The Female Lead Keeps Forcing Me to Take My Meds [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 30

Chapter 30: You Don’t Go, I Don’t Go

With the end of the year approaching, the final exams at High School No. 1 had already concluded. However, twelfth-grade students still had to remain in school until the test papers for all subjects were thoroughly reviewed before they could officially start their winter break.

The paper review dragged on for two weeks, finally leading to the start of the winter break, which almost coincided with Xi Congshuang’s annual leave.

The late-year winter snow fell on the treetops in the garden downstairs, blanketing the ground in white, as if a short, white velvet carpet had been laid out.

After much hesitation, Zheng Momo still presented her request for leave to Xi Congshuang. She already had annual leave, but now she was asking for an extra week on top of that.

The reason was that her cousin was getting married. They had grown up together, their relationship so close they were like one person, and she didn’t want to be absent from one of the most important moments of her cousin’s life.

Xi Congshuang thought for a moment and agreed to the leave.

Zheng Momo was both excited and worried. The current situation meant she didn’t have to worry too much about leaving Xi Congshuang alone to do her rehabilitation, but Xi Congshuang’s legs needed daily massage and stretching, tasks that Xi Congshuang could not complete by herself.

For several days, Zheng Momo fretted over this matter, hoping a divine helper would descend from the sky and perfectly replace her in assisting with Xi Congshuang’s rehabilitation.

However, a suitable replacement was not easy to find. Xi Congshuang agreed to grant her time off, but she might not agree to a stranger taking her place to perform the intimate tasks of massage and stretching.

“I’m going to split! Why can’t I split into two? I could have one of me attend my cousin’s wedding and the other stay at the Xi family’s house, ahhh!” Zheng Momo crouched down, clutching her head and wailing softly.

“…”

Little Liu walked past. Little Liu comforted her. Little Liu handed her half a peeled orange.

It might not help, but the sourness would give her a jolt.

Patting her shoulder, Little Liu said, “Hang in there.”

“What is this? Woah, it’s so sour!” Zheng Momo was indeed jolted by the sourness and couldn’t stand up for a long time.

After recovering for a while, she walked downstairs with a face that looked ten years older from the sourness, planning to find something to eat to wash away the acidic taste.

Looking out from the staircase, she saw Cheng Zhishu sitting on the floor playing with Naonao. Naonao was growing bigger, plump and strong, having a vigorous play-fight with Cheng Zhishu.

Xi Congshuang did not join the fun of the person and the cat, sitting on the side reading a book. The scene was perfectly peaceful.

“Meow—”

Naonao got provoked and launched a sudden pounce, wrestling Cheng Zhishu to the ground, and bit her hair a few times in retaliation.

“So fierce! I only touched your tail and you bite my hair. Do you know how precious hair is to humans?” Cheng Zhishu held the white cat up by its armpits, enumerating the cat’s crimes.

The cat didn’t understand. It was deaf. Hitting it would only make it more arrogant and would be entirely useless.

Being held by the armpits, it couldn’t move, which made the cat very unhappy. It stretched out its hind leg to step on Cheng Zhishu’s face.

But the cat misjudged the distance and instead stepped on a much softer spot.

“!” Cheng Zhishu groaned, her vision instantly darkening. She turned onto her side, clutching her chest.

Cheng Zhishu’s HP: -999

It hurt. The pain was excruciating. For a moment, her life seemed to flash before her eyes.

Cheng Zhishu grabbed Xi Congshuang’s trousers and shook them, weakly pleading, “Princess, please avenge me—”

Naonao, wagging its tail, was still highly energetic and wanted to continue playing.

“Bad cat, still bullying people.” Xi Congshuang picked up Naonao, who was trying to continue biting hair, flicked its head once, and set it free.

The Princess helped the Warrior drive away the Evil Cat Demon King and gave the Warrior’s head a loving stroke.

The Warrior’s HP instantly recharged to +999, and she was resurrected on the spot.

It was at this point that Zheng Momo finally made up her mind. She walked to the window corner and voiced her suggestion.

Cheng Zhishu was shocked, scrambling to her feet, “I should give Sister the massage and stretching?”

The more Zheng Momo talked, the more reliable the idea seemed, and her tone became smoother, “Yes. I’ll teach you the steps. They’re not complicated, and you don’t need to worry about acupuncture points. You only need to do the massage and stretching once a day to prevent muscle stiffening.”

“…” Cheng Zhishu listened, her mind drifting, and she couldn’t help but glance at Xi Congshuang’s legs beneath the blanket.

Massage, stretching… me?

Then, wouldn’t I have to use my hands to touch them…

She was willing to do it. Compared to everything Xi Congshuang had done for her, this seemed trivial.

Zheng Momo had clearly thought of this issue as well and tried to ask both parties for their opinions, focusing primarily on Xi Congshuang’s thoughts.

Unexpectedly, Xi Congshuang refused. She was unwilling.

Xi Congshuang had a book open on her lap, “No need. It’s only for a few days; there’s no need to trouble anyone.”

Zheng Momo was still uneasy, “But Miss, this isn’t just…” a few days, it was nearly two weeks.

Xi Congshuang lowered her eyebrows, “I said there’s no need.”

Both of them were startled. Zheng Momo nervously watched Xi Congshuang.

“…”

Closing her book, Xi Congshuang wheeled herself away. Naonao, who had been rolling around on the floor, followed on padded paws, trying to jump onto the wheelchair.

Just like Zheng Momo, who failed to persuade her, Naonao also failed to jump onto the wheelchair, and was isolated outside the elevator car door.

Naonao lifted its head and cried out at the closed elevator door, “Meow-aow!”

It wasn’t until she was back in her room that Xi Congshuang released the hand tightly gripping her trousers. The fabric had been thoroughly crumpled.

Beneath the brown trousers were a pair of legs covered in scars from the car accident and suffering from muscle atrophy. They were anything but beautiful, merely lying there stiffly, at the mercy of others.

She could not bear to expose her weakness, nor was she willing to.

Staring at the crumpled spot for a long time, Xi Congshuang slowly hunched her back, raised her hand, and covered her eyes.

She took a deep, slow breath, expelling the long-suppressed melancholy in her chest.

“Smart Housekeeper.”

The electronic female voice responded, “I am here.”

Xi Congshuang, “Close the curtains.”

“Executing task. Curtains have been closed.”

It wasn’t until the room was plunged into darkness that Xi Congshuang lowered her hand, leaning back slowly against the chair. Her slender neck curved into a beautiful line, allowing herself to silently sink into the darkness.

…

The last video conference of the year began in Xi Congshuang’s study. It concluded two hours later, and no one on the other end of the video noticed anything amiss with her; everything seemed normal.

The computer screen went black, and a hand minimized the page, opening a video player application.

“Fine, you must have an answer, right? Then I’ll tell you, the child is indeed not yours. It was my revenge for your infidelity. Are you satisfied?”

“How can the child not be mine? Our bl00d types are clearly the same!”

“Is it possible that you’re the only person in this house with Type A bl00d?!”

The world suddenly went silent. The background music abruptly swelled, thumping with a heart-shaking intensity.

A red apple quietly appeared by the computer. “…” Where am I?

Finally remembering that it hadn’t seen its Host in a long time, the red apple system came online for a visit, intending to encourage her to complete the mission soon.

The moment it appeared, it was splashed with this melodramatic dialogue and almost thought it had come to the wrong place.

Xi Congshuang glanced at it, “The Collapse Value has dropped again? I haven’t done anything.”

She hadn’t heard a system notification either.

“I didn’t come because of that,” the red apple was embarrassed, flapping its wings, trying to find a landing spot on the desk.

It slowly descended onto a stack of documents next to the desk, attempting to use external force to reach eye-level with Xi Congshuang.

The dialogue in the computer continued. The two protagonists argued endlessly over the child’s paternity, their speed of speech almost like a tongue twister.

Having investigated the Host, the system knew a fair amount about Xi Congshuang—that she was an accomplished elite in her original world, and also that she had a little hobby of watching melodramatic dramas.

After all, it had been lurking in the shadows, observing Xi Congshuang for two full weeks until the other party was truly on the brink of collapse before it finally showed up to demand a contract to become a Mission-Taker.

Xi Congshuang, “You need something from me?”

Red Apple, “No, just came to chat.”

“Everything is going well recently! The Collapse Value has dropped from the initial 36 to the current 15. You only need five more points to successfully complete the mission! Aren’t you happy?”

Xi Congshuang calmly translated in her mind: Everything is going well recently, so why is there no new progress after such a long time? You’re so close to the end, don’t slack off, okay? I will be very happy after I complete the mission.

This is pushing for progress.

“Okay, you don’t sound very happy.” The red apple was used to Xi Congshuang’s reticence when dealing with it and didn’t mind much.

In a way, this was the real Xi Congshuang: cold, arrogant, dismissive of everything, looking at people like they were garbage.

Xi Congshuang had heard an earful of pointless chatter and interrupted its attempt at conversation, “Is there a time limit for completing the mission?”

Red Apple, “Yes, and the faster the better. If you fail to complete the mission and remain in this world longer than the original host’s death time, your life progress in your original world will resume.”

“…”

Xi Congshuang pressed the spacebar, pausing the drama on the computer.

In her original world, she was terminally ill and didn’t have many days left to live. She was on the verge of death before transmigrating.

This time, her silence lasted longer than her first meeting with the system. The computer screen was the only light source in the study.

Red Apple, “The Host came here for a healthy body, and now the progress is nearing its end. So please continue your efforts, complete all missions soon, and return quickly.”

“Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?”

The system’s round, scarlet body had no eyes, but Xi Congshuang felt as if she was being watched.

Xi Congshuang, “After this mission is complete, what will become of ‘Xi Congshuang’?”

Red Apple, “She will continue to ‘live’ according to the established script until ‘Xi Congshuang’ dies ten years later.”

“Except her death will no longer be related to the Female Lead, and the Xi family won’t go bankrupt. The Female Lead will have no reason to do those things. Perhaps… she might have a good relationship with the Xi family?”

At that time, Cheng Zhishu would rise swiftly and fulfill her grand ambitions.

In truth, that wasn’t what Xi Congshuang wanted to ask.

But she couldn’t articulate the answer to what she did want to ask.

The red apple leaped off the document stack and flew around Xi Congshuang, “The Host doesn’t need to worry about what happens after. By then, you will be in the next world, continuing to pursue your goals.”

After flying for a while, it couldn’t resist landing on the back of the chair.

Some things couldn’t be said out loud, but the current Xi Congshuang smelled delicious, making the system want to get closer.

It fed on intense emotions, unrelated to human flesh and bl00d.

When they first met, it judged that Xi Congshuang’s emotions were very tasty, but she was too sick, and her emotions were not strong, which the system deeply regretted.

But the current Xi Congshuang was wonderfully delicious. The intense emotions almost made the system faint from the fragrance: hesitation, confusion, and a pain she hadn’t even discovered herself, which instinctively drew the system in.

Red Apple, “Honestly, you are the most likely to complete all missions that I’ve ever seen…” Host, I really have high hopes for you.

“Knock, knock, knock.” A knock on the door interrupted the red apple’s remaining words.

It quickly left a hurried message: “The Female Lead is here. Keep up the good work. I won’t bother you anymore,” then turned and vanished.

“Knock, knock, knock.” The gentle knocking sounded again.

Xi Congshuang closed the computer page, turned on the desk lamp, making the study much brighter, and said, “Come in.”

Outside, Cheng Zhishu twisted the doorknob, slowly pushed open the solid wood door, and slowly shuffled in.

Xi Congshuang wondered why Cheng Zhishu’s movements were so slow. She looked up and saw her holding the white cat up, blocking her face.

Naonao, whose eyes met Xi Congshuang’s, cried out, “Meow-aow!”

It struggled to get down, all four paws scrabbling at Cheng Zhishu’s hands. As soon as she loosened her grip, the white cat nimbly landed, its four legs propelling it into a dash toward Xi Congshuang’s legs, where it raised a paw to claw at her blanket.

This kitten had a bit of ADHD; its claws were restless and always liked to scratch at everything in sight.

Xi Congshuang looked down and tapped the cat’s head, “You can’t do that.”

A question came from the other side, “Then what about me, can I?”

Cheng Zhishu, who had just been holding the cat shield, crouched beside her, her shoulder touching the wheelchair.

Xi Congshuang’s free hand touched Cheng Zhishu’s forehead and slowly pushed her away, “You can’t either.”

Cheng Zhishu looked a little disappointed. She didn’t persistently ask why, but instead grabbed the hand that had tapped her forehead, “If I can’t, I can’t.”

“It’s time for dinner. Why don’t we eat first and talk afterward?”

Xi Congshuang withdrew the hand that had been petting the cat’s head and stroked the other head, “Sorry to keep you waiting. I’ll come down now.”

…

A few days later, Zheng Momo left with her suitcase.

Before leaving, she promised Little Liu and Cheng Zhishu that she would bring back a suitcase full of local specialties—no one would escape; everyone had to taste her hometown flavors.

Li Mi, who was driving her to the airport, was sucking on a lollipop, “What about me?”

Zheng Momo patted her shoulder, “You too, you too, you too.”

Li Mi was finally satisfied and twirled her car keys, “Get in.”

As the Spring Festival approached, the Xi residence was decorated anew, and the festive atmosphere grew stronger.

Chairman Xi also returned to live permanently at the Xi residence, and the number of people in the house increased.

Occasionally, Cheng Zhishu would run into unfamiliar faces when she went out, most of them impeccably dressed and elegantly spoken.

Some even mistook her for a relative of the household staff and tried to summon her to do chores.

“Calling me?” Cheng Zhishu was puzzled, slightly doubting if they were addressing her.

Another person, seeing her clearly, elbowed the person next to them frantically, “Are you crazy? That’s Xi Congshuang’s person.”

“What? Xi Congshuang’s adopted child is this one?”

“I’ve seen her at the company. Assistant Ni personally brought her into Xi Congshuang’s office. Who else could it be?”

“Then we definitely need to make amends.”

It wasn’t hard to discern the fear these people held for Xi Congshuang from their conversation. That fear completely ignored her wheelchair-bound legs; just hearing her name made them retreat.

After whispering for a while, the two men stopped beckoning Cheng Zhishu over, but instead came over themselves.

The young man showed a benevolent smile, “It’s inconvenient to visit the Elder Sister right now. This is a small welcoming gift. Please don’t despise it.”

It wasn’t the New Year yet, so this red envelope was ill-timed, and judging by the thickness, it was quite valuable.

Cheng Zhishu took a step back, “You’re too kind. I don’t lack anything.”

“…”

They hadn’t looked carefully just now, but upon a serious look, it was true. Cheng Zhishu’s clothes were clearly from a famous designer. Judging by the style, it was highly likely the same designer who dressed Xi Congshuang.

It was all the fault of not wearing their glasses.

The young man was about to say something, but Cheng Zhishu was eager to get back and interrupted their unfinished business, “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything. I was just passing by.”

Although the man’s expression didn’t look completely convinced, he still let Cheng Zhishu walk away.

Away from the busy area, the Wenhai complex became quiet, like a secluded haven amidst the commotion.

It wasn’t that those people found it inconvenient to visit; it was just that Xi Congshuang didn’t want to see them, was too lazy to deal with them, and had already issued a clear dismissal.

However, as the number of people increased recently, it was Chairman Xi and Xi Hanran who preferred to come here for peace and quiet.

Cheng Zhishu walked toward the house, holding a kite in both hands. It was a swallow kite, delicate and beautiful.

“Sister, look, it’s a kite.” She presented it like a treasure, showing everything she got to Xi Congshuang first.

Xi Congshuang woke up Naonao, who was on her lap, and put it on the floor, “You went out and brought home a kite? If you want to fly it, you’ll have to go to the golf course in the back.”

Cheng Zhishu raised the kite high, out of Naonao’s reach, “Shangguan Yin gave me this kite. She asked me to go on an outing and fly kites on the sixth day of the New Year.”

Hearing this, Xi Congshuang examined the kite again. It was indeed beautiful. “Where are you going to fly it, and did you agree?”

As she spoke, she picked up her phone to check the temperature, confirming it would be suitable weather, and she wouldn’t easily catch a cold doing an outdoor activity.

Cheng Zhishu shook her head, “Not yet.”

Xi Congshuang, “Why not yet? You brought the kite home, didn’t you?”

She had assumed they had already agreed, which was why Cheng Zhishu brought the item home.

“Because I told her I had to go home and ask Sister if she was willing to go with me. If you’re not willing, then I’m not going either.” Cheng Zhishu’s tone was righteous, showing no fear of being beaten by her friend for backing out of plans.

When she gave her the kite, Shangguan Yin had threatened her with just that, then became furious at Cheng Zhishu’s answer, shouting that she couldn’t stand her “sister-obsessed baby” attitude.

Cheng Zhishu, who was scolded, didn’t feel insulted at all. If Xi Congshuang never got married, she was willing to be a “sister-obsessed baby” forever.

As long as she could be by her side, the identity didn’t matter.

“…”

Xi Congshuang picked Naonao up again, placed it on her lap, and prevented it from grabbing the kite.

After a moment of silence, she said, “I might have something on the sixth day of the New Year. I need to stay home and discuss things with Grandma. If you like it, don’t waste the opportunity to go out with a friend. Go with Shangguan Yin.”

Shangguan Yin, playing games at home, suddenly sneezed.

Cheng Zhishu crouched down, resting her chin on Xi Congshuang’s knee, “My liking for flying kites is only so-so. I just like flying kites with you.”

Xi Congshuang, “…”

The hand hidden under the blanket gripped her trousers tightly, restraining the impulse to push the person away.

Xi Congshuang sighed helplessly, “You are in your final year of high school. Opportunities to go out with classmates will become fewer and fewer. Are you really not planning to go?”

Cheng Zhishu was resolute, “No. Going out is not as comfortable as being at home.”

She spoke righteously, but the central idea was still the same: If you don’t go, then I won’t go either.

The head resting on her knees was soft and fuzzy. Xi Congshuang was startled to realize that Cheng Zhishu seemed to have grown taller in the past six months, gradually shedding her youthful innocence and hinting at the charm she would possess in the future.

The body under her palm was warm and resilient. If Xi Congshuang lowered her head, she could smell the fragrance in her hair.

The sentence she had once most detested unexpectedly echoed in her mind, deafeningly clear: “…producing unnecessary emotions… is weakness…”

The words, which she thought had been forgotten, struck her heart at this moment, becoming a boomerang that pierced her.

As if she had figured something out, Xi Congshuang loosened her clenched fist, looked into Cheng Zhishu’s eyes, and slowly nodded.

“Fine, I’ll go with you.”

—Anyway, there isn’t much time left, so what harm is there in indulging her?

Isn’t that the way to complete the mission faster and easier? It’s always been this way. Why hesitate now and pretend for show?

Cheng Zhishu was delighted, flashing a brilliant smile, “Great! I’ll go tell Shangguan Yin now. She said there’s a mountain villa with nice scenery. We can go relax and enjoy the view.”

Collecting the surplus emotions, squeezing and wearing them down to sink deep inside, the missed beat of her heart gradually returned to calm, and the ripples subsided, leaving a placid surface.

Xi Congshuang nodded again and said, “Good.”

“Collapse Value -1. Current Collapse Value: 14.”

Xi Congshuang increasingly found the system’s prompt sound grating.