you’re not useless.”

Tang Wuyun eyed Shi Zhimiao suspiciously.

Unbelievable, is Shi Zhimiao actually trying to comfort me?

Shi Zhimiao suddenly chuckled, adding sarcastically, “You can always help by making things worse.”

Qiao Mian burst out laughing, nodding vigorously in agreement. “Exactly, exactly!”

Tang Wuyun ground her teeth. “…You guys are so annoying.”

She suddenly felt like she’d be better off working with Shi Shuwu.

At least when she was being teased, she had Qiao Mian to share the burden with.

Qiao Mian deliberately mimicked her, “You guys are so annoying~”

Tang Wuyun froze.

Qiao Mian suddenly turned mocking. “Is that all you’ve got? Your attack power has dwindled to this? You were so fierce arguing with me on your phone before.”

Saying my acting was inferior to hers, that I wasn’t worthy of being her friend.

How ridiculous! Tang Wuyun used to shower her with praise during rehearsals.

And threatening to expose her “dark secrets” if she contacted her again? Even more laughable. Qiao Mian tossed and turned all night, unable to recall any actual dirt on herself.

If she hadn’t talked to Zhang Rui later and discovered that Tang Wuyun treated many others the same way, Qiao Mian would have been too furious to sleep for days.

“I was wrong, I know I was wrong,” Tang Wuyun quickly groveled, raising her hands in surrender.

Sensing the sincerity in Tang Wuyun’s voice, Qiao Mian raised an eyebrow and looked up at her. “You want me to believe you didn’t do it on purpose?”

Tang Wuyun shook her head. “Not at all.”

She had deliberately chosen the most hurtful words, knowing they would sting the most.

Qiao Mian pursed her lips, nodded, and sighed. “Fine, I forgive you.”

Tang Wuyun stared at her in stunned silence.

Apart from Pei Yinxi, Qiao Mian was the first to say she would forgive her.

But Tang Wuyun had said such terrible things back then…

Qiao Mian chuckled at her expression. “What’s with the face? This is just because you were the first to apologize to me yesterday.”

She could tell Tang Wuyun hadn’t been deliberately targeting her.

“Mianmian, you’re so kind!” Tang Wuyun’s face lit up with emotion, her heart lightening considerably. She immediately scooted her chair closer to Qiao Mian.

Across from them, Shi Zhimiao smiled faintly, lowered her head, and continued studying her notes with a pen, refraining from making any snide remarks at Tang Wuyun’s expense.

Qiao Mian held up a hand to stop Tang Wuyun’s approach. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Don’t get too close, or your CP fans will lose it.”

Tang Wuyun protested softly, “What CP? That’s nonsense.”

Ever since the incident during last night’s livestream, her relationship with Shi Shuwu had become hopelessly entangled in the eyes of their fans.

It was mainly because of that Weibo post she had made back then.

Tang Wuyun sighed and patted her cheeks.

Ah, the momentary thrill of acting crazy—it only lasts a moment.

Qiao Mian laughed. “I’m just concerned about the fans. What does your ‘CP’ have to do with it?”

Tang Wuyun choked, momentarily at a loss for words.

Shi Zhimiao suddenly interjected, “She’s probably just preoccupied with her own thoughts.”

“I wasn’t thinking about Shi Shuwu at all!” Tang Wuyun retorted, her voice barely audible.

The water nearly made her blush again.

Qiao Mian steered the conversation back on track. “By the way, the others aren’t as easy to deal with as I am. You’d better watch your step.”

Understanding Qiao Mian’s underlying meaning, Tang Wuyun nodded solemnly. Qiao Mian wasn’t just talking about ‘coaxing’ in the literal sense of ‘coaxing’ (coaxing).

Qiao Mian was warning her to be wary of others trying to sabotage her, especially those with more seniority and petty grudges.

Yesterday, when Tang Wuyun had searched for information about herself on Shi Shuwu’s phone, she’d noticed some people already subtly criticizing her on various programs.

A simple apology probably wouldn’t suffice; the others had no reason to cut her any slack.

Tang Wuyun rubbed her face in frustration, realizing she had brought this trouble upon herself.

At least this situation is ten thousand times better than being replaced, she silently consoled herself.

Shi Zhimiao subtly raised her gaze, discreetly studying Tang Wuyun’s expression. Seeing her dejected look, Shi Zhimiao smiled dismissively, her lips curling into an indifferent smirk.

It was now clear that Tang Wuyun’s erratic behavior stemmed from a specific reason.

Anyone who truly cared about Tang Wuyun could sense something was amiss. If she were willing to explain herself and sincerely apologize, most people would likely give her a chance to be forgiven—unless she refused to say anything at all.

As for those she had already offended, there was no need to dwell on it after apologizing. After all, she had already crossed them, and if they refused to forgive her, she would simply have to bear the consequences.

Besides, to put it bluntly, the relationship hadn’t been good to begin with. If they refused to forgive her, so be it. What could she do about it?

And if anyone truly wanted to sabotage Tang Wuyun, there was little to worry about.

Shi Zhimiao considered this for a moment before reminding her, “You’re signed with my company now. What are you afraid of?”

There was no need to worry about anyone deliberately trying to harm her.

Tang Wuyun had already done what she did. Though Shi Zhimiao didn’t know her exact motives, she could tell Tang Wuyun was trying to make amends. Whenever the topic came up, she immediately adopted a humble and apologetic demeanor.

Coupled with Pei Yinxi’s warning from the previous night, Shi Zhimiao found it impossible to remain hardened.

Tang Wuyun’s head was buzzing, her face filled with disbelief. “Huh?!”

Sign with what company?!

Shi Zhimiao frowned. “Why are you acting so confused?”

A while ago, Tang Wuyun had come to sign up for this variety show herself, even asking the director to tell Shi Zhimiao that she would sign a contract with her company after filming the first episode. Then she’d cut off contact again, making herself impossible to reach.

That blind confidence—her attitude that Shi Zhimiao would definitely sign her—had nearly driven Shi Zhimiao mad with anger.

Yet she hadn’t refused…

Now, Shi Zhimiao had prepared the contract and personally brought it here, expecting Tang Wuyun to sign it.

And Tang Wuyun was pulling this act? Pretending she knew nothing about it?

Qiao Mian, standing nearby, perked up her ears and began acting like a transparent person.

Sensing the displeasure in Shi Zhimiao’s tone, Tang Wuyun shook her head blankly. “Ah… no!”

She scrambled for an explanation. “I… I’m just… overwhelmed with joy! Yes, joy!”

Her mind was in turmoil. Someone tell me! What has that soul-swapped imposter been doing while I was gone?!

Shi Zhimiao set down her pen, narrowed her eyes, and crossed her arms. “Is that so? It doesn’t look like it.”

Tang Wuyun scratched her cheek and forced a dry laugh. “I just suddenly realized I’m living off someone else’s success, and my brain short-circuited from the excitement.”

She had once turned down Shi Zhimiao’s invitation.

Back then, she was too young and headstrong, worried people would say she was getting opportunities through connections. She insisted on making a name for herself through her own efforts.

But now…

Tang Wuyun’s smile relaxed, and she added with genuine sincerity, “I’m truly thrilled to be signing with your company.”

It felt like a bright light had suddenly illuminated her previously dim future.

Though unexpected, Tang Wuyun readily accepted this promising reality, a complete departure from her mindset years ago.

It wasn’t that she felt she had already made a name for herself and no longer needed to worry about such things. Rather, after all this time, her perspective had fundamentally changed.

Shi Zhimiao let out a soft hum. “Good thing you know what’s good for you. I didn’t waste my trip for nothing.”

And this trip had even added to her workload.

“Sign the contract immediately after the show wraps up.”

Thankfully, Tang Wuyun didn’t act foolishly and regret her decision.

“Yes, yes!” Tang Wuyun replied eagerly.

Sensing Shi Zhimiao’s softening attitude toward her, Tang Wuyun thought of Qiao Mian, who had already forgiven her, and felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Shi Zhimiao waved her hand, and the camera crew, who had been keeping their distance, wisely moved closer.

Tang Wuyun was green with envy.

Who understands this? she thought. I have to tell the cameras not to include certain parts, but Shi Zhimiao doesn’t even need to ask. They just stop filming when she starts talking about personal matters.

Tang Wuyun muttered, “The domineering CEO, living up to her reputation.”

Qiao Mian nodded in agreement, equally envious.

Shi Zhimiao awkwardly rubbed her face.

Tang Wuyun always had a way of making her feel self-conscious in normal situations.

Oblivious to their reactions, Tang Wuyun pointed at the props on the table.

“What’s next?”

Qiao Mian shrugged. “I still don’t understand why there are three factions.”

Since they arrived, Shi Zhimiao had been busy organizing clues with her pen, without sharing her findings with her teammates.

Hearing this, Shi Zhimiao pushed the notes she had written toward her two teammates.

“I found a clue that says students from the Four Great Academies are special. They possess unique abilities beyond ordinary comprehension. By extracting time from them, we can condense energy crystals exclusive to the River of Time.”

Tang Wuyun’s eyelid twitched.

The previous information had stated that only those who obtained energy crystals overflowing from the River of Time could become Teachers at the Four Great Academies.

Qiao Mian pondered aloud, slowly analyzing, “The energy crystals on these four Teachers might have been extracted from the Students’ time…”

Tang Wuyun reached out and gently tapped Shi Zhimiao’s circled “time extraction device.”

“No wonder! I suspected something was off when I realized only Teachers could use this device to eliminate the Eliminated. So this is their special ability.”

The Eliminated’s special ability was assimilation, and the Teachers’ special ability was to absorb time to form energy crystals for their own use. But what about the Students?

Tang Wuyun was curious. “What’s the Students’ special ability?”

Shi Zhimiao shook her head. “I don’t know yet. I haven’t found any clues.”

Suddenly, Qiao Mian raised her hand, her eyes shining with excitement. “I know!”

“It’s superpowers! We all have superpowers. The identity information in the spheres we received upon boarding the train had special symbols printed on them. A five-pointed star represents healing-type powers, a triangle represents attack-type powers, and I belong to the healing-type.”

Tang Wuyun’s eyes lit up. “Wow, wow, wow!”

She had thought they were just ordinary students.

Shi Zhimiao said, “I’m an attack-type.”

Tang Wuyun replied, “Me too.”

Qiao Mian smirked mysteriously. “I’m a healing-type. I can cure a Student who’s been assimilated.”

“As for attack-types, once you discover the conditions to eliminate an opponent, you can ignore time and distance within Ephemeral Manor. Fulfill the condition, and the opponent is eliminated.”

“For example, if Shuwu’s elimination condition was for Tang Wuyun to streak in front of her, Tang Wuyun could eliminate her by doing so.”

“Hey, hey, hey!” Tang Wuyun waved her hand in front of Qiao Mian. “Why are you being so crude?”

Streaking? Seriously?

Qiao Mian shrugged. “It was just an example. Why are you getting so worked up?”

Tang Wuyun retorted, “Then why don’t you streak in front of Shuwu?”

Qiao Mian pointed to herself. “Me? That’s Shuwu! Of course I wouldn’t. Otherwise, you’d get worked up again.”

Shi Zhimiao: “……”

Tang Wuyun: “……”

Tang Wuyun choked completely, while Qiao Mian’s heart swelled with satisfaction. She deliberately taunted, “You said you wouldn’t say anything, right? So stripping in front of Shi Shuwu would be perfect for you.”

Shi Zhimiao sighed, pressing her hand to her forehead in exasperation. The conversation had veered completely off course.

“Who’s stripping in front of me?” Shi Shuwu’s bewildered voice floated down from the wall behind Tang Wuyun.

All three women looked up simultaneously.

They had gathered at the courtyard of their lodging from the previous night, where a table and chairs provided a convenient spot for discussion.

The wall behind them stood two meters high.

Shi Shuwu had placed her hands on the wall, hoisted herself up as the others turned, and now sat perched on top, her gaze meeting Tang Wuyun’s from above.

“It’s Tang Wuyun,” Qiao Mian answered.

Tang Wuyun: “……”

Shi Shuwu brushed imaginary dust off her hands, then asked somewhat awkwardly, “Even variety shows don’t go this far, do they?”

Hearing Shi Shuwu’s question, and confirming she hadn’t overheard their earlier conversation, Shi Zhimiao lowered her head to hide her mischievous grin.

Tang Wuyun’s face darkened with irritation. “Why did you suddenly climb the wall?”

Shi Shuwu answered honestly, “I suddenly heard your voices and got curious.”

She had simply been passing by, with no ulterior motive.

Tang Wuyun pointed toward the main gate. “Couldn’t you just use the door?”

It wasn’t far—just a slight detour.

Shi Shuwu waved her hand. “I just came from that way. Pei Yinxi, Ji Mingyin, and Luo Xiting are all at the entrance. My current identity is too risky; going there would be like walking into a trap.”

Qiao Mian was surprised. “What are they doing at the gate?”

Shi Shuwu narrowed her eyes, smiled, and pointed at them. “Guess?”

Shi Zhimiao immediately grew wary. There was no back door here. If they were all at the gate, their intentions were obvious.

If the invaders could win by assimilating everyone, the Teachers’ presence meant they had no chance—unless the students’ special abilities remained usable after assimilation. In that case, the students could use their unique attacks to eliminate the Teachers.

The Teachers’ Time Absorption Device was ostensibly meant only for invaders, but in reality, students couldn’t escape it either. Otherwise, where would the energy crystals on the Teachers’ bodies come from?

The three exchanged glances. Tang Wuyun’s mind raced for a few seconds before she glanced at Shi Shuwu on the wall. With a determined look, she declared, “Let’s climb the wall!”

Without hesitation, the three began gathering their belongings from the table.

The ignored Shi Shuwu voiced her dissatisfaction.

“So, why did Tang Wuyun have to run around naked in front of me?”

“Tang Wuyun, have you gone completely insane?”

Shi Shuwu suddenly realized that Tang Wuyun might still like her—in a rather twisted way.

Tang Wuyun, her face flushed crimson, turned back and shouted, “Stop talking!”

“Aren’t you embarrassed?” Shi Shuwu blinked. “You were the one who started acting perverted.”

Tang Wuyun frantically stuffed prop cards into her pocket while hastily explaining, “That was just an example!”

Shi Shuwu’s expression turned disdainful. “Even your examples are this twisted?”

Beside them, Qiao Mian’s shoulders trembled with laughter.

Sorry, sisters. I didn’t know Shi Shuwu was behind the wall, let alone that she’d hear that.

Tang Wuyun was speechless, choking on her words.

She took a deep breath, abandoning the topic, and reached out to Shi Shuwu. “Give me a hand.”

Without hesitation, Shi Shuwu pulled Tang Wuyun up.

Then came Qiao Mian, followed by Shi Zhimiao. All three were hoisted up by Shi Shuwu.

Qiao Mian couldn’t resist praising, “You’re so strong! What arm strength!”

Flattered, Shi Shuwu instinctively glanced at Tang Wuyun.

Tang Wuyun paused, then nodded emphatically. “Amazing!”

The corners of Shi Shuwu’s lips curved slightly, her smug expression impossible to hide. She nodded back at Qiao Mian, replying, “Mm-hmm.”

Tang Wuyun’s lips curved into a smile as she jumped down from the wall. “I wonder if they’ll turn our wall-climbing footage into memes after this episode airs.”

Fans always found ways to make things entertaining.

Hearing this, Shi Zhimiao’s expression stiffened almost imperceptibly.

Her image…

Ah, well, never mind.

Shi Shuwu followed them down. “Aren’t you afraid of me?” she asked, noticing they weren’t on guard.

Tang Wuyun shook her head. “We just separated. You couldn’t have found that device so quickly.”

Qiao Mian laughed dismissively. “What’s there to fear? If it comes down to it, we’ll just give you Tang Wuyun.”

Shi Zhimiao nodded in agreement. That was her thinking too—with two attack-type players, losing Tang Wuyun wouldn’t matter much, just slow them down a bit.

Tang Wuyun: “……”

So, one day, they’d actually use her as a bargaining chip to bribe Shi Shuwu.

Shi Shuwu feigned disgust. “No thanks. She’s a bit… weird.”

Qiao Mian burst out laughing.

Tang Wuyun clenched her fists, gritting her teeth.

Some people just have a way of getting under her skin with a single sentence.

So infuriating!

At that moment, Shi Zhimiao spoke up. “Let’s split up and search for clues separately. Wuyun, you go with Shi Shuwu.”

The situation was now crystal clear.

Tang Wuyun blinked. “Can’t I just go alone?”

Why not?!

Shi Zhimiao offered a flimsy explanation. “Oh, you’re best off with her. Help keep an eye on her every move. Maybe we can follow the trail to find the Teacher’s identity. If we find the Time Absorption Device, we can react immediately.”

It was all nonsense, really. Shi Zhimiao was simply afraid Tang Wuyun would wander off alone and attract a horde of pursuers.

With Shi Shuwu around, the others might be more cautious, wary of her. The Teacher’s faction might even spare Tang Wuyun out of respect for Shi Shuwu’s position.

In truth, anyone with sense would avoid bothering the pair altogether.

Tang Wuyun flashed a professional smile, pointing at Shi Shuwu. “Did you really have to say all that in front of her?”

Shi Shuwu chimed in, “And can’t I just refuse?”

It was obvious these three were planning to monitor her.

Shi Zhimiao patted Tang Wuyun’s shoulder. “It’s fine to say it out loud. You’re clinging to her shamelessly anyway—no need to hide it.”

Then she turned to Shi Shuwu with a polite smile. “You can refuse, but she’s determined to stick to you. I can’t stop her.”

Tang Wuyun’s face darkened with irritation. She’s said it all, hasn’t she?

Qiao Mian couldn’t help but burst into laughter, thoroughly lacking in sympathy.

Sure enough, there’s always something amusing happening around Tang Wuyun.

After Qiao Mian and Shi Zhimiao left, Tang Wuyun and Shi Shuwu found themselves locked in a staring contest.

Shi Shuwu tentatively took a few steps forward.

Footsteps immediately sounded behind her.

Shi Shuwu turned around.

Tang Wuyun instantly stopped in her tracks.

Their eyes met.

Shi Shuwu couldn’t resist asking, “Are you really going to keep following me?”

Is Shi Zhimiao’s advice really this effective?

I guess Tang Wuyun is surprisingly obedient.

Tang Wuyun’s face remained expressionless, her voice flat. “Yes, I’m a pervert.”

Hearing this, Shi Shuwu bit her tongue hard. As she turned away, her composure completely crumbled, a smile she couldn’t suppress spreading across her face.

Tang Wuyun secretly pumped her fist a few times behind Shi Shuwu’s back.

I’m not listening to Shi Zhimiao at all! I’m just after Shi Shuwu’s ridiculously good luck. Her ability to find valuable items is truly unmatched.

Plus, she still has two extra time cards on her.

Tang Wuyun planned to sweet-talk Shi Shuwu into using them for her.

The two walked in silence for a while.

Suddenly, Shi Shuwu asked, “Have you figured out your Student identity’s special ability yet?”

Tang Wuyun scoffed. “Is this your idea of a ‘technique’? It’s so clumsy! Who asks so directly?”

Does she really think I’ll lose my mind just because she’s here? Tang Wuyun muttered, trusting no one now.

Shi Shuwu chuckled, countering, “I asked directly and openly, not trying to trick you.”

But she did want to test the waters.

“Of course I found it. But telling you would scare you to death, so I’ll keep it to myself.”

Tang Wuyun glanced at Shi Shuwu’s bag, her fingers twitching. She seriously considered snatching it and making a run for it.

Shi Shuwu raised an eyebrow. “So it’s something powerful? A real game-changer?”

Tang Wuyun nodded, trying to sound intimidating. “Yeah, the kind that kills invisibly.”

“Maybe as we walk, I’ll just say a word, and some players will be eliminated.”

The moment her words left her lips, Jiang Wenfei’s elimination announcement blared over the loudspeaker.

Jiang Wenfei stumbled out from behind a nearby tree, his eyes wide with disbelief. He stared at Tang Wuyun, clearly having overheard her earlier remark.

“You’re cheating!” he exclaimed. “How are we supposed to play when you can eliminate people with just a word?”

Tang Wuyun: “!”

Her eyes widened in shock. No! That’s not what happened! I’m being framed!

What does this have to do with her? She was just saying things to scare Shi Shuwu!

Shi Shuwu eyed Tang Wuyun thoughtfully, subtly taking a step back.

Tang Wuyun paused for two seconds, then finally relented.

“Okay, fine, you’re right. I did it.”

That’s just how awesome she is.

Tang Wuyun stepped closer to Shi Shuwu, patting her shoulder with a smug grin. She began to put on an act.

“Don’t worry, sis. I’m in a good mood today, so I won’t kill you.”

Jiang Wenfei, who hadn’t gone far, muttered, “So it really is a dating show…”

Shi Shuwu: “……”