Failed to Transmigrate, I’m Back Again - Chapter 41

“So, you really think I’m that cruel?”

Shi Shuwu spoke up, reminding the two women, who were caught up in their argument, that she was standing right at the door.

Tang Wuyun and Lu Ya’s voices abruptly ceased.

They both turned to look at Shi Shuwu.

Tang Wuyun immediately shoved Lu Ya’s shoulder.

With a cold huff, she said, “Go on, ask! Keep asking!”

Lu Ya stumbled back a couple of steps, pursed her lips, and muttered, “You said it yourself…”

Seeing that Lu Ya genuinely didn’t feel embarrassed and was even looking eager to try, Tang Wuyun’s heart skipped a beat. Could Lu Ya actually be shameless enough to ask Shi Shuwu?

Tang Wuyun instantly regretted her words. Glancing sideways at Shi Shuwu, who was looking at her with curiosity, she thought for a moment and then waved her hand dismissively, feigning impatience.

“Forget it, forget it. Just shut up already.” If Lu Ya actually blurts out whatever’s on her mind, how will I ever face anyone again?

Meanwhile, the clueless Shi Shuwu stood with her arms crossed, tilting her head in confusion. “So… what was I supposed to ask?”

When Shi Shuwu asked that question, Tang Wuyun’s heart sank like a stone.

As expected, the moment Shi Shuwu opened her mouth, Lu Ya seized the opportunity to ask her own question.

Shi Shuwu gave the same answer as Tang Wuyun, and her face flushed predictably.

Shi Shuwu hadn’t imagined that even after returning home, she couldn’t escape Tang Wuyun’s attempts to embarrass her.

Having been grilled all the way home, Tang Wuyun had long since achieved a state of perfect composure. She pushed past Lu Ya and strode toward Shi Shuwu, who hadn’t sent her a single message.

Their eyes met. Shi Shuwu’s long lashes fluttered slowly as she thought, Tang Wuyun is staring at me so intently. It looks like she wants to say something.

Before Shi Shuwu could ask what she wanted to say, Tang Wuyun suddenly huffed in displeasure, lowered her head, and dragged her suitcase past her, entering the house without a backward glance.

Shi Shuwu was left utterly bewildered by Tang Wuyun’s actions, her mind a jumble of question marks.

What did I do to upset her?

She had only met Tang Wuyun this morning and hadn’t done anything to upset her.

Lu Ya, who had been observing Tang Wuyun all morning, immediately understood the situation.

As she followed Shi Shuwu inside, Lu Ya thoughtfully waved her phone in front of Shi Shuwu’s face, blinking repeatedly as if to make sure Shi Shuwu got the hint.

Shi Shuwu pondered for a moment, then fell silent.

Could Tang Wuyun be upset that I didn’t text her?

The two slowly entered the living room, where Tang Wuyun was huffing and puffing as she dragged her suitcase up the stairs. Shi Shuwu looked up at her.

Lu Ya leaned closer to Shi Shuwu, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh. “Let me tell you, she checked her phone countless times before coming over. It was driving her crazy!”

Hearing Lu Ya’s whispered conversation below, Tang Wuyun glared down suspiciously. What’s that brat saying about me?

Lu Ya grinned cheerfully at her.

Tang Wuyun’s face hardened. “Hmph.”

Their eyes met briefly, a fleeting connection. Tang Wuyun huffed again, then immediately turned back to dragging her suitcase up the stairs.

In Shi Shuwu’s mind, images kept flashing of Tang Wuyun repeatedly checking her phone, waiting for a message. She even imagined Tang Wuyun muttering angrily at her phone for not receiving a reply.

Shi Shuwu’s eyes sparkled, unable to suppress the secret delight bubbling inside her. She raised a hand to press down on her tightly pursed lips, which were threatening to curve into an uncontrollable smile.

“Where are you staying?” Lu Ya asked, pulling Shi Shuwu back from her wandering thoughts.

Lu Ya grinned mischievously. It wasn’t just her imagination; every time these two appeared together, the atmosphere between them was thick with a sticky-sweet, ambiguous tension.

Shi Shuwu led Lu Ya to a guest bedroom on the first floor and thoughtfully sent her the local delivery address.

Once everything was settled, Lu Ya waved her hand, urging Shi Shuwu to go upstairs. “Alright, alright, hurry up and go check on her. Don’t worry about me—I’ll just watch TV in the living room for a while.”

Shi Shuwu nodded and, as she headed toward the stairs, reminded Lu Ya, “There’s washed fruit on the coffee table, and plenty of snacks in the cabinet below. There should be something you like. And there’s ice cream and drinks in the fridge.”

Lu Ya, feeling relieved, nodded enthusiastically. “Okay, okay.”

I hope Shuwu doesn’t waste any more time here, she thought. She should hurry upstairs. Wuyun must be worried sick.

In Tang Wuyun’s room, Tang Wuyun, who had been listening intently for Shi Shuwu’s arrival, immediately heard the footsteps. Her eyes were fixed on the crack beneath the door.

Through the slightly ajar door, Shi Shuwu’s gaze met Tang Wuyun’s, who was crouched on the floor packing her suitcase. Shi Shuwu paused for a moment before pushing the door open.

Tang Wuyun continued to stare up at her. As Shi Shuwu knelt beside her, she asked, feigning ignorance, “What are you doing here?”

Shi Shuwu smiled, reaching into the suitcase to retrieve Tang Wuyun’s clothes. Her voice was gentle. “I thought you might need some help. You have quite a lot to pack.”

Tang Wuyun’s expression tightened, her voice sharp and defensive. Compared to Shi Shuwu’s near-relocation-level packing, her belongings seemed pitifully few.

Shi Shuwu glanced at Tang Wuyun’s closet, her voice puzzled. “Is this… all you have?”

Tang Wuyun averted her gaze, her voice even. “Dong, I don’t want to go back to get them. Let’s talk about it later.”

Shi Shuwu thought for a moment and agreed. It was only natural that Tang Wuyun wouldn’t want to return.

“It’s fine. You can use mine.”

Her walk-in closet was overflowing with clothes—more than enough for Tang Wuyun. Besides, Tang Wuyun had helped her organize it, so she knew exactly where everything was.

Before Tang Wuyun could object, Shi Shuwu pointed to the adjacent room. “We’ll keep the walk-in closet upstairs for you, for any new clothes you buy in the future.”

Hearing Shi Shuwu offer her clothes, Tang Wuyun felt a secret thrill. But she quickly composed herself, forcing a serious expression. “I don’t need to wear yours. These few pieces are enough for now.”

Tang Wuyun stubbornly refused to mention she could simply order more online. Instead, she pitifully gestured at the meager collection in her closet and insisted it was enough.

Shi Shuwu, as expected, didn’t press the issue. She shook her head, reminding her, “It’s going to get colder soon. These are all summer clothes.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just wear mine. I have plenty I’ve never worn—most of them are brand new.”

Tang Wuyun nodded with feigned reluctance.

“Alright… fine.”

Now that she thought about it, Shi Shuwu hadn’t ignored her messages out of malice or displeasure.

Instead, Shi Shuwu had simply overlooked them.

Tang Wuyun’s heart clenched. She couldn’t decide which was more painful: Shi Shuwu deliberately ignoring her or simply forgetting to reply.

Either way, it left her feeling suffocated.

As she lowered her head in frustration, Shi Shuwu suddenly nudged her with her elbow.

Tang Wuyun looked up, her eyes clear and questioning.

Shi Shuwu smiled brightly and winked. “Yesterday, you were so drunk that you embarrassed both of us. I wanted to see if you’d be too embarrassed to talk to me after you sobered up.”

That’s why she had resisted contacting Tang Wuyun.

She also wanted to see if Tang Wuyun would notice her absence and reach out.

Tang Wuyun stared blankly.

Was Shi Shuwu suddenly explaining herself?

Tang Wuyun blinked in stunned silence, joy erupting in her heart. The relief and happiness overflowing in her widening eyes shattered her carefully maintained composure, instantly animating her face.

“Oh, I see…” Tang Wuyun felt her overthinking, self-doubting heart instantly healed. She couldn’t help but smile. “I didn’t do anything embarrassing to you yesterday, did I?”

Considering how long Tang Wuyun was drunk, it couldn’t have been long. Tang Wuyun felt like nothing had happened, but if something had happened… well, that wouldn’t have been so bad… actually.

Shi Shuwu slowly shook her head.

Tang Wuyun hadn’t done anything, but she had. Did holding Tang Wuyun all night count?

Shi Shuwu fell into deep thought. Would Tan Qingyu scold her again if she found out?

No need to guess—Tan Qingyu would definitely scold her.

While mentally rehearsing how to explain the developments between her and Tang Wuyun to Tan Qingyu, Shi Shuwu helped Tang Wuyun tidy up the room.

Their relationship seemed to be just one step away from something more, but for some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to take that step.

And Tang Wuyun… seemed even more afraid to discuss the matter.

The two tacitly suppressed the issue.

After tidying up, Tang Wuyun proactively asked Shi Shuwu, “What do you want for lunch? I’ll order it through a delivery service and cook it.”

Since she was staying at Shi Shuwu’s place and even wearing her clothes, the least she could do was take care of the meals.

Shi Shuwu raised an eyebrow, stroking her chin in mock contemplation. “Hmm… let me think.”

A few minutes later, after Shi Shuwu finished listing the dishes, Tang Wuyun’s face froze completely.

What’s with the “Clear Broth Cabbage” and “Wensi Tofu”? Shi Shuwu might as well have asked her to die.

She certainly didn’t possess the knife skills to slice tofu into hair-thin strands…

She’d only been bragging before. Who knew Shi Shuwu would actually remember all that?

Shi Shuwu gave Tang Wuyun a knowing smile. “What’s wrong? Can’t make it or don’t know how? Didn’t you say these were your signature dishes?”

Tang Wuyun forced a smile. “Of course I can make them! But… could we maybe have something simpler tonight?”

Shi Shuwu crossed her arms and shook her head, humming softly. “No, I want tofu.”

After a moment’s thought, she pretended to be considerate. “Fine, let’s just have the Clear Broth Cabbage. You can make the tofu, and it’s not like that’s difficult for you.”

Difficult? Difficult! It’s incredibly difficult!

Tang Wuyun wanted to slap her past self senseless.

Fortunately, the two dishes Shi Shuwu listed afterward were ones she could actually make. Under Shi Shuwu’s watchful gaze, Tang Wuyun reluctantly agreed to prepare the tofu.

Fine, she thought. Shi Shuwu just wants me to cook. It’s not like she’s deliberately trying to make things hard for me.

Tang Wuyun followed Shi Shuwu downstairs, her mind racing with ways to save face later.

Maybe I can find a chance to turn the tofu into mush, she thought.

But then she saw Lu Ya, curled up on the sofa, laughing heartily, and thought, Maybe I should just bump Lu Ya’s head a couple of times.

I’ll secretly practice until I’m good enough, then show Shi Shuwu.

Tang Wuyun’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

Lu Ya, meanwhile, felt a chill run down her spine from Tang Wuyun’s intense stare.

She muttered, “Why are you staring at me like that?”

It’s kind of creepy.

Tang Wuyun’s expression betrayed no guilt as she forced a smile. “Just wondering what you want for lunch.”

Lu Ya narrowed her eyes. “You’re definitely plotting something.”

Tang Wuyun: “Looks like you’re not hungry then.”

Shi Shuwu chuckled beside Tang Wuyun and walked over to sit on the sofa.

Lu Ya wrinkled her nose and bared her teeth at Tang Wuyun.

Tang Wuyun crossed her arms and walked past Lu Ya without a glance, settling down next to Shi Shuwu.

Lu Ya: “…………”

Her face twisted into a complex expression.

What do I do? She’s practically glowing right now.

Shi Shuwu’s lips curved into an even wider smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

The errand runner arrived quickly. Tang Wuyun, who claimed to be a master chef, carried the groceries into the kitchen, not forgetting to drag Lu Ya along.

Shi Shuwu followed them into the kitchen and helped wash the vegetables.

Tang Wuyun stood at the cutting board, glancing at Lu Ya repeatedly.

Lu Ya, who was pouring salt into the salt container, grew increasingly uneasy.

“What’s with all the staring? Are you planning to chop me up?” she asked.

Or perhaps Tang Wuyun resented her presence, feeling she was intruding on her alone time with Shi Shuwu?

Only now did Lu Ya realize she was being a third wheel. Wait, but Tang Wuyun insisted I come in, she thought.

Just as Tang Wuyun was about to answer, she noticed Shi Shuwu’s actions out of the corner of her eye and quickly moved to slap her hand.

“These are chili peppers. If you wash them with your bare hands, they’ll burn your skin.”

“Then I’ll wear gloves,” Shi Shuwu replied, shaking the water off her hands. She rubbed her wet fingers twice against the back of Tang Wuyun’s hand, drying them halfway.

Tang Wuyun: “……”

She pressed her lips together, suppressing the urge to smile, and said sternly, “Use a paper towel.”

Shi Shuwu nodded obediently, pulled out a paper towel, and wiped her hands.

Lu Ya, who had been completely ignored, stood to the side, speechless.

Fine, great, perfect.

She meticulously reviewed the footage frame by frame. If she encountered Ji Mingyin, that fervent CP fan, at the upcoming recording, she would definitely leverage every detail of Tang Wuyun and Shi Shuwu’s interactions to extract information from her.

After about twenty minutes of frantic activity, the group finally prepared all the ingredients. Lu Ya, ever perceptive, found an excuse to slip back to the living room.

Now, only a block of tofu remained on the cutting board.

The absurd urge to smash the tofu was utterly impractical. Tang Wuyun stood frozen, knife in hand, caught between advancing and retreating.

Shi Shuwu leaned closer, her crisp voice tinged with amusement as she whispered in Tang Wuyun’s ear, “What’s wrong?”

Tang Wuyun cleared her throat. “Nothing, just… gathering my focus.”

Shi Shuwu observed Tang Wuyun’s expression with keen interest, trying to gauge her true feelings.

Sweating buckets, aren’t you? Pretending to be so skilled.

Shi Shuwu sighed softly and offered Tang Wuyun an out. “Are you just not feeling it today?”

Tang Wuyun seized the opportunity. “Exactly! I’m just not in the zone today.”

“Then how about we try again later?”

Give me some time, and I’ll definitely master this!

Shi Shuwu stopped teasing her and nodded. “Alright, let’s just make pan-fried tofu today.”

Tang Wuyun exhaled in relief, her tension visibly melting away.

“That’s easy!”

She swiftly brought the knife down, fearing Shi Shuwu might change her mind.

Shi Shuwu chuckled softly in her ear.

Tang Wuyun’s heart skipped a beat, feeling as if she had been seen through.

Sure enough, moments later, Shi Shuwu poked her back and said, “So, you were just bluffing before, right?”

Shi Shuwu’s hand slid upward, her fingers gently kneading Tang Wuyun’s nape. “And that ‘thousand cups without a drop’ claim? That was a lie too.”

Tang Wuyun’s body tensed. She pressed her lips tightly together, afraid to speak, her ears flushed crimson as if they might bleed.

Who could stay calm after being exposed for bluffing?!

Shi Shuwu patted Tang Wuyun’s shoulder, who felt like crying but had no tears left.

Suddenly, Shi Shuwu said, “Spending time with you in person has made me realize I only understood a small part of you before.”

The online world and reality truly couldn’t compare.

But she loved both versions.

Tang Wuyun lowered her head, her heart pounding with anxiety.

Was Shi Shuwu disappointed to find she was different in person?

Tang Wuyun’s worries spiraled, her mind once again consumed by self-doubt.

Until she heard Shi Shuwu say, “But that’s okay. We’ll have plenty of time to understand each other better.”

Tang Wuyun’s spirits, which had just plummeted, instantly brightened again.

Tang Wuyun finally spoke, her voice brimming with confidence and fighting spirit: “It’s just tofu! With a few more practice sessions, I guarantee I can slice it as thin as a strand of hair!”

Shi Shuwu poked her playfully, “You stubborn tsundere, always putting on airs.”

Tang Wuyun protested, “I’m serious!”

It’s just one dish, Shi Shuwu thought. If she wants to practice, let her.

Shi Shuwu nodded. “Alright, alright, go for it.”

She wasn’t about to argue with someone so headstrong.

Shi Shuwu stayed with Tang Wuyun while she prepared lunch, snapping several photos along the way and sending them to Luo Zhuo and Tan Qingyu.

Halfway through lunch, Luo Zhuo replied.

Luo Zhuo: Huh? Isn’t that your kitchen? What’s Tang Wuyun doing there?

Luo Zhuo: I get it now. This is why you didn’t want me to come over, right?

Luo Zhuo: Does Sister Tan know you two are living together now?

Shi Shuwu’s hand trembled as she read the messages.

Crap, I forgot to tell them Tang Wuyun’s staying with me!

She quickly exited her chat with Luo Zhuo and opened her conversation with Tan Qingyu, but the messages couldn’t be recalled.

Shi Shuwu panicked for a moment before quickly regaining her composure.

Well, it’s not a big deal… right?

A few minutes later, Shi Shuwu successfully answered Tan Qingyu’s video call, which felt like a barrage.

Shi Shuwu held up her phone, her expression hesitant.

Tang Wuyun and Lu Ya simultaneously looked up at her.

Tang Wuyun asked curiously, “Who is it?”

Shi Shuwu’s face tightened. “Sister Tan, my manager.”

Lu Ya tilted her head. “Then why haven’t you answered yet?”

A call from her manager likely meant work-related matters.

Shi Shuwu glanced at Tang Wuyun, whose clear eyes held a hint of blankness.

Shi Shuwu sighed and lowered her head, shaking her phone to signal the others. “I forgot to tell her Tang Wuyun was staying here.”

After a pause, she added, “But she knows now.”

Tang Wuyun: “……”

Lu Ya’s eyes lit up instantly. “Ooh-hoo!”

This is going to be good!

So it wasn’t about work after all, but a confrontation.

Normal, normal. Young couples always face some hurdles before getting together.

Tang Wuyun bit down hard on her chopsticks, her heart racing with anxiety.

Judging by Shi Shuwu’s earlier reaction, Tan Qingyu seemed deeply displeased with her.

What to do? The other party is Shi Shuwu’s manager. This is tricky.

After warning the two women, Shi Shuwu answered the call.

Tan Qingyu glared at the camera, gritting her teeth. “Shi! Shu! Wu!”

Shi Shuwu blinked, her expression innocent. “Yes?”

Fearing Tan Qingyu’s emotional outburst and potentially harsh words, Shi Shuwu swiftly switched the camera to the dining table.

As expected, upon seeing Lu Ya and Tang Wuyun’s hands visible on the screen, Tan Qingyu’s voice softened considerably. However, she cut straight to the chase: “Tell me honestly, what’s the situation between you two? What’s your relationship?”

Two days apart, and they’re already living together?!

Tan Qingyu felt like asking this question was utterly pointless!

Shi Shuwu replied calmly, “Landlord and tenant.”

Tan Qingyu froze for a moment. What?

If she hadn’t clearly heard the words “landlord” and “tenant,” Tan Qingyu would have doubted her hearing.

Relieved that they weren’t living together as a couple, Tan Qingyu breathed a sigh of relief. But then she realized: They’re already living together—what’s the difference between that and dating?

Tan Qingyu’s teeth itched with frustration. She never imagined Tang Wuyun’s tactics could be so brazen—moving straight into Shi Shuwu’s home!

Tan Qingyu took a deep breath. At this rate, she felt like these two would be married before long.

Forget it, she thought. I should focus on the PR draft.

With Tang Wuyun and Lu Ya by Shi Shuwu’s side, Tan Qingyu couldn’t even bring herself to scold Shi Shuwu. She was seething with anger at Shi Shuwu’s desperate attempts to win Tang Wuyun over.

Tan Qingyu finally managed to squeeze out, “I can’t even be bothered to talk to you.”

What’s so great about Tang Wuyun anyway? What does Shi Shuwu even see in her…?

Ugh, this is so frustrating.

Shi Shuwu chuckled lightly. “Sister Tan, have you eaten yet?”

Tang Wuyun leaned closer, craning her neck to peek at Shi Shuwu’s phone screen. Tan Qingyu was taking a large gulp of water.

Tan Qingyu slammed down her glass, glaring. “Eat? Who can eat when they’re this angry?”

Tang Wuyun immediately recoiled, pouting.

So scary, so scary.

Why hasn’t my manager contacted me yet? Did she forget about me, or just not remember?

No matter. It’s better if she doesn’t remember. I don’t want to face the manager’s ‘baptism’ so soon.

Shi Shuwu exchanged a few more words with Tan Qingyu, finally managing to calm her down.

Just before hanging up, Tan Qingyu suddenly asked, “Have you called your mother recently?”

Shi Shuwu blinked, momentarily stunned. “…Huh?”

Hearing the hesitation in Shi Shuwu’s voice, Tan Qingyu clicked her tongue and shook her head. “If you don’t start reaching out to her and building a relationship, she’ll want to chop you into pieces once she finds out you’re chasing after her.”

Tan Qingyu chuckled mischievously and hung up immediately.

Tang Wuyun was even more bewildered.

Chasing after her? What’s she talking about?

Lu Ya perked up her ears, pretending to be engrossed in her meal. In reality, she was screaming internally: So, in the eyes of Shi Shuwu’s friends, I’m the one chasing after Tang Wuyun?!

What does this mean?!

It means Shi Shuwu came here specifically to pursue Tang Wuyun!

I told Tang Wuyun this before! But she didn’t believe me!

Lu Ya lowered her head, her eyes darting furtively between the two women, her heart pounding with excitement.

I have to share this major discovery with my sister later!

It was rare to see Shi Shuwu looking so troubled, her face clouded with worry, likely because Tan Qingyu had mentioned her mother.

Tang Wuyun opened her mouth, hesitated, and closed it again. “You…”

Shi Shuwu put down her phone and turned to look at her.

“What’s wrong?”

Tang Wuyun pressed her lips together and shook her head. “Nothing, it’s nothing.”

She couldn’t possibly admit she’d been thinking too far ahead, wondering if Shi Shuwu’s mother disapproved of her daughter’s attraction to women and would never accept their relationship.

Good heavens, I’m really getting ahead of myself.