The Entire Harem has Transmigrated - Chapter 26

“Strange…” Ruan Qingqing muttered, pinching her fingers together, her brow furrowing deeper.

Ye Shiyu set down her book, approached Ruan Qingqing, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

“According to the divination, Qiuqiu should be free from calamity and misfortune recently,” Ruan Qingqing explained. “Everything should be normal. But someone clearly tampered with the brakes on her car. If I hadn’t arrived in time, she would have been in serious danger.”

Li Qianxuan scoffed. “Maybe she staged the whole thing herself?”

Ruan Qingqing shook her head, dismissing the idea outright.

“Stop trying to slander Qiuqiu,” she retorted firmly. “I have my own judgment and won’t be swayed by your provocations.”

Furious, Li Qianxuan grabbed Ruan Qingqing’s cheeks and squeezed them roughly, calling her blind, heartless, and ungrateful.

Ye Shiyu finally intervened, pushing Li Qianxuan aside and stepping behind Ruan Qingqing. She steered the conversation back to the divination.

“Then what’s going on with the divination?”

Ruan Qingqing sighed. “Perhaps I miscalculated.”

When it came to those she cared about, her concern often clouded her judgment. She could easily predict the fates of strangers, but when it came to those closest to her, even their basic fortunes remained elusive.

“Divining fortunes for you depends on luck,” Ruan Qingqing said, abandoning her earlier frustration. “Perhaps my luck just wasn’t good this time.”

But what about Qiuqiu’s situation?

Without finding the person who harmed her, Ruan Qingqing couldn’t shake off her unease.

Her phone suddenly buzzed incessantly. She paused her thoughts and picked it up to check the messages.

It was Xiao Wanzi, clearly agitated. Her messages were punctuated with multiple exclamation marks: Have you seen the news?! Have you seen the news?!

Puzzled, Ruan Qingqing hadn’t even typed a reply when Xiao Wanzi sent several links.

I’ll take a look, Ruan Qingqing replied.

She clicked on the first link. The headline, bold and black, screamed: Unbeaten Businesswoman Fu Yeqiu Suffers First Loss in Acquisition Deal, Defeated by 19-Year-Old Prodigy!

Fu Yeqiu had mentioned that her original purpose for coming to South City was to acquire a gaming company. She hadn’t expected to meet Ruan Qingqing by chance.

But the acquisition had failed?

Ruan Qingqing scrolled down, quickly spotting the 19-year-old prodigy’s photo.

Peach blossom eyes, delicate features, and ear-length hair dyed back to black—yet her expression remained icy.

Ruan Qingqing stared in disbelief.

Jiang Li?

Before Ruan Qingqing could fully process the news, Xiao Wanzi bombarded her with a series of finger-biting emojis.

 Xiao Wanzi:  Don’t you have any thoughts on this, my dear sister?

 Ruan Qingqing:  Just… pretty surprised.

 Xiao Wanzi:  And? And?

 Ruan Qingqing:  That’s it. Am I supposed to have other thoughts?

 Xiao Wanzi:  Don’t you think our President Fu and this Jiang Li girl make an absolutely perfect match?

Ruan Qingqing’s pupils dilated, and her jaw dropped.

 Ruan Qingqing:  Huh?

 Xiao Wanzi:  呜呜呜, I know I’m indulging in sugary fantasies, I’m guilty, but I can’t help myself! I’ve already plotted the whole drama: a younger, icy, cool-girl 小狼狗 (little wolf pup) versus an older, cunning, and dominant female CEO. They meet during this acquisition deal, and their sweet, love-hate romance begins—isn’t that thrilling? Isn’t it delicious?

Ruan Qingqing’s mouth hung open.

Seeing her stunned expression, Li Qianxuan peeled a grape and fed it to her, pinching her chin. “Doing this on purpose, aren’t you? Opening your mouth so wide—just waiting for me to feed you, huh?”

Ruan Qingqing swallowed the grape, flipped her phone over, and took a long moment to compose herself before rubbing her temples and unlocking the screen.

Xiao Wanzi was still gushing about how perfect and well-matched the two were, even having photoshopped an image at lightning speed.

The original photo showed Jiang Li shaking hands with a representative from the game company after signing the acquisition agreement. But Xiao Wanzi had photoshopped Fu Yeqiu into the picture, replacing the other person, and changed the background to a wedding scene.

Ruan Qingqing stared in disbelief, still reeling from Xiao Wanzi’s series of miraculous manipulations.

Xiao Wanzi: Sis, are you still there? Why aren’t you saying anything? Listen, I’ve even come up with a ship name for them! It’s Qiu Yue Han Jiang!

Ruan Qingqing’s fingers trembled as she typed:  Huh?

Xiao Wanzi: Qiu Yue Han Jiang! It’s an idiom that describes a virtuous person’s pure and clear heart. But from now on, I’m claiming it as the ship name for my OTP!

Ruan Qingqing tried to reason with her:  Sis, I think you should calm down. These two… they just don’t seem compatible, do they?

Xiao Wanzi refused to back down and immediately sent a voice message:  What’s incompatible about them?

Ruan Qingqing:  Well… it’s just that… although… but… it seems… I can’t really explain it…

Xiao Wanzi: Are you talking about President Fu’s foxy, green tea-flavored girlfriend?

Ruan Qingqing:  Huh?

Xiao Wanzi: According to the plot, those two-faced, seemingly innocent “white lotus” types who secretly juggle multiple relationships are destined to be cannon fodder!

Ruan Qingqing:  What did you say?

Xiao Wanzi: Qiu Yue Han Jiang is the ultimate pairing, sisters! Trust me, investing in this ship is a guaranteed win! President Fu, such a brilliant and formidable woman, was only temporarily blinded by that scheming green tea fox spirit. But one day, she’ll see through his facade! Then, it’ll be back to their epic love-hate dynamic with Jiangjiang, culminating in a grand, happy ending!

Ruan Qingqing gasped, feeling like she needed oxygen.

Clutching her forehead, she nearly blurted out the truth.

Whether President Fu will ever see through that two-timing green tea’s act remains to be seen, she wanted to say. But you might not know… the real face of that two-timing green tea you’re talking about? It’s me!

But before Ruan Qingqing could speak, Fu Yeqiu returned. Noticing Ruan Qingqing’s dazed expression, she set down her coat and came over to gently stroke her head. “What’s wrong, Qingqing?” she asked softly.

Ruan Qingqing quickly turned off her phone and stood up. “I’m fine,” she said.

Just mentally and emotionally poisoned to a certain extent.

“Oh, right,” Ruan Qingqing said, slapping her cheeks to try and clear her head. “I saw the news about your failed acquisition.”

Fu Yeqiu displayed just the right amount of vulnerability, lowering her gaze as she poured herself half a glass of beer.

“It’s alright,” she said, though her phoenix eyes, usually sharp and upturned, drooped noticeably, betraying her low spirits. “Even though the acquisition fell through, at least I got to know you. It’s not a complete loss.”

Wanting to comfort her, Ruan Qingqing poured herself a glass of beer as well. She clinked her glass against Fu Yeqiu’s and said, “If you’re feeling down, I’ll have a drink with you.”

With that, she raised her glass and took a large gulp, staining her already rosy lips a deeper crimson.

Fu Yeqiu’s eyes darkened slightly.

Seeing Li Qianxuan approaching to intervene, Fu Yeqiu averted her gaze and sent Ruan Qingqing a message on her phone, signaling her to check it.

Ruan Qingqing successfully received the message and retrieved her phone.

Ten minutes later, Ruan Qingqing slipped away from the other two sisters and went alone to the rooftop pool.

Fu Yeqiu was waiting for her by the pool.

She was still wearing the same sophisticated brown dress—high-waisted with a side slit, an elegant and dignified style that perfectly showcased her feminine allure.

Ruan Qingqing walked over, took off her shoes and socks, and followed Fu Yeqiu’s example by dipping her feet into the pool, leaning back on her hands for support.

“I’m sorry,” Fu Yeqiu said, turning to her. “I guess I’m still feeling a bit down, so I wanted you here with me.”

“I understand,” Ruan Qingqing replied, smiling as she splashed the water. “That’s why I came to find you. I saw the news—you’ve never lost before, and now you’ve been defeated by that Jiang Li. It must be tough.”

Fu Yeqiu didn’t respond, only signaling a waiter to bring over a decanted bottle of red wine and pour a glass for each of them.

“Here.”

“Thank you.”

Fu Yeqiu chuckled softly. “Since when did you start being so polite with your sister?”

“Then I won’t be,” Ruan Qingqing said, swirling the ruby-red wine in her glass. “Sister, you shouldn’t be so upset.”

As dusk deepened, the sky blazed with the afterglow of sunset.

A gentle, romantic golden light poured from the horizon, illuminating the colorful clouds, the shimmering water, the vibrant greenery, and the blooming flowers, bathing everything in a hazy, ethereal beauty.

But to Fu Yeqiu, none of this scenery could compare to the captivating beauty of the girl beside her.

“Qingqing,” Fu Yeqiu murmured, setting down her wine glass, her voice slightly husky.

“Hmm?”

Fu Yeqiu smiled softly. “I suddenly want to hug you.”

Assuming she needed comfort, Ruan Qingqing withdrew her feet from the pool, knelt beside Fu Yeqiu, and wrapped her arms around her in an embrace.

“It’s okay,” Ruan Qingqing said, patting Fu Yeqiu’s back. “Life is full of setbacks, but that doesn’t diminish your worth. In my eyes, Qiuqiu is still the exceptional person I know. Losing to Jiang Li this time doesn’t matter—we’ll win next time.”

Fu Yeqiu placed her warm hand on Ruan Qingqing’s waist, burying her face in the girl’s shoulder and neck, savoring her sweet fragrance.

We’ll win next time.

Qingqing had said we.

Fu Yeqiu couldn’t hide her delight, her voice lifting with excitement. “So, between Jiang Li and me, you’re supporting me, right?”

“Of course,” Ruan Qingqing replied, her emotions plain on her face. “Just thinking about Jiang Li makes me angry. She’s no longer the Imperial Preceptor who cherished me, cared for me, and protected me no matter what. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve mistaken her for someone else. If she were the real Imperial Preceptor, how could she have forgotten me so completely and treated me with such indifference…?”

Fu Yeqiu helped Ruan Qingqing sit up, unable to resist stroking her cheek. “From now on, I’ll cherish you, care for you, and protect you no matter what happens.”

The setting sun cast a blinding glare into Ruan Qingqing’s eyes, forcing her to close them. She didn’t see the sudden, intense affection that blazed in Fu Yeqiu’s gaze at that moment.

Ruan Qingqing pulled Fu Yeqiu’s hand down, shifted her angle, and grinned at her with carefree cheerfulness. “But Qiuqiu, I don’t need anyone to take care of me anymore! Even though I’m no longer the Emperor and can’t shower you with endless treasures and luxuries like before, I’ve made great strides in Metaphysics now. I’m actually quite formidable!”

Ruan Qingqing puffed out her chest proudly. “Not only do I not need your protection, I can protect you now!”

Fu Yeqiu lowered her phoenix eyes, concealing the indescribable mix of disappointment and madness within.

She understood perfectly why Ruan Qingqing relied on Jiang Li and held her in such special regard.

When Ruan Qingqing was at her loneliest and most vulnerable, Jiang Li had single-handedly shielded her. Back then, Ruan Qingqing was still a young girl, a daughter of the Prime Minister struggling to survive in her own household, while Jiang Li was already the nation’s teacher, wielding power that could shake the court and employing methods both cunning and unpredictable.

But things were different now.

Times had changed. The past was no longer the present. In this lifetime, Jiang Li was still young, her methods still immature, and her influence far weaker than Ruan Qingqing’s. Moreover, Jiang Li had forgotten Ruan Qingqing entirely.

After waiting and yearning for so many years, Fu Yeqiu had finally found an opportunity to draw infinitely closer to Ruan Qingqing. She would never let it slip away, no matter what.

She was determined to claim her Little Majesty.

Ruan Qingqing, of course, had no idea what Fu Yeqiu was thinking. She was still explaining the divination she had just performed.

“Maybe I was too anxious. Sometimes, the more I rush, the more likely I am to make mistakes. But I have to find the person who tried to harm you! What if they try again? If we don’t find the real culprit, you’ll be in the open while the enemy remains hidden—that’s too dangerous… And I promised to protect all of you…”

Fu Yeqiu’s heart skipped a beat.

She had only wanted Ruan Qingqing to worry about her, hoping it would make her stay. She had forgotten how seriously Ruan Qingqing took such matters.

Looks like I need to clean up the loose ends and find a scapegoat to take the blame.

“It’s alright. I’ve already uncovered some leads. The truth should come to light soon, so you don’t need to trouble yourself with divination anymore,” Fu Yeqiu said gently, then quickly changed the subject. “Speaking of which, what was wrong with you when I first returned?”

“When you first came back?” Ruan Qingqing thought for a moment, then glanced down at her phone beside her, and a wave of unpleasant memories flooded her mind.

“Ah… um… uh…”

Fu Yeqiu raised an eyebrow. “Is it that awkward to talk about?”

“It’s not that it’s awkward,” Ruan Qingqing said, scratching her head and burying her face in her hands. “It’s just… someone recommended a really addictive ship to me, and… well… it’s hard to describe…”

Forget it. I shouldn’t say anything crazy in front of the person involved.

Just thinking about it made her feel inexplicably awkward and embarrassed.

Ruan Qingqing decided to stick to what she could say. “Then someone else said that girls like me… um… girls like me are destined to be cannon fodder.”

Fu Yeqiu burst out laughing.

“Who said that?” she asked.

“Some netizens, I guess?” Ruan Qingqing replied.

“You actually believe what some random internet user said? How silly!” Fu Yeqiu cupped Ruan Qingqing’s small face, her eyes warm and her smile gentle. “No matter what others think, in my heart, you’ll always be my leading lady.”

The tips of Fu Yeqiu’s fingers felt warm against Ruan Qingqing’s skin, leaving a tingling, almost burning sensation. Sensing this, Ruan Qingqing gently pulled Fu Yeqiu’s hand away.

After a moment’s hesitation, she couldn’t resist asking in a small voice, “Why are you saying such strange things? You… you always said you only saw me as a younger sister…”

“Of course I see you as a younger sister,” Fu Yeqiu reassured her smoothly. “When I get married, I’ll even ask you to be my bridesmaid. What are you thinking?”

Ruan Qingqing felt a pang of guilt. “I…”

Fu Yeqiu flicked her forehead and leaned closer. “Qingqing, are you being too sensitive? Are you overthinking things again?”

Ruan Qingqing apologized meekly, “I’m sorry!”

Fu Yeqiu sighed. “It seems like you’ve forgotten that women can have purely sisterly bonds. Maybe it’s because you’re constantly being pursued by so many women.”

Ruan Qingqing came over and shook Fu Yeqiu’s arm, saying, “I’m sorry, okay? I’ve already apologized. Just pretend I didn’t say anything earlier.”

Fu Yeqiu smiled faintly, watching the sun completely set as the lights around the outdoor pool began to illuminate, creating a particularly romantic atmosphere in the small space.

She said to Ruan Qingqing, “How about we swim a lap together? If you’re faster than me, I’ll forgive you.”

Ruan Qingqing replied, “But I didn’t bring a swimsuit. Don’t you need one to swim here?”

Fu Yeqiu was about to say, “It’s okay, I’ve got one for you,” when her phone suddenly lit up beside them.

“Looks like it’s yours?” Ruan Qingqing picked up the wrong phone, intending to hand it back to Fu Yeqiu, but her eyes narrowed slightly when she saw the name on the screen.

She read aloud, “Qian Shengjin?”

“Mm, he was originally part of the acquisition competition too, but like me, he lost to Jiang Li,” Fu Yeqiu said. “Do you know him, Qingqing?”