Secretly Seducing the Third Female Lead Behind the System’s Back - Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Stupid System!

That night, Jiang Yisheng lay on her bed, staring out the window, thinking about everything that had happened that day.

The novel hadn’t mentioned anything about Jiang Yisheng’s assistant, but in this world, every person felt vividly real to her.

Everyone that had only been glossed over with a few words in the novel now had flesh and bl00d.

“Hello, Jiang Yisheng.”

Suddenly, a deep male voice sounded, startling her.

Jiang Yisheng looked around, but saw nothing.

She hurriedly turned on all the lights in the room and curled up under the blanket, ready to call 116 at any moment.

“Welcome to the world of the novel Destined Love. How are you adjusting so far?” the voice came again.

Jiang Yisheng blinked: “You’re… the system?”

“You can call me that.”

“No, seriously, I’ve been here for days. I thought there wasn’t going to be a system. Why are you only showing up now?” Jiang Yisheng asked.

“Uh, sorry, I’ve been a bit busy lately… kind of forgot about you,” the system said honestly.

“Forgot?!” Jiang Yisheng was stunned. “You’re way too casual!”

“But I saw you were having a great time,” the system replied.

“Well, of course. Who wouldn’t be happy with money?” Jiang Yisheng shrugged.

The system chuckled. “I hope my arrival doesn’t ruin your happiness. From now on, you’ll be receiving missions from me at any time. Please complete them as instructed.”

“What kind of missions? What happens if I don’t complete them?” Jiang Yisheng’s biggest fear was being forcibly sent back—anything else, she could handle.

“Your role is the female supporting character. Your mission is to test the main couple’s relationship and ensure they overcome the obstacles and end up together. I’ll tell you the specifics as they come up. If you don’t complete a mission, you’ll be punished with an electric shock.”

Jiang Yisheng sat up straight. “Will it hurt?”

“Yes.”

Great. Spoke too soon. She was scared of that too.

Jiang Yisheng had always been terrified of pain. Even a simple injection could make her cry in secret.

“You can ask me anything if you have questions.”

“Why did I transmigrate just from reading a novel? Was I specifically chosen?” Jiang Yisheng wanted to understand the reason behind her being transported into the book.

“Sorry, I can’t tell you that right now. Just enjoy your rich girl life and complete a few missions along the way.”

“When will I be able to go back?”

“Can’t tell you that either.”

Jiang Yisheng tugged at the corner of her mouth. “So what can you tell me? What’s the point of asking questions?”

“I won’t disturb your rest any longer. I’ll send you missions anytime, so please cooperate.”

After saying that, the system went silent.

Jiang Yisheng lay in bed, pouting. She didn’t like the system. She didn’t like being bound by tasks.

But there was nothing she could do—when under someone else’s roof, you have to keep your head down.

She yawned and quickly drifted off to sleep.

—

The next day, Jiang Yisheng was attending a meeting on behalf of Yujiang Corporation.

Of course, she woke up late again. In the car, Zhang Tao reminded her of a few important things about the meeting.

Jiang Yisheng started nodding off again while listening. Half-asleep, she vaguely heard Zhang Tao say that Bai Chu would also be attending.

Her eyes snapped open. “Bai Chu-jie is going too?”

“Yes.”

“Great! Can I sit next to her?”

“Probably not. The seating was arranged in advance,” Zhang Tao said, glancing at the rearview mirror. “But your seats aren’t far apart.”

“That’s fine then.” Jiang Yisheng rubbed her neck.

She blamed the system for keeping her up all night with dreams about missions. She was completely out of energy this morning.

Holding the coffee Zhang Tao had just bought for her, she walked into the meeting venue, not thinking much—just following Zhang Tao.

Still half-asleep, she rode the elevator and spotted He Youran.

“Good morning, Director Jiang,” He Youran greeted her.

“Morning, Youran,” Jiang Yisheng yawned again.

The elevator was packed, but no one bumped into her. It was going all the way up to the 36th floor, so she figured she could catch a quick nap.

“Spill your coffee on He Youran,” the system’s voice suddenly sounded, scaring her wide awake.

She looked at He Youran’s perfectly neat suit and glared at the system. “Are you serious?”

In an instant, all eyes in the elevator were on her.

Jiang Yisheng forced a smile, gripping her coffee tighter. She thought angrily, That’s just evil. I’m not doing it.

The elevator reached the 36th floor, and her coffee remained firmly in her hand.

She lifted her chin proudly: Hah, piece of cake.

As they walked out of the elevator, Jiang Yisheng suddenly tripped—who knows by whom—and the coffee flew from her hand, spilling all over He Youran’s back.

She gasped.

“S-Sorry! I didn’t mean to!” Jiang Yisheng stammered in panic, quickly asking Zhang Tao to get tissues.

He Youran took off her suit jacket, now in just a white shirt, and smiled. “It’s alright, Director Jiang.”

No wonder she’s the female lead. She’s beautiful, kind, and gracious.

Jiang Yisheng was genuinely moved.

The next second, Bai Chu appeared.

“What happened?” she asked, noticing He Youran’s wet jacket.

“I’m so sorry. I got tripped and accidentally spilled coffee on Youran,” Jiang Yisheng apologized.

“You still have to present later. Wear mine,” Bai Chu said, taking off her own jacket and helping He Youran put it on.

Watching this, Jiang Yisheng narrowed her eyes and scoffed inwardly.

Eh. The female lead is only average in looks, kindness, and grace, really.

All three headed to the meeting room, which was large. Jiang Yisheng sat in the first row, Bai Chu in the third, and He Youran in the seventh. An Hao sat by the window in the third row, some distance away.

Still exhausted, Jiang Yisheng planned to nap before the meeting started, but everyone kept greeting her, and she had to smile and respond politely—impossible to sleep.

Once the meeting began, she finally got some peace and started secretly dozing off like she was back in high school.

Some time passed when she heard her name.

“Director Jiang?”

She opened her eyes, dazed, and saw He Youran on stage looking at her. Everyone in the room was watching her.

“Huh?” She had no idea what was going on.

The host continued, “Since this is Director He’s first time presenting, I’m sure Director Jiang would like to share a few encouraging words. Please welcome Director Jiang.”

A microphone was handed to her.

Jiang Yisheng snapped awake. She had no idea what was said—she hadn’t been listening!

But she calmly took the mic and said, “After listening to Youran’s presentation, I’m deeply moved. The industry needs a constant influx of new talent to stay vibrant and evolve. In Youran, I see vitality and the future of this field.”

The room erupted in applause.

She let out a huge sigh of relief.

So did Bai Chu in the back.

When Jiang Yisheng didn’t speak right away, people had begun whispering that she was trying to embarrass He Youran. Bai Chu had gotten nervous.

But once Jiang Yisheng sincerely praised He Youran, Bai Chu relaxed. She really isn’t a bad person.

After the meeting, Jiang Yisheng was starving and turned toward Bai Chu.

To her surprise, Bai Chu also looked over at her.

She rushed over and smiled brightly. “Bai Chu-jie, do you have time for lunch? I’m starving!”

Bai Chu packed up her documents and looked up. “What do you want to eat?”

“Let’s eat at the Western restaurant downstairs from your office!” Jiang Yisheng said excitedly.

As she spoke, her eyes darted to Bai Chu’s left wrist.

Seeing the bracelet was still there, she felt completely satisfied.

They walked out of the meeting room.

“Wait for me. I need the restroom,” said Jiang Yisheng.

“Okay, I’ll wash my hands too.”

While Bai Chu was at the sink, a pair of women exited a stall, whispering, “I heard Jiang Yisheng spilled coffee all over He Youran this morning. Then she pretended to be all righteous during the meeting. Everyone knows they’re love rivals—it was totally on purpose.”

Bai Chu turned around and glared at them. The two women immediately shut up.

“Too bad that coffee didn’t spill on you two instead,” Bai Chu said coldly.

They fled without even washing their hands.

Soon after, Jiang Yisheng came out and looked nervously at Bai Chu.

“Why didn’t you wash your hands?” Bai Chu asked.

Jiang Yisheng stuck her hands under the automatic faucet but kept her eyes on Bai Chu. “Bai Chu-jie, I swear I didn’t do it on purpose this morning. Do you believe me?”

“I do,” Bai Chu answered immediately. “Come on, weren’t you starving?”

“Yes!” Jiang Yisheng chirped.

—

He Youran returned Bai Chu’s jacket, now wearing An Hao’s instead.

We really are all just NPCs in the main couple’s love story, Jiang Yisheng sighed inwardly.

“Congratulations on completing the coffee-spill mission. Keep up the good work!” said the system.

Get lost, Jiang Yisheng cursed in her heart.

Downstairs, Zhang Tao was waiting, but when she saw Jiang Yisheng walking out with Bai Chu, Jiang Yisheng motioned for her not to come over, making silly faces.

Zhang Tao had no choice but to back off.

“Want to take my car?” Bai Chu asked.

“Yes yes yes!” Jiang Yisheng nodded eagerly.

She got in the passenger seat, adjusted the seatbelt, then finally buckled up.

The car smelled nice.

She looked around—no tacky decorations, just a break-glass emergency tool shaped like a car phone card.

If I could be with Bai Chu, she thought, I’d put a pink stuffed animal back here, and maybe a sticker on the seatbelt…

Wait.

Wait, wait, wait!

Jiang Yisheng’s eyes widened. What had she just been thinking?

Be with… Bai Chu?

She turned to look at Bai Chu, who was focused on the left side of the road, steering with one hand.

Is that how I really feel about her?

Jiang Yisheng had never been in love. She’d never liked anyone before. But she did really like being around Bai Chu, and wanted to see her every day.

Stay calm, she told herself.

She remembered reading somewhere: if you’re unsure about your feelings for someone, imagine kissing them—if you’re not repulsed, then you probably like them.

She closed her eyes tightly and started imagining.

A while later, a voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

“Are you hot? Your face is really red,” Bai Chu asked, noticing something was off.

“N-No! I’m fine!” Jiang Yisheng said quickly, pretending nothing had happened—but inside, she was screaming like a prairie dog.

If Bai Chu hadn’t spoken, she might have…

I really do like Bai Chu…

She snuck a glance at her, feeling guilty as if caught in the act.

—

They arrived at the restaurant. After ordering, Jiang Yisheng quietly sipped her drink, unlike her usual bubbly self.

Bai Chu didn’t notice—she was focused on reviewing some afternoon files on her phone.

That gave Jiang Yisheng the chance to stare.

Bai Chu-jie is so pretty… she thought, smiling dreamily.

The waiter brought baked shrimp. Jiang Yisheng wiped her hands with a hot towel and peeled most of them, placing them on a plate for Bai Chu.

Bai Chu was surprised and looked up.

At that moment, Jiang Yisheng stuffed several shrimp into her mouth with a fork.

Bai Chu smiled slightly and ate one. Juicy and tender.

“Sister Bai Chu, are you paying for this meal?” Jiang Yisheng asked.

“Mm-hmm,” she nodded.

“Then I’ll treat you to the next—”

“Excuse me, ladies, your steaks are here,” the server interrupted, pouring wine over the steaks and setting them on fire.

Bai Chu flinched and recoiled in fear.

Jiang Yisheng quickly rushed to her side and shielded her eyes. “Please take it away—just cook it fully and bring it back.”

The waiter noticed her panic and immediately removed the flaming steak.

Jiang Yisheng held Bai Chu’s cold hand and gently patted her back.

She remembered: Bai Chu had witnessed her parents die in a fire as a child. Ever since, she had PTSD—she trembled at the sight of fire.

“I’m so sorry, Bai Chu-jie. I didn’t realize the steak would be flambéed when I ordered.” She kept gently patting her back, deeply remorseful.

Several minutes and a glass of cold water later, Bai Chu felt better.

She looked up at Jiang Yisheng’s worried expression.

“Sorry you had to see that,” she said, sipping more water.

“Don’t apologize—I was so scared for you!” Jiang Yisheng squeezed her hand, eyes slightly red.

Bai Chu was momentarily speechless and looked away, appetite completely gone.

Neither of them ate much after that. They left the restaurant and went for a walk.

The restaurant was just under Bai Chu’s office. It wasn’t quite time to go back to work, and while she offered to drive Jiang Yisheng back, the latter declined—she didn’t want Bai Chu driving in her shaken state, so she called Zhang Tao instead.

They walked for a while before Bai Chu finally said, “You didn’t used to be like this.”

“Like what?” Jiang Yisheng asked.

“You used to really dislike me.”

Jiang Yisheng chuckled. “Didn’t you used to really dislike me too?”

Bai Chu nodded. “Very much so.”

“And now?” Jiang Yisheng leaned closer. “Do you still dislike me?”

Bai Chu turned her head away, refusing to meet her eyes and said nothing.

Jiang Yisheng giggled. “Well, I don’t dislike you at all.”

With her hands in her coat pockets, Bai Chu saw the smile on Jiang Yisheng’s face and couldn’t help but smile faintly herself.

—

That afternoon, Jiang Yisheng watched Bai Chu walk into her building before getting into her own car.

“Ah!” she suddenly slapped her thigh mid-drive.

“What’s wrong, Director Jiang?” Zhang Tao looked back in concern.

“I forgot to ask for Bai Chu-jie’s WeChat!” Jiang Yisheng looked devastated like she’d just lost a fortune.

—

The weather grew colder, and in a flash, there were only two weeks left before the New Year.

Yujiang Corporation was busy preparing for the annual party. Jiang Yisheng wandered around the venue when she had free time.

Bai Chu was away on a business trip lately, otherwise, Jiang Yisheng would’ve gone to see her.

The venue was huge, bustling with people making last-minute adjustments.

Jiang Yisheng couldn’t be of much help, so she left and wandered around the company building.

“Feels like this year’s party is going to be bigger than ever,” employees whispered nearby.

“Yeah, Director Yu and Director Jiang are both personally overseeing it. Even the gifts are way more expensive than before.”

“Must’ve been a good year. I hope I win something big!”

Jiang Yisheng had never attended an annual party before. Hearing this, she got even more excited.

“Director Jiang,” Zhang Tao called softly.

“Hmm?”

“Someone’s looking for you downstairs.”

“Who?”

“Not sure. He just said he knows you and has been making a scene down there for a while.”