The Entire Harem has Transmigrated - Chapter 22

The two women stood facing each other in silence.

Finally, Ruan Qingqing broke the quiet atmosphere, asking the person before her, “Do you need something?”

Jiang Li replied succinctly, “My grandmother wants to meet you.”

Ruan Qingqing furrowed her delicate brows and answered without hesitation, “I won’t meet her.”

The apricot trees below the residential building had blossomed. A gentle breeze stirred the clusters of flowers that hung thickly from the branches, causing some of the pale pink petals to flutter and fall, drifting past the two women. One petal landed softly on Jiang Li’s short, fine hair near her ear.

Ruan Qingqing rose onto her tiptoes and reached out to remove it.

The gesture was so natural and familiar.

The morning sunlight streamed through the glass of the residential building, refracting into Jiang Li’s eyes as she gazed at Ruan Qingqing, causing her to squint slightly.

The fine down on the girl’s face glowed softly in the sunlight. She stood there, beautiful and serene, silently twirling the apricot blossom she had plucked from Jiang Li’s ear, as if lost in memories once more.

Jiang Li instinctively wanted to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

Ruan Qingqing was indeed thinking of the past.

It was March then too, with apricot blossoms adorning the branches and the days clear and peaceful. But every night, the Dream Demon would descend upon the Capital, disrupting the people’s tranquility.

As a powerful cultivator, Jiang Li naturally had to slay demons and exorcise evil spirits. While she was away from the Imperial Palace, other demonic creatures seized the opportunity to infiltrate in droves, aiming to capture Ruan Qingqing alive.

To protect the women of the Imperial Harem, Ruan Qingqing clutched the Talisman Jiang Li had given her and fled the palace. Just as she was about to collapse from exhaustion, a soft hand suddenly encircled her waist, lifting her into the air.

“Imperial Preceptor…”

The aloof woman held her close, soaring over rooftops and gliding past apricot trees. Her long, raven-black hair, whipped by the wind, caught a pale pink petal as she carried Ruan Qingqing through the moonlit night.

Ruan Qingqing stared, mesmerized, at the woman’s exquisite profile, momentarily forgetting even to breathe. The spell was broken only when Jiang Li conjured a hand seal, vanquished the demons, and gently set her down.

Clinging to Jiang Li, Ruan Qingqing refused to let go. Yet the aloof woman’s voice was stern: “Didn’t I tell you to stay in Weiyang Palace? Why did you come out?”

Ruan Qingqing pouted and explained, “This Emperor knows the Imperial Preceptor has set up a protective formation around Weiyang Palace to keep me safe. But that demonic creature is cunning and threatened to slaughter the entire imperial palace if I continued to hide inside. I didn’t want Qiuqiu and the others to get hurt, so I ran out…”

Ruan Qingqing tugged at Jiang Li’s long sleeves, her eyes curving into a sweet smile as she added coquettishly, “Besides, I knew Senior Sister would come back to save me!”

Jiang Li paused for a moment before murmuring, “This subject will reinforce the palace’s protective formation tomorrow.”

“Mm, the Imperial Preceptor will have to work hard again,” Ruan Qingqing replied.

Jiang Li’s earlier sternness had vanished. “Go back now,” she said.

She tried to release Ruan Qingqing, but the moment she let go, Ruan Qingqing nearly stumbled, clutching Jiang Li’s robes and whining pitifully, “My legs are weak… I can’t walk.”

Jiang Li steadied herself, then wrapped her arm around Ruan Qingqing’s waist once more, carrying her as they soared over rooftops and apricot trees back to Weiyang Palace.

The wind rushing past her cheeks felt so real, and the fragrance of apricot blossoms so intoxicatingly sweet, that Ruan Qingqing quickly forgot the earlier danger and began bouncing around energetically again.

But when she turned around, she noticed that Jiang Li, who was meditating nearby, looked unwell.

“Imperial Preceptor,” Ruan Qingqing slowly moved closer, gently tugged at Jiang Li’s long hair, and asked softly, “Are you still angry with me?”

“Qingqing,” Jiang Li replied expressionlessly, her gaze obscured by the white veil. Though her expression was unreadable, Ruan Qingqing could still feel a faint tremor of unease emanating from her.

Jiang Li said, “Your safety is what matters most.”

Ruan Qingqing looked confused, but sensing Jiang Li’s solemn expression, she wrapped her arms around Jiang Li’s neck and playfully tackled her to the ground, using the same childish tactics she had used to coax her Master in the past.

Kiss.

She pressed her soft lips against Jiang Li’s cheek without a hint of shyness, then nuzzled her cheek affectionately against Jiang Li’s.

“It was all my fault, Jiang Li. Please don’t be angry with me anymore, okay?”

Jiang Li didn’t respond. Only half an apricot blossom, tucked in her raven hair, slipped out with Ruan Qingqing’s movements, sliding from near the roots to the tips.

Just as she had done back then, Ruan Qingqing plucked the apricot blossom from Jiang Li’s hair and held it in her palm. But time had passed, and the present was vastly different from those bygone days.

After an uncomfortably long silence, Jiang Li finally spoke again, “Miss, is there really no room for negotiation on this?”

Ruan Qingqing snapped out of her daze. “What?”

Jiang Li: “My grandmother wants to meet you and asked me to invite you to our home as a guest.”

Ruan Qingqing countered with an unrelated question, “Do you even remember my name?”

Jiang Li didn’t want to lie. “I don’t recognize you.”

Ruan Qingqing refused to believe her, pressing further, “Not even a faint impression?”

Jiang Li: “None.”

Fine.

Ruan Qingqing took a deep breath, exhaled, and curved her lips into a smile. She turned to leave. “Then I won’t go to your house either.”

She seemed to be acting out of spite, for reasons she couldn’t quite understand herself.

Remembering her grandmother’s instructions, Jiang Li closed her eyes briefly and resignedly called out, “Qingqing.”

The apricot blossom Ruan Qingqing had been holding fell to the ground, but she paid it no mind. She whirled around and ran toward Jiang Li, tugging at the hem of her suit jacket, her eyes sparkling. “Have you remembered something? Do you remember me again?”

Jiang Li desperately wanted to fulfill her expectations, but the answer was no.

She had only found this place because her cousin had sent her the address yesterday.

Holy sh1t, my goddess’s personality has completely changed today! She’s not only become much gentler, but she’s even smiling!

The photos showed a lively banquet scene. A woman in a red dress stood facing a young girl, creating a romantic and beautiful tableau. No one would doubt their compatibility.

Jiang Li’s gaze, however, wasn’t drawn to Fu Yeqiu, but to Ruan Qingqing standing opposite her.

She really found her.

Jiang Li hurried to the banquet venue. Just as she got out of her car, she saw Ruan Qingqing getting into another vehicle. She followed them all the way to the residential complex entrance. It was there that she overheard someone calling Ruan Qingqing “Qingqing.”

So, she didn’t remember anything at all.

Realizing the truth, Ruan Qingqing released Jiang Li’s hand, her expression tinged with melancholy.

An indescribable emotion welled up in her chest, leaving her heart feeling heavy and aching.

“In that case, we shouldn’t contact each other anymore,” Ruan Qingqing said, lifting her gaze. Her clear, tear-filled eyes still held a hint of a smile. “In the past, I really troubled you a lot and held you back. If you don’t remember me at all, perhaps it means you never wanted to remember me.”

“Congratulations,” Ruan Qingqing choked out, suppressing her tears with a sniff. “Jiang Li, you finally don’t have to be burdened by me anymore. You’re free.”

The presidential suite on the top floor of the Golden Bay Hotel.

Fu Yeqiu stood alone by the window, answering her phone.

With her earpiece on, she opened the photo sent to her, her expression suddenly turning fierce.

“Jiang Li,” she hissed through gritted teeth.

The person on the other end trembled, asking, “President Fu, what did you say?”

“Nothing,” Fu Yeqiu replied, suppressing her outward emotions. She looked back out the window and ordered in a low voice, “Advance the plan.”

Fu Yeqiu tossed her phone aside. Her elegant phoenix eyes lowered, her gaze unfocused, yet her mind was filled with the image she had just seen.

In the best light of dawn, Ruan Qingqing stood on tiptoe, plucking apricot blossoms from Jiang Li’s hair.

“I won’t lose.”

“Qingqing,” Fu Yeqiu smiled faintly, her tenderness reaching the depths of her eyes. “This time, I won’t lose, will I?”

Ruan Qingqing had just said goodbye to Jiang Li and was looking for a quiet place to compose herself when she saw a man in a black cap snatch a girl’s phone.

“My phone!” The girl tried to chase after him, but her heel snapped, sending her sprawling to the ground.

“Help me,” she sobbed, turning to Ruan Qingqing nearby. “Can you help me?”

The girl was pretty, even more so with tears streaming down her face like rain on pear blossoms. Ruan Qingqing couldn’t bear to see a beautiful woman in distress. “Don’t worry,” she said immediately. “I’ll get it back for you.”

Wearing sneakers, Ruan Qingqing was ready to run. But before she could take more than a few steps, someone grabbed her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.

She turned to see Jiang Li, who meant only to help. “Stay here,” Jiang Li said. “I’ll chase after him.”

“No need,” Ruan Qingqing said, shaking off Jiang Li’s hand and sprinting forward again. She was determined not to rely on Jiang Li anymore.

Jiang Li, momentarily stunned, tried to follow, but the girl who’d lost her phone grabbed her arm, crying, “Can I borrow your phone? I’m going to be late for my date and need to let him know.”

Jiang Li yanked her hem free, impatiently snapping, “Ask someone else,” before dashing toward Ruan Qingqing.

But she was too late. Ruan Qingqing and the man had already gained considerable ground, weaving through several turns, making pursuit nearly impossible.

“Why does this keep happening?” Jiang Li kicked a loose pebble in frustration.

It was the same as that night—Ruan Qingqing had run off right in front of her, and she couldn’t catch up.

Fortunately, Ruan Qingqing resolved the situation easily. She caught up to the man, kicked him to the ground, and before she could do more, he threw the phone at her, cursing, “What a fucking unlucky day! Here, take it!”

While Ruan Qingqing caught the phone, he scrambled to his feet and bolted away.

Ruan Qingqing considered chasing after him, but remembering how heartbroken the younger girl had been, she decided to return the phone first.

As Ruan Qingqing retraced her steps, she rounded two corners and overheard a hushed voice nearby: “Are you sure it’s done?”

Another voice chuckled. “Relax. As soon as Fu Yeqiu steps out of the Golden Bay Hotel and gets into the car, she’s dead. I never leave anything to chance.”

Qiuqiu?

Ruan Qingqing instinctively took a step forward. The group had already detected the noise and stood up, shouting, “Who’s there?”

Without hesitation, Ruan Qingqing turned and fled.

After reviewing the information she had just overheard and confirming that no one was pursuing her, she tried calling Fu Yeqiu on her phone. But for some reason, the call kept showing as unable to connect.

Ruan Qingqing sent numerous messages, but they vanished like stones dropped into the sea, receiving no response.

Jiang Li had tentatively chosen a path earlier and unexpectedly stumbled upon Ruan Qingqing. Just as she was about to approach, Ruan Qingqing tossed her phone over, her expression grave. “Go return this to the girl for me.”

She had to find Qiuqiu.

Though puzzled, Jiang Li agreed to help. After leaving the residential area, she followed the same road and saw Ruan Qingqing still there, trying to flag down a taxi. Jiang Li rolled down her car window and asked, “Where are you headed? I’ll give you a ride.”

“Golden Bay Hotel.”

Ruan Qingqing opened the car door and got in, still trying to make a call. But the line remained disconnected. As they stopped at a red light, Jiang Li glanced over, hesitating. Ruan Qingqing pressed her lips together and apologized, “I’m sorry for troubling you again.”

“It’s fine,” Jiang Li said, offering no further comment.

Ruan Qingqing, however, picked up a pen from the car and, seizing the remaining time, grabbed Jiang Li’s arm to write down her contact information.

“If you really need me to visit your grandmother, I will, but only after I’ve finished things here,” Ruan Qingqing said, clenching her fingers as she continued texting Fu Yeqiu.

The wrist she held grew warm, and the pen’s strokes across her skin sent a strange, indescribable itch through Jiang Li.

But Jiang Li had no time to dwell on it; the light turned green.

Ruan Qingqing hadn’t been discreet, so Jiang Li clearly saw the contact’s name: Qiuqiu.

Fu Yeqiu?

Jiang Li composed herself and resumed driving.

The rest of the journey passed in silence.

Upon arrival, Ruan Qingqing leaped out of the car before it had even fully stopped. She rushed to a hotel staff member, her voice frantic: “Have you seen President Fu Yeqiu? I need to find her urgently.”

To her surprise, the staff member actually provided directions.

Ruan Qingqing followed the instructions to the underground parking garage, unaware that the moment she reached the entrance, someone was already reporting her arrival to Fu Yeqiu in real-time: “President Fu, she’s here.”

Fu Yeqiu suppressed the slight curve of her lips, mentally calculating the timing. She opened the car door just as Ruan Qingqing rushed toward her.

“Don’t get in!” Ruan Qingqing cried out, her expression frantic. In her haste, she tripped and fell, landing right in front of Fu Yeqiu.

Startled, Fu Yeqiu immediately crouched down to help her up. But Ruan Qingqing clutched at her sleeve, gasping, “You can’t… you can’t get in the car…”

The girl’s once neat hair was now plastered to her forehead in damp strands, soaked with sweat. Her entire body was clammy, her face flushed an unnatural red, her hands scraped raw, and bl00d seeped from her ankle.

A sharp pang pierced Fu Yeqiu’s heart, followed by a dull, persistent ache that spread through her.

She had indeed been manipulating Ruan Qingqing.

In the past, she had sought the Empress’s position by weaving a lie, convincing Ruan Qingqing that she desperately needed the title.

She claimed to want only the position, nothing else. Ruan Qingqing, weighing the pros and cons, had granted her wish without suspicion.

The Emperor marrying the daughter of the Prime Minister, a woman of his own age, seemed like a match made in heaven to everyone.

But Fu Yeqiu wanted more than just the position of Empress.

How could she possibly want nothing else?

Jiang Li had used special methods to make Ruan Qingqing appear genderless to outsiders, her true s3x indistinguishable. Yet Fu Yeqiu had long ago discovered Ruan Qingqing’s true identity as a woman through a chance encounter.

She had also fallen in love with Ruan Qingqing long ago.

The “rescue” years ago might have been nothing more than a moment of pity from Ruan Qingqing, born of their similar backgrounds. But it was undeniably Ruan Qingqing’s actions that had allowed Fu Yeqiu to escape her life mired in misery.

Fu Yeqiu loved Ruan Qingqing, but Ruan Qingqing remained unaware.

On their wedding night, the naive Little Emperor apologized to her and, as previously agreed, left her chambers.

From that day forward, they never shared a bed.

Day after day, month after month, Fu Yeqiu exhausted every means at her disposal, yet all she gained was treatment equal to that of the other women in the Imperial Harem—at most, a measure of respect from Ruan Qingqing.

But even that was merely because she was the Empress, not because she was Fu Yeqiu.

They were all the same.

Fu Yeqiu had known this all along.

Even though she and Ruan Qingqing were nominally husband and wife, in Ruan Qingqing’s heart, she was no different from the Noble Consort, Virtuous Consort, and the others.

Only Jiang Li received special treatment.

Only Jiang Li.

Later, she finally went mad. Gambling with her life, she drank the bowl of poisoned bird’s nest that had been sent to her, knowing full well it was tainted. The Little Emperor finally grew afraid.

Pale-faced, she sat by the bed, holding Qiuqiu’s hand, repeating over and over, “Qiuqiu, you must get better. You absolutely must get better. Once you recover, whatever reward you desire, This Emperor will grant it. Please, just get better…”

Later, after Qiuqiu recovered and regained consciousness, the Little Emperor, who had been watching over her, pulled her onto the bed and nestled her beside her.

At last, they could share a moment of peaceful slumber together.

“Your Majesty…” Qiuqiu murmured softly.

Ruan Qingqing was utterly exhausted, her mind hazy with fatigue. Unaware of her surroundings, she instinctively snuggled closer.

In that instant, Fu Yeqiu’s heart began to race wildly.

Though she had barely recovered from her illness and had already spent all her strength lifting Qiuqiu onto the bed, at that moment, Fu Yeqiu felt she could do so much more.

She caressed the girl’s delicate cheek and pressed a kiss to her brow. Before she could savor the tender moment further, Jiang Li burst into the room.

A white silk blindfold covered Jiang Li’s eyes, obscuring her expression, but the corners of her lips were drawn into a sharp, severe line.

Before Fu Yeqiu could even ask what the Imperial Preceptor intended, the woman in her wide-sleeved white robes forcefully scooped up Ruan Qingqing and carried her away.

“Your Majesty…”

“Don’t harbor any designs on her,” Jiang Li warned, before sweeping out of the room with the person who should have been sleeping beside Fu Yeqiu.

The Imperial Preceptor, a figure of national authority, dares to tell me not to harbor designs on the Emperor?

As the Empress, why shouldn’t I harbor designs on the Emperor?

“I heard on my way here that someone was planning to harm you, saying something would happen as soon as you got in the car. So, don’t get in…” Ruan Qingqing still clutched Fu Yeqiu’s sleeve tightly, refusing to let her move. After her breathing had nearly returned to normal, she added this explanation.

Fu Yeqiu swept Ruan Qingqing into her arms, her expression unreadable as she murmured, “I’m sorry.”

Her methods were despicable, her schemes underhanded, and she would stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Yet even so, she never intended for Ruan Qingqing to be harmed.

She had never even considered it.

Ruan Qingqing, too weak to resist, let herself be carried. Misunderstanding the meaning of Fu Yeqiu’s apology, she instead reassured her, “It wasn’t your fault I fell. Besides, as long as you’re safe, a little fall is worth it.”

According to what the two men had said, they were after Fu Yeqiu’s life, while she had only suffered a minor fall.

“I’ll take you upstairs to get bandaged up,” Fu Yeqiu said, her phoenix eyes lowered and her voice soft.

“Okay,” Ruan Qingqing reminded her. “We can’t use the car anymore. You need to have it thoroughly investigated.”

Fu Yeqiu nodded. “Mm.”

Fu Yeqiu’s expression was visibly dark, her subordinates intimidated by her oppressive aura and instinctively retreating. But before they could reach the elevator, a figure blocked their path.

It was Jiang Li.

Fu Yeqiu, who had been feeling somewhat downcast, instantly straightened her back, her delicate hands clutching Ruan Qingqing’s thighs tightening abruptly.

Ruan Qingqing, unaware of what had changed, asked, “Are you tired, Qiuqiu? If you are, you can put me down. I’ve recovered enough to walk on my own now.”

“It’s no trouble at all. How could holding you tire me?” Fu Yeqiu’s eyes softened with a smile, her gaze growing tender as she spoke in a gentle voice. “Besides, you were injured protecting me. How could I possibly let you walk on your own?”

Jiang Li’s sharply arched eyebrows lifted slightly.

Whether it was her imagination or not, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Great General Fu was deliberately speaking those words for her to hear.

At that moment, Ruan Qingqing noticed Jiang Li and asked from Fu Yeqiu’s arms, “Do you need something, Jiang Li?”

Jiang Li’s lips curved into a smile as she approached. She took Ruan Qingqing’s delicate hand, opened it, and pressed a slip of paper into her palm.

Ruan Qingqing looked puzzled. “What’s this?”

“My phone number,” Jiang Li said, making a gesture with her hand, holding it to her ear and wiggling it. “Remember to call.”

Fu Yeqiu shifted Ruan Qingqing higher in her arms, urging her to tighten her grip around her neck. Adopting the regal air of an empress, she casually asked, “Qingqing, who is this?”

Ruan Qingqing remained composed. “This is Jiang Li. I’m not sure what she does now, but she has another identity I’ll tell you about when we get back.”

Since Jiang Li had completely forgotten, there was no need to reveal it in front of her.

The Empress, however, was different. Her memories might still be salvageable. When they returned, Ruan Qingqing would tell her that Jiang Li was the reincarnation of the brilliant Imperial Preceptor of Great Qian. Perhaps that would spark some recognition.

“Alright,” Fu Yeqiu said, glancing briefly at Jiang Li before turning her attention back to Ruan Qingqing. “Tell me all about it when we get back.”

Jiang Li sensed a challenge in Fu Yeqiu’s gaze, making her inexplicably uncomfortable. She didn’t know why, but she called out to Ruan Qingqing again.

“Qingqing.”

Ruan Qingqing peeked her head out from over Fu Yeqiu’s shoulder. “Is there something else?”

Seizing the moment while Fu Yeqiu turned her head, Jiang Li raised her arm, revealing the characters Ruan Qingqing had written on her forearm. Her peach-blossom eyes, seemingly capable of captivating souls, curved into a smile, instantly dispelling the cold, aloof aura that usually veiled her face.

Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she said, “I’ve memorized your phone number. And your handwriting is truly beautiful.”

Ruan Qingqing blinked in confusion. “Huh?”

Why does the Imperial Preceptor’s tone sound so strange?

Ruan Qingqing frowned, utterly perplexed.

Come to think of it, Jiang Li had personally taught her how to write, yet now she seemed to have completely forgotten.

“Qingqing’s handwriting is indeed beautiful,” Fu Yeqiu remarked, glancing at Jiang Li before embracing Ruan Qingqing and striding into the elevator without looking back.

As soon as they left, Jiang Li’s phone began to ring.

For a fleeting moment, she thought it might be Ruan Qingqing, but that was highly unlikely.

Jiang Li answered the call.

Her cousin, Jiang Meimei,’s voice crackled through the speaker: “Tell me everything! Did you finally win over that girl?”

Jiang Li evaded the question. “I ran into Fu Yeqiu.”

Jiang Meimei erupted in a fangirl squeal. “Aaaah! My goddess! Where did you see her? I need to engineer a chance encounter!”

Jiang Li didn’t answer, only saying, “Your goddess seems to harbor some hostility toward me.”

Jiang Meimei immediately retorted, “Serves you right! How dare you try to snatch the company she’s planning to acquire? Who else would she be hostile toward?”

“It’s not about that,” Jiang Li said, walking toward the door. “It’s the hostility of a romantic rival.”

“What’s going on? You mean that girl from yesterday?” Jiang Meimei wailed in anguish. “Could my goddess really have a partner already? That girl from yesterday? And you, my dear sister, why did you have to pursue her?”

“A partner? I don’t think so.” Jiang Li smirked. “Would a girl with a partner leave her phone number on someone else? Does that sound right to you?”

Jiang Meimei: “Holy sh1t!!!”

Before Jiang Meimei could react, Jiang Li added, “If I’m not mistaken, I’m probably the former lover… or rather, the substitute… of your goddess’s true love.”

“What?!” Jiang Meimei shrieked even louder, cutting her off. “Can you let me process this for a minute? What exactly are you saying? How could you be someone’s lover? Have you been dating behind my back? When did this happen?”

Jiang Li finished her interrupted sentence: “…the substitute.”

Jiang Meimei: “???”

Fu Yeqiu brought Ruan Qingqing back to the presidential suite, gently placing her on the soft, spacious sofa before retrieving the first-aid kit.

“Thank you, Qiuqiu,” Ruan Qingqing said without ceremony, immediately extending her small foot.

Fu Yeqiu knelt before her, carefully removing her sock. She held Ruan Qingqing’s ankle with one hand while using the other to slowly and meticulously disinfect the wound with an alcohol swab.

Ruan Qingqing’s feet were neither too plump nor too slender, neither too large nor too small. Her toes were rosy, her instep snow-white, and even the arch of her foot was perfectly curved—a natural masterpiece.

Seeing such a beautiful foot bleeding and injured, Fu Yeqiu felt even more heartache. As she cleaned the wound, she looked up and asked, “Does it hurt?”

Ruan Qingqing shook her head.

Fu Yeqiu’s expression turned serious. “Tell me if it does.”

Ruan Qingqing smiled brightly. “It’s just a little sting. But knowing I saved your life makes me so happy! When I think about that, I don’t even feel the pain.”

“Mm,” Fu Yeqiu murmured, meeting Ruan Qingqing’s clear, innocent gaze. She buried her possessiveness deep within, her voice soft and gentle. “Qingqing is my savior.”

Ruan Qingqing had long been her savior.

Yet Fu Yeqiu was repaying kindness with cruelty, not content with merely tormenting her. She wanted to claim Ruan Qingqing completely and utterly for herself.

Ruan Qingqing continued, “You absolutely must investigate this incident thoroughly and find out who’s trying to harm you.”

“Mm,” Fu Yeqiu replied with a bitter smile. “Outsiders always see me as glamorous and successful, but they have no idea how many times things like this have happened. Sometimes I feel like it’s impossible to guard against.”

Ruan Qingqing felt a pang of distress. “How could this be?”

Fu Yeqiu continued tending to her wound, her eyes lowered. “Perhaps my luck has been bad lately.”

Ruan Qingqing frowned, then made up her mind. She patted Fu Yeqiu’s shoulder and said, “Don’t worry. Since you’re in danger, I’ll stay by your side and protect you for the time being. You can trust me—I’m not the same person I used to be. I’ve become a Metaphysics Master now. While it’s not easy to read the fate of someone close to me, I can still help you avoid danger.”

“Being near me is very dangerous,” Fu Yeqiu said, a dark glint flashing in her eyes. “Qingqing, are you sure you want to do this?”

Ruan Qingqing didn’t understand the warning. She simply smiled and patted Fu Yeqiu’s shoulder again, saying, “I really do have real skills now. Why don’t you believe me?”

Is that so?

Fu Yeqiu looked up at Ruan Qingqing’s face.

Then why can’t you see that the truly dangerous person is me?

Fu Yeqiu wanted to bandage Ruan Qingqing’s wound, but Ruan Qingqing refused. She was covered in sweat and felt sticky all over; she wanted to shower first.

“Can you manage on your own?” Fu Yeqiu asked worriedly. “Should I help you?”

“Absolutely not,” Ruan Qingqing replied firmly. “I can handle it myself. I’ll be careful to avoid the wound. Don’t worry.”

Fu Yeqiu didn’t leave, keeping her gaze fixed on Ruan Qingqing.

Only when the bathroom door clicked open did Fu Yeqiu turn away, pretending to look out the window.

“I’m done,” Ruan Qingqing announced, wrapped up tightly and revealing no skin.

What a pity, Fu Yeqiu thought to herself.

Yesterday, when that little red dress had slipped down, she’d clearly seen that the girl was well-endowed.

And quite beautiful.

“Let me reapply the medicine,” Fu Yeqiu said calmly.

Ruan Qingqing nodded. “Okay.”

After applying the medicine, Fu Yeqiu carried Ruan Qingqing to the sofa, turned on the TV, and brought her a laptop. She said she had work to attend to and told Ruan Qingqing to entertain herself for a while.

“Should I come with you?” Ruan Qingqing asked, her mind still troubled by the earlier incident.

Fu Yeqiu smiled and gently pushed her back down. “Even if you wanted to protect me, you need to heal first. Don’t worry. I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

Ruan Qingqing didn’t insist further.

Her ankle really did hurt a bit.

After Fu Yeqiu left, Ruan Qingqing flipped through the TV channels, but finding nothing of interest, she picked up her phone.

She discovered that the friend request she had sent to Miss Buns earlier had been accepted.

Ruan Qingqing immediately transferred the money and thanked her again for the magazine she had given her the other day.

Xiao Wanzi: Sister, it’s you! When you sent the friend request saying you were returning the money, I thought it was a scam. I told you, you don’t need to pay me back! I won’t accept it even if you try.

Ruan Qingqing insisted she take it, and eventually, Xiao Wanzi relented, accepting the money and adding her to a group chat.

The group’s name was glaringly obvious: Great General Fu’s Wives.

Ruan Qingqing: “……”

Ruan Qingqing poked Xiao Wanzi, typing with difficulty:  Hello, may I leave this group? I’m not the kind of fan who wants to be Qiuqiu’s wife.

Xiao Wanzi replied,  No worries, sister! We have all kinds of fans here—mother fans, younger sister fans, chill fans, husband fans, you name it! The group name is just a formality; we might change it tomorrow anyway. Don’t worry about it.

Ruan Qingqing:  Really?

Xiao Wanzi:  Yep!

Xiao Wanzi enthusiastically introduced her to the group. Ruan Qingqing could only type awkwardly:  Hello everyone.

The group members greeted her politely before resuming their lively chatter.

Ahhhhh! Does President Fu really have a girlfriend?!

I don’t want to believe it either, but President Fu brought that girl to the gala last night, and they were even wearing matching outfits! Then today, she carried her out of the hotel garage in a princess carry! I can’t deny it anymore.

Ahhhhh! I’m a girl too! Why didn’t President Fu choose me?! If she’s going to get married, why can’t her wife be me?!

A barrage of “wake up” memes flooded the chat.

Someone else wailed that they finally had time to check their phone and asked the group what was going on.

Xiao Wanzi stepped in to explain:  Let me catch up the sisters who missed class! Yesterday, President Fu attended a private gala, and rumors say she brought her little girlfriend, all dressed up! They were even wearing matching outfits!

And the hotel incident just happened! One of our sisters witnessed it firsthand—she lives at Golden Bay and saw Fu Yeqiu carrying a girl in a princess carry as she left! I wonder if it’s the same girl from last night?! Ahhhhh!

Ruan Qingqing: “……”

Are they talking about me?

Do you have photos? Photos?

No 😭! President Fu’s bodyguard was too fierce. I barely raised my phone before he blocked me with a glare. Remembering how President Fu sued someone for taking unauthorized photos, I gave up. But I swear, I really saw it!

Oh, it’s the group’s veteran sisters! I trust your word. Even though President Fu carrying her in a princess carry seems a bit out of character, who knows? Maybe she’s turned into a domineering CEO woman for love? Come on, tell me all the details! What does that fox spirit look like?!

I only caught a quick glimpse. The girl was the pure and beautiful type, quite young. She was probably sweating, her face flushed and her forehead damp. Anyway, she had this indescribable allure.

Holy sh1t! This girl’s got serious game! Just from your description, I can tell she’s definitely a fiery little fox spirit in bed!

Oh my god, oh my god! “Sweating”? That’s just wet.body.temptation! Don’t you get it?! And they’re playing that kind of game? President Fu is so busy! Can she even handle it? Waaah, sob sob sob.

Ruan Qingqing: “???”

What were these people talking about?

Why did she recognize every word, but the sentences made absolutely no sense?

The group chat continued:

Why are you all accepting this so quickly? I still can’t accept that my goddess has a girlfriend QAQ.

What’s there to accept? President Fu hasn’t dated anyone in years, not even a hint of scandal. As her devoted fan, I was worried she’d end up alone forever. Now that she finally has someone, isn’t that great? Besides, she’s not a celebrity who needs to please fans. If she wants to date, who’s going to stop her, right?

Ruan Qingqing hesitated, typing and deleting her message several times before finally blurting out:  Maybe… she’s not President Fu’s girlfriend?

No one paid her any attention.

Xiao Wanzi, ever the kind one, sent her a private message:  Sister, I get it. You say you’re not a girlfriend fan, but when President Fu actually starts dating, you can’t accept it. It’s hard to face reality. I know exactly how you feel.

Ruan Qingqing:  ……

How was she supposed to explain?

The group chat had already moved from discussing the girlfriend to shipping them, with several members declaring, “I’m shipping this! The beautiful CEO x the delicate beauty!”

Just then, the group admin sighed and typed:  Everyone, be cautious about shipping this couple.

Ruan Qingqing breathed a sigh of relief, thinking, Finally, someone’s going to clear my name! She even clicked on the admin’s profile to carefully examine her name.

Just two characters: Meimei.

Good, a nice name, she thought.

Clutching her phone, Ruan Qingqing eagerly awaited Meimei’s clarification. Then Meimei spoke up:

To be honest, I was at the banquet last night. The girl was truly stunning, and she looked perfect with President Fu.

Then why are you saying we should be cautious about shipping them?

Ruan Qingqing thought, We’re just good sisters, not girlfriends! Group admin, spill the tea!

Then the group admin spoke up: Because that girl might be a manipulative green tea.

Ruan Qingqing: ???

What’s going on? Group admin, tell us everything!

I didn’t want to say anything at first, but this girl’s level is too high. She’s not only ensnared my goddess, but she’s also completely bewitched my sister! You have to understand, my sister was always cold and aloof! Before this, I never even suspected she had lesbian tendencies!

Holy sh1t! This is a major bombshell!

Ruan Qingqing was utterly bewildered. Suddenly, a phrase she’d seen online a few days ago flashed through her mind: So spreading rumors costs nothing these days, huh?

And who was this group admin’s sister? When had she ever tried to seduce someone’s sister?

Slander! This is pure slander!

Furious, she was about to type out a scathing rebuttal, ready to unleash her inner keyboard warrior, when the group admin continued: She’s already President Fu’s girlfriend! Isn’t having President Fu enough? Yet she still grabbed my sister’s sleeve, pulled it up, and wrote her phone number on her arm! Tell me, isn’t that crossing the line?!

Wait, is this for real?

What?! How could President Fu have a girlfriend like that? I refuse to believe it! I refuse to believe it!

Group admin, please tell me you’re making this up! I can accept President Fu having a girlfriend, but I can’t accept that her girlfriend is a two-timing, heartless, fish-farming green tea fox spirit!

I’m not making it up. I just got off the phone with my sister. The details aren’t confirmed yet, but it’s certain that the girl wearing matching outfits with President Fu yesterday = the girl President Fu carried in a princess carry at Golden Bay Hotel today = the girl who left her number on my sister’s arm!

Even though my sister is stunningly beautiful, that’s no excuse for President Fu’s little girlfriend to be such a player!

Ruan Qingqing stared at the messages, her soul already drifting away.

So, this group admin, Meimei, was Jiang Li’s sister?

How could this be happening?

Just moments ago, Ruan Qingqing had been full of fighting spirit. Now, she was completely dazed, her mind wandering aimlessly.

Her fingers trembling, she texted Jiang Li the number from the note:  Excuse me, do you have a sister named Jiang Meimei?

Jiang Li replied quickly:  Yes.

Ruan Qingqing pressed on:  Then, may I ask, when did you become so infatuated with me that you lost your mind?

Jiang Li:  ?

Jiang Li:  Little one, are you joking?

Jiang Li’s call came almost immediately, but Ruan Qingqing hung up without answering.

She sent Jiang Li a message: I need some time alone.

So it really was Jiang Meimei spreading lies? How could Jiang Li’s sister act like this?

Ruan Qingqing’s emotions were a tangled mess, and she even regretted agreeing to meet Jiang Li’s grandmother.

How could the Jiang Family behave this way?

Could I really be some two-timing, heartless green tea fox spirit?

Ruan Qingqing doubted herself, doubted her entire life. Just then, Yu Yunfei called, asking why she’d been exercising for so long.

“I’m at Qiuqiu’s place,” Ruan Qingqing said, her voice dazed.

Li Qianxuan’s voice chimed in from the other end of the line: “Did she kidnap you? Where are you? We’re coming to get you right now.”

Ruan Qingqing gave them her location.

They said they’d be there immediately, but Ruan Qingqing stopped them. “Wait.”

“What’s wrong?”

“What is it, Qingqing?”

“When you come, could you bring me a few cups of green tea?”

“What?”

Ruan Qingqing mumbled, “I want to remember what green tea tastes like.”