The Female Lead Always Comes Around [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 22

By now, the city gates were closed. Ning Shu couldn’t leave, so she wandered the streets aimlessly, eventually arriving at the place where she had first met Li Xiao.

She looked at the narrow, dim alley and let out a cold, bitter laugh.

“Things have changed so much… in such a short time, we went from inseparable to enemies.”

Ning Shu stood there for a long while, then stepped forward. No matter the past, life must move forward. Now, with the lives of tens of thousands in Yan Yue Palace on her shoulders, she could no longer act on whim.

Passing an inn, the young waiter at the door recognized her. Draping a towel over his shoulder, he smiled warmly. “Miss Ning, you’ve returned?”

Ning Shu paused, glancing at the polite youth, and for the first time in a while, her expression softened slightly.

The waiter hurried forward. “I’ve cleaned your room every day to ensure it’s comfortable when you come back.”

Unable to resist his sincerity, Ning Shu looked briefly at a spot on the third floor, then stepped inside.

Consider it a farewell to the past, she thought.

The Tian Room had not changed at all. Even the flowers she had carelessly placed in a vase before were still there, though most had withered, giving the room a desolate, melancholic air.

“Miss Ning, rest first. If you need anything, just call me. I’ll have someone prepare your bath,” the waiter said.

Ning Shu nodded, then pushed open the window to watch the bustling streets below.

The market was lively, filled with vendors calling out their wares, and the streets crowded with smiling faces, seemingly untouched by worry.

Sitting by the bed for a moment, Ning Shu saw the waiter return with food, all the inn’s signature dishes—the same she had often eaten during past stays. He quietly placed the dishes on the table and left without another word.

Ning Shu’s cold heart softened just a fraction. She had believed no one outside Yan Yue Palace cared for her, yet here was a stranger showing her kindness.

Still, she barely ate, sampling each dish with only a bite. Since being poisoned by Shura, her appetite had dwindled day by day. Sometimes, the mere smell of food made her nauseous.

She often thought, perhaps she’d starve before the poison killed her, sparing herself some of the torment.

After her bath, Ning Shu lay in bed, eyes open until the middle of the night. Half-awake, half-asleep, she caught a faint scent of osmanthus, and her restless heart finally calmed.

Whether it’s a dream or reality, at least I can sleep well for now.

But as she curled into the blanket, a sharp pain stabbed her chest.

“Ugh…”

Ning Shu jolted awake, clutching her heart and curling into herself. From past experience, Shura always flared on nights of the full moon. It had only hurt her yesterday, so she hadn’t taken the painkiller Rong Xue had given her. Tonight, she had no choice but to endure.

Sweat quickly beaded on her forehead. She bit the blanket hard, trying to stifle her cries.

“Ning Shu, what’s wrong?!”

A familiar voice called, and she found herself enveloped in a warm embrace. She looked up at the face she both hated and could never forget.

“Let go of me!”

She tried to break free, but the pain drained her strength. The more she struggled, the worse it became. Sweat blurred her vision, and she couldn’t tell if this was real or a dream.

Li Xiao reached into her pocket and offered her a pill, channeling some internal energy into her. Seeing no relief, worry etched her face.

“Shu Shu, let go for a moment. I’ll send for a doctor.”

Ning Shu clutched her garment tightly. Hearing her words, a glimmer of mockery flickered in her eyes. She yanked Li Xiao close.

“A doctor? You think a doctor can cure me?”

Didn’t Li Xiao know? Shura had no cure. When the poison struck, it left no mercy. Yet here she was, pretending to care, the performance worthy of an Oscar.

Li Xiao knew Ning Shu hated her. She could only coax gently, “Then tell me… how can I ease your pain?”

Ning Shu wanted to laugh at her words. Tears fell as her lips curved into a bitter smile. Not wanting to show weakness, she buried her face in Li Xiao’s chest and murmured, “You don’t need to do anything. Leave my room now. From now on, we’re enemies. Don’t look at me with that self-righteous affection it makes me sick.”

Li Xiao froze, her breath catching. She wanted to wipe Ning Shu’s tears but hesitated, afraid a touch might break her completely.

“Shu Shu, I’m sorry. I can’t justify what happened. If I could, I’d do anything to make it right. Just forgive me I’ll do whatever you want.”

Ning Shu’s pain made her scoff. She shoved her hand inside Li Xiao’s chest, ripping the skin over her heart.

“Li Xiao… my heart is broken.”

“If you truly want to make it up to me, then give me your heart,” Ning Shu said.

Li Xiao thought she was speaking in anger. “Fine, fine, I’ll give you my heart. Whatever you want, I’ll give it.”

Ning Shu forced a bitter, mocking smile. This was a clever woman, knowing exactly how to manipulate hearts poisoning her while claiming she’d give everything. And yet… Li Xiao had fallen for it.

“Li Xiao… have you slept well these days?”

Li Xiao didn’t answer. She gently wiped the sweat from Ning Shu’s forehead. Since that day, sleep had eluded her either sleepless nights or nightmares where she killed Ning Shu. The guilt and fear lingered even upon waking.

She knew she could no longer be restrained by her father; she had to seize control lest this happen again.

“Li Xiao… hold me tighter. It hurts… it really hurts!”

Hearing Ning Shu’s weak voice, Li Xiao’s eyes stung. She embraced her tightly, whispering, “Shu Shu, I’m sorry…”

“I don’t want to forgive you… but maybe it doesn’t matter either way. After all…”

After all, I won’t live long anyway. Without me, you should be freer.

The pain became unbearable. Ning Shu bit her own tongue; the metallic taste of bl00d spread through her mouth. Yet her own bl00d wasn’t enough she needed more to suppress the pain radiating through her limbs.

Her fingers pressed hard against Li Xiao’s chest. The old wounds opened again, bleeding. Ning Shu smelled the foreign bl00d and tore at her clothing, biting down.