My Virtual Wife Stepped Out of My Phone to Find Me - Chapter 30

One Saturday a week later, Xia Ruoxin drove Qi Ying to Shi Yu’s birthday party.

Shi Yu’s birthday celebration was held at her family home. The two had thought they arrived early since they came straight after closing the shop, but when they reached the villa district, they found both the entrance and courtyard already crowded with guests.

Women wore elegant evening gowns while men were dressed in formal suits. Even the servants standing at the villa’s entrance wore exceptionally proper attire.

Xia Ruoxin glanced at their casual outfits and said, “I told you we should dress up. Looking like this, people might mistake us for trash collectors.”

Qi Ying looked down at her jeans and frowned. “Maybe we should just drop off the gift and leave.”

Xia Ruoxin said gleefully, “Do you really think you can escape now?”

Qi Ying shot her a look.

“A-Ying!”

Shi Yu’s voice rang out from the courtyard. Looking up, they saw Shi Yu emerge before the crowd wearing the birthday dress Qi Ying had designed. The champagne-colored fabric complemented her rosy complexion, her slender waist cinched tightly. The exaggerated bow didn’t appear out of place at all, and combined with her exquisite makeup and hairstyle, she looked breathtakingly beautiful.

All eyes turned to Shi Yu, captivated by the stunning young heiress.

Holding up her skirt, Shi Yu descended the steps and walked gracefully toward Qi Ying.

“You came,” Shi Yu smiled at her. “I thought you might stand me up today.”

Qi Ying lowered her gaze and said calmly, “There was some traffic, so we’re a bit late. This is your gift. Happy birthday.”

Xia Ruoxin understandingly handed over the gift bag.

But to everyone’s surprise, Shi Yu didn’t even glance at Xia Ruoxin. Instead, she grabbed Qi Ying’s hand and said cheerfully, “Since it’s your first time at my home, A-Ying, let me show you around!”

Before Qi Ying could react, Shi Yu had already pulled her away, leaving Xia Ruoxin awkwardly holding the gift bag before sheepishly putting it down and scratching her nose as she slunk into the villa.

Shi Yu’s home was truly enormous—a three-story villa with a massive courtyard. Even outdoors, five air conditioners were positioned to cool the area, ensuring the elaborately dressed guests wouldn’t feel too warm.

Upon entering the first floor, one was greeted by a staircase extending from the second floor like a fashion show runway. The living room was spacious and luxurious, featuring not just a buffet but even a hired pianist. The elegant music and atmosphere felt novel to Qi Ying—she’d never seen such grandeur before.

Noticing Qi Ying’s admiration, Shi Yu pinched her skirt and held her wrist, whispering in her ear, “Want to see my room?”

Qi Ying gave her a wary look.

Shi Yu’s eyes curved with amusement. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I want to show you my walk-in closet—it’s full of dresses from other designers. And I feel like today’s outfit isn’t quite right. I need your fashion advice.”

While entering a girl’s bedroom might normally be nothing special, stepping into Shi Yu’s room was an entirely different matter.

Qi Ying broke free from Shi Yu’s grasp, taking a step back as she said, “Miss Shi, you already look beautiful today. I don’t think you need my advice.”

Noticing the distance between them, Shi Yu grew visibly displeased and reached out to grab Qi Ying again, only for her to dodge once more.

Shi Yu’s face flushed red with frustration as she stood there, casting a resentful look at Qi Ying.

Clearing her throat, Qi Ying said, “I should go check where Ruo Xin went. Your house is so big—wouldn’t want her to get lost.”

Shi Yu stomped her foot in annoyance and called out, “A-Ying!” But Qi Ying quickly turned and walked away. Shi Yu wanted to chase after her, but just then, other familiar guests approached, forcing her to reluctantly greet them while watching helplessly as Qi Ying slipped away.

Stepping out of the main hall, Qi Ying found Xia Ruoxin enjoying the buffet in the courtyard.

With a stern expression, she walked over and asked coldly, “Aren’t you supposed to be a rich kid too? Why are you acting like you’ve never seen food before?”

Startled by Qi Ying’s sudden appearance, Xia Ruoxin offered her plate. “Try this roasted squab—it’s amazing! I wonder which restaurant made it. I’d love to buy a few.”

Qi Ying ignored the offer and instead sat down on a nearby bench.

Xia Ruoxin quickly grabbed a few more dishes before floating over to join her. Between bites, she sighed, “Look at this courtyard, how beautiful it is! And this mansion—if you just accepted Shi Yu’s advances, you wouldn’t have to lift a finger for the rest of your life!”

Qi Ying rolled her eyes. “Want this ‘blessing’ for yourself?”

Xia Ruoxin burst into laughter, stuffing two more mini cakes into her mouth. Qi Ying couldn’t be bothered to respond.

For some reason, Shi Yu remained occupied and didn’t seek out Qi Ying again until the birthday banquet began at 7 p.m.

When the banquet started, the staff ushered the courtyard guests into the first floor. Qi Ying and Xia Ruoxin, arriving late, ended up at the very back of the crowd.

The soft melodies of piano and violin filled the air as Shi Yu, dressed in a champagne-colored gown, appeared at the top of the staircase alongside a middle-aged woman in a qipao. The resemblance between them suggested they were mother and daughter.

Shi Yu’s gaze swept over the crowd, instantly spotting Qi Ying. She flashed her a gentle smile before descending the stairs with her mother, graceful and composed.

Thunderous applause erupted from the guests, and Qi Ying joined in.

Lifting the hem of her dress, Shi Yu stood poised like a goddess overlooking mortals, radiating confidence without a trace of nervousness before so many guests.

The lights, the music, every eye in the room—all were fixed on Shi Yu.

Tonight, she was the star.

The scene left Qi Ying awestruck. As she studied Shi Yu’s elegant features, a sudden thought struck her: How breathtaking would Xing Xiaochu look if she were standing there in a dress Qi Ying had designed?

That timid, insecure girl—what if one day she could shine as brilliantly as Shi Yu, wearing Qi Ying’s creations and basking in the admiration of a crowd?

Just how beautiful would Xing Xiaochu be then?

Qi Ying’s heart was unsettled by her own thoughts. She stared blankly at Shi Yu descending the steps slowly, imagining her as Xiao Chu. It was as if she could see that timid child giving her a gentle smile before lifting her skirt and walking toward her step by step.

Xia Ruoxin stood in the crowd watching Shi Yu and sighed, “The clothes you designed are so beautiful. I think we should take this chance to advertise—maybe we can get more orders. What do you think?”

But when Xia Ruoxin turned her head, Qi Ying, who had been standing beside her, was gone.

Even after logging into the game, Qi Ying’s emotions hadn’t settled.

She stared at her own front door, took a few deep breaths, and finally unlocked it.

As soon as she opened the door, she saw Guazi playing with a small plush fish on the sofa. The kitten meowed excitedly at the sight of Qi Ying, hesitating whether to jump down from the couch.

Xiao Chu heard the noise and came out of the kitchen, holding a spatula in one hand and wearing a brown lace-trimmed apron. Her dark, bright eyes widened in disbelief as she asked in confusion, “Sister? Didn’t you say you had something to do tonight and wouldn’t be coming home?”

Qi Ying strode over to Xiao Chu and, without caring about the spatula in her hand, pulled her into a tight embrace.

Xiao Chu was startled, raising the spatula high in surprise. “Sister, what’s wrong?”

“I’m fine.” Qi Ying held Xiao Chu’s shoulders, her eyes shining with unconcealable excitement. “Xiao Chu,” she said, “you should become a celebrity!”

Xiao Chu: “!!!”

Qi Ying cupped her face, gazing at her naturally stunning beauty, and declared confidently, “You be the star, and I’ll be your designer.”

The empty living room was bathed in bright light, the once-noisy crowd now gone, leaving only a mess behind.

Shi Yu sat on the steps in her beautiful gown, cradling a bottle of red wine and a wineglass, drinking without a care for her image.

Earlier that night, as she descended the stairs, she had seen the sparkle in Qi Ying’s eyes as she watched her. Shi Yu had been overjoyed, her heart leaping with excitement, a shy smile blooming on her face.

She thought, Qi Ying must have fallen for me.

After all, who wouldn’t love a girl who was rich, powerful, beautiful, and utterly devoted?

But Shi Yu never expected that in the next second, Qi Ying would suddenly turn and run away, vanishing around the corner without a word.

Throughout the entire birthday party, Shi Yu had been distracted. Even the speeches from her parents and friends went in one ear and out the other—her mind replaying the moment Qi Ying had turned and fled after seeing her radiant self.

How humiliating!

Shi Yu tilted her head back and took a swig of wine, sobbing pitifully.

She had been a princess all her life. This was the first time she had ever liked someone—how could that person just walk away without a second thought?

“Qi Ying, you’re such a jerk!” Shi Yu cried angrily. “You heartless woman!”

“After I planned to introduce you at my birthday party… You were staring at me like you were mesmerized! Why did you just leave?!”

“What about me isn’t good enough for you?! I’m rich, I’m beautiful, I’ve been chasing after you so passionately—and you couldn’t even give me a little face?!”

“Qi Ying, Qi Ying you bastard! If I ever like you again, I’m a dog!”

Xia Ruoxin walked into the living room, hearing Shi Yu cursing her friend from afar. She rubbed her ears awkwardly while looking at Shi Yu, who was sprawled on the steps drinking red wine, then walked over helplessly.

Noticing someone approaching, Shi Yu lifted her tearful gaze, only to look away disinterestedly upon recognizing Xia Ruoxin.

Xia Ruoxin placed the bag beside Shi Yu and said, “Happy birthday, Miss Shi. Your gift is here—take it if you want, or toss it if you don’t. You probably don’t need it anyway. I’ll be going now.”

“Wait.”

Shi Yu stopped her, slurring drunkenly, “Don’t go. Come here. Stay and help me curse Qi Ying.”

Xia Ruoxin hesitated. “That’s not right. She is my friend, after all.”

Shi Yu replied, “I’ll pay you.”

Xia Ruoxin immediately plopped down beside her. “How do you want me to curse her?”

Shi Yu handed her the wine. “Drink with me. Ten thousand for one bottle, twenty for two. If you can down five, I’ll give you a million straight up.”

That generous?

Though not short on money, Xia Ruoxin wasn’t about to turn it down. Besides, she couldn’t help feeling sorry for the girl—heartbroken on her birthday, no less. Her sympathy flared up as she took the wine. “Fine, I’ll drink with you.”

The next morning, waking up to an unfamiliar ceiling and the person lying beside her, Xia Ruoxin realized one thing: people really shouldn’t drink too much.